16 hours ago
36
Antonio Vitiello believes that the AC Milan management did not give Massimiliano Allegri the reinforcements that the squad needed.
Milan went into the winter window being linked with players in various positions, from striker to centre-back and even wing-back. In the end the only real first-team addition came on the first day of the window, with Niclas Füllkrug arriving from West Ham on loan with an option to buy.
It looked like being a potentially busy deadline day with the Jean-Philippe Mateta deal agreed and centre-back options being pursued. Yet, in the end no defensive addition arrived, and the Frenchman did not pass a medical so he ended up remaining at Crystal Palace.
Vitiello: Milan didn’t do enough
Vitiello published his weekly column for MilanNews and he chose to make the entire piece a reflection on the business (or lack thereof) that Milan did during the winter mercato.
“Milan’s winter transfer window ended without a bang, yet the team needed at least two additions. Max Allegri’s ideal was to acquire a defensive midfielder and a right-back, a viable alternative to Saelemaekers, but neither arrived,” he said.
“The feeling is that Milan squandered a good opportunity to improve the squad and be more competitive for the second half of the season. Fullkrug will certainly be useful , but he’s not the kind of player who can turn a season around.
“A central defender would have given Allegri more room for choice, but instead they’ll continue with four players for three spots, and they’ll have to be wary of even the slightest cold.
“Unfortunately, it was an anonymous transfer market, which could have been rekindled in the final hours with the purchase of Mateta. It’s right that Milan underwent all the necessary medical checks, especially if the player truly has knee problems; it would have been counterproductive to spend €30m on an athlete who isn’t fully fit.
“But they could have acted differently. First, they should have moved a few days earlier to assess Mateta’s knee condition, considering that problems and a possible operation had been discussed in England since December.
“Furthermore, they could have chosen to pursue other options if Mateta hadn’t provided the necessary guarantees. Waiting until the last minute of the transfer window left no room for maneuvre.
“The only positive thing about January is the signing of Mike Maignan. A lot of work went into convincing the player to stay and reaching a financial agreement of €5m plus bonuses. The Maignan deal was truly significant, and the results will be visible in the coming months.
“However, the squad is virtually the same as it was in September, with the addition of Fullkrug, but unfortunately, with the ongoing physical issues facing Leao and Pulisic. The two starting attackers are still struggling with aches and pains, and they’re not at their best.
“Indeed, the American will be out tonight in Bologna, while Rafa has been struggling with pubalgia for months. All that remains is to rely on Max Allegri and hope the coach is capable enough to keep Milan at the highest level until the end of the season.”
English (US) ·