Bonazzoli`s goal highlights Milan`s defensive frailties. Max Allegri prioritizes minimal errors and strong man-marking center-backs, attributes currently lacking in his key defenders.
Max Allegri might have just coined a new footballing adage: “Recognizing danger.” For him, the core principle is unwavering defensive attentiveness and constant focus. Defenders must be adept at marking, reading game situations, and avoiding any form of distraction. Clearly, there`s significant work ahead for the team.
The Emblem: Bonazzoli`s Goal
Federico Bonazzoli`s goal perfectly encapsulates Milan`s defensive struggles. Cremonese pressed high in Milan`s box, with Baschirotto recovering the ball after the first in a series of blunders: Gimenez attempted to clear under pressure with a backheel. The player wearing number 7 then stumbled – a second error – and failed to track back with urgency, returning at half-pace. Baschirotto, also with a backheel, played it wide to Pezzella, who delivered an unchallenged cross as Saelemaekers respectfully observed from a safe distance. The final errors occurred inside the box. Milan had a numerical advantage – five defenders against three attackers – yet inexplicably left Bonazzoli unmarked, allowing him to elegantly execute an overhead kick. Fofana reacted to the danger far too late, and Pavlovic was distracted, looking towards Okereke. A complete disaster.
Max`s Philosophy Through History
There were periods when Allegri merely had to oversee the focus of his defense. A backline featuring Barzagli and Chiellini didn`t require constant reminders; they were champions who lived and breathed marking concentration. In the 2021-22 season, during his second tenure at Juventus, Max raised similar concerns, and Juventus, not coincidentally, finished with the fourth-best defense. For him, rightly, it wasn`t enough. That squad still boasted De Ligt, Bonucci, an injury-plagued Chiellini, and Danilo on the right. In the subsequent season, Bremer initially struggled but then established himself, and with him, Juventus climbed to have the third-best defense in the league.
Tomori and Pavlovic`s Dilemma
The current Milan squad lacks specialized man-markers like Chiellini, Barzagli, and Bremer. Today`s starters are Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic, with Tomori and Pavlovic, in particular, having made numerous errors over the past year. These include mistakes in reading the game, concentration, and marking – precisely what Allegri finds intolerable. On paper, Tomori and Pavlovic might be better suited to a coach like Gasperini, who favors aggressive defenders comfortable with space behind them. Allegri`s challenge is therefore complex and can be addressed in two ways: by acquiring another central defender in the transfer market, an investment Milan currently seems unwilling to make; or by focusing on collective team improvement. Everyone will need to contribute, especially considering that the deep-lying midfielders in this Milan team – Modric, Ricci, or Jashari – are technical players, not primarily physical. One hint: if the situation persists, De Winter has a strong chance of earning playing time soon.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
