One of the question marks surrounding AC Milan at the moment after such a poor start to the season is who the leaders are within the squad to stand up in a difficult moment.
As Calciomercato.com recall, the cooling break saga involving Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez has dominated the headlines over the international break and it caused fingers to be pointed at the players, given the example they are meant to set having been at Milan for over five years.
We can assume that on paper the French full-back and the Portuguese ace are to be considered the leaders of this team from a technical stand point. If they are on form the team goes at full speed and if they don’t get going or aren’t there, the Rossoneri struggle to build play and be dangerous.
However, the two have been at Milan since 2019 and although they have been fundamental in bringing Milan back to competitive levels – also winning the 2022 Scudetto – it is equally true that, around them, there have always been other, more experienced leaders.
Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara were directors but they also led things away from the field, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic now has to step into that role after Gerry Cardinale recognised his potential as a mentor. Yet, his absence due to a vacation was a side story amid the cooling break soap opera.
Olivier Giroud and even Simon Kjaer are no longer in the squad, with the Danish defender often and willingly described by those who see Milanello every day as being exemplary players, i.e. those who set a standard. Could not keeping them or even not replacing them represent a regret?
This summer, Milan chose to take a clear path aimed at further rejuvenating the squad and with the hope that the role of leadership would emerge, but the signing of Alvaro Morata – the only over-30 player to arrive – should help. He arrived as a European champion, adding to an already extensive list of honours.
Mike Maignan meanwhile stole the headlines in recent days. Immediately after the defeat against Italy, he gave his France team-mates a dressing-down in the dressing room. He also used terms that were perhaps excessive, but which had the sole purpose of reuniting the group and motivating them.
These are the words and actions of a leader, something ‘he has not been at Milan’ in the eyes of the report. Could the negotiations for the renewal of his contract (which are proceeding at a good pace) serve as a final stimulus? At Casa Milan, everyone hopes so.
