AC Milan 2019/20 – How the Rossoneri turned around the season from hell

[A thread]

#PausaAnalysis

Boardroom troubles, mid-season firings and soulless football – at one point, Murphy’s Law was at full effect for AC Milan. Yet they have seemingly turned it around, with Stefano Pioli's appointment and success having revitalized the club.

This is the story of their 2019/20 season, where we explore the different story-lines that were at play at the historic Giuseppe Meazza.

THE BOARDROOM WHISPERS

Milan’s story begins with the story of Li Yonghong, the billionaire who attempted to purchase the club for €740m. This purchase was to be financed by a €300m loan from equity fund Elliot Management, who charged an eye-watering interest rate of 11.5%.

Under new ownership, CEO Marco Fassone spent €240m on transfers, bringing in Leonardo Bonucci and Andre Silva. However, the club failed to break even and stood in violation of FFP rules, which resulted in a ban from Europe after the club had finished 6th in the 2017/18 season.

Just days after the ban, Li defaulted on his loan and Elliot took control of Milan. While the CAS overruled the ban, it was re-imposed after Milan voluntarily accepted a one-year ban for FFP breaches, resulting in the club’s absence from European competitions in 2019/20.

With Li’s tenure in the rear view, Elliot Management commenced the rebuilding job. At the head was Ivan Gazidis, who was supported by Paolo Maldini and Director Leonardo. However, a disappointing 2018 saw Leonardo & Gattuso resign, with Zvonimir Boban appointed in his place.

Still, the front office issues continued, as rumors linking Milan with a move for Rangnick ruffled the feathers of the hierarchy. Things came to a head when Boban gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport, where he openly questioned the functioning of the club and defied Gazidis.

With Milan playing some truly dispiriting football during this time, Boban was given his marching orders, as Maldini’s position at the club also appeared increasingly tenuous. However, on-pitch concerns outweighed the off-field drama, where Milan faced yet more chaos and trouble.

MANAGERIAL TURNOVER

After Gattuso's departure, optimism returned to the Meazza with the appointment of manager Marco Giampaolo. The Italian’s attractive football had appealed to Milan, and he was anointed the possession-oriented successor to the solid but unspectacular Gattuso.

Further, Milan spent a fortune on transfers, bringing in Franck Kessié, Theo Hernandez, Rade Krunić, Rafael Leão, Ismaël Bennacer and Léo Duarte. It was hoped that these promising players would lead the club into a new era, with Giampaolo at the forefront of this youthful charge.

However, the new coach immediately ran into difficulties, with 4 defeats from the opening 7 matches casting doubt over his tactics and planning. These games included a 0-2 humbling to rivals Inter Milan, whose own project under Suning Group seemed destined for success.

Giampaolo was never able to fully import his preferred 4312, which required holistic organization and strong communication between players to succeed. There were often significant issues in buildup & pressing, as Giampaolo’s structured play style failed to take root at the club.

A 2-1 win over Genoa proved to be his last stand, as the manager himself appeared unsure about his methods and strategies. This led to his sacking in October, with Stefano Pioli – whose record included two sackings in the last 3 years – appointed in his place.

The lack of foresight in appointing Pioli was immediately questioned and doubts seemed justified as Milan dropped points against Roma, Lazio, Juventus and Napoli. The season hit a nadir when Atalanta thrashed Milan 5-0; though this would prove to be an unexpected turning point.

The arrivals in December & January of Simon Kjær, Alexis Saelemaekers, Ante Rebić and the talismanic Zlatan Ibrahimović helped Milan raise their game to a new level, as Pioli’s 4231 shape with Kessié and Bennacer as the pivot starting to produce results.

Building on Ibrahimović’s link-up play, Milan found it easier to play a style based on possession & pressing. Suso’s departure saw Samu Castillejo thrive in a bigger role from the right, with Bonaventura & turbo left back Hernandez also contributing with consistent performances.

With Bennacer looking commanding and Kessié hitting new levels, Milan went on a run of 5 wins in 6 games before the Derby della Madonnina, where they dominated Inter in the first half before falling apart in the second. A bitter pill to swallow, but also a sign of things to come.

As COVID-19 disrupted football Milan’s good form was almost forgotten, but their performances since the restart have galvanized the club. Organized & committed performances have seen Milan build an unbeaten streak, as Pioli has steadied the ship and won the trust of his players.

Alongside Ibrahimović, Milan have relied on the red-hot Rebić to lead them from the front, & can count on Hernandez & the underrated Saelemaekers for support. Differing profiles in the squad have allowed Pioli to vary his approach, resulting in eye-catching team performances.

The fluidity of Pioli’s Milan – with Zlatan/Çalhanoğlu moving freely between the lines – was clear against Lazio, as Milan exploited the absences of Immobile and Caicedo to record a 3-0 victory against the former contenders.

Subsequent victories against Sarri's Juventus and Roberto de Zerbi’s wonderful Sassuolo only added to the feeling that Pioli is building something meaningful at the Meazza, and the club’s performances makes Europe League football a distinct possibility in the upcoming season.

THE FUTURE

For a time, it appeared as though Rangnick was to replace Pioli, but it now seems as though Gazidis has decided not to rock the boat and trust the process. It’s a bold call given Pioli’s record, but there were few good solutions for Elliot and Gazidis here.

Ultimately, despite all the controversy and turbulence that the club has undergone, the future looks bright for the Rossoneri, who will look to build on their youth and post-restart performances to make a push for UCL places.

Hope springs eternal for this mighty club, and one hopes that AC Milan take their place at the head of the European table sooner rather than later.

[Image credits: @iF2is]