This weekend Inter host AC Milan in a game that could make or break the Rossoneri’s season, and numerous fates could be decided on Sunday evening, which Alberico Evani hopes goes in the way of his former club.
Milan have started the season poorly, but they have been offered a golden chance to restart their season with the Derby della Madonnina. However, it could also be an early nail in the coffin. As it stands, the Diavolo are just three points away from their biggest rivals, a gap which could be destroyed or doubled by Sunday night.
Of course, this is not the only gap present. Should the Rossoneri fail to win, or even draw against Inter, a gap between themselves and the Champions League places would start to be formed, and whilst there would be time to shorten this gap, faith in Paulo Fonseca’s ability to do so would be non-existent – if it even exists anymore.
Today, Evani spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about Milan’s season so far, and how he hopes they can change their fate around.
“After the difficult start between the league and the Uefa Cup, Sacchi was risking his place on the bench. In Verona, we only had one result: to win. We succeeded and from there, a great Milan was born. I hope the same happens to this group.”
That was a team of champions and leaders. Do you see quality and tenacity in today’s Milan as well?
“The squad is top class, among the best in Italy. At the same time, what stands out is the poor team spirit, there seems to be little willingness to sacrifice on everyone’s part. They must find this before everything else.”
Is it the fault of the players or of the coach who does not transmit certain values?
“Everyone is responsible. Club, coach and team must be directed towards the same goal. Many of the players are the same as last year, they know what it takes to get results. The game is not fluid, there is no good balance: but I repeat, tactics come after the competitive fury. On the pitch you have to think about the ‘we’, not the ‘I’.”
Risking his place, however, was Fonseca. Right or hasty judgment?
“Unfortunately, in football it’s like this, without results the coach pays. He knows it too. But if the club took him to change the system of play he should be given time to work, to get into the players’ heads. Fonseca has experience, I believe he has the tools to manage the moment well and to be able to revitalise a team that has not lived up to its name and quality in these matches.”
Will he really be able to show them with Inter?
“Inter are the strongest team, the best equipped to repeat. Even against City they gave me the feeling of being a real group, they have exactly what Milan lack. They are a determined, compact collective, everyone helps each other, they defend and attack together.”
By the way, how to correct defensive errors?
“It’s not just the fault of the defence, but of a team balance that isn’t there: the first defender must be the attacker, and I’m not just talking about Leao. Rafa has great qualities and he should be more continuous both between matches and in the match itself. He must be more willing to help when the opponents have the ball.”
Does the midfield filter enough?
“It’s not just one player who does it or on whom you set the line. But I see a team more structured, for the individualities it has, for a three-man midfield, instead of two midfielders and a trequartista. It’s true that then in the movements you settle, but at the same time I think that to face Inter, two midfielders are few.”
Many former Rossoneri stars question Ibra’s role. Have you done so too?
“I imagine this is a moment when everyone has raw nerves. But I believe and hope that Zlatan speaks to the team and the coach in different, more supportive tones. I mentioned the comparison with Sacchi. Back then Berlusconi defended him, he said in front of all of us that he would remain the coach. I don’t know if Fonseca has received the same support. Also because it takes very little to get going again: a game like ours in Verona. And Milan has the time and the qualities to do it.”
