Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi believes the Rossoneri have made some good moves on the transfer market, but “the new coach should not close his eyes during this phase.” The legendary coach was writing in his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport, and weighed in on the clubs summer dealings, highlighting the importance the coach has to play in agreeing to these moves:
“Milan are trying to finalize the signing of midfielder Fofana after securing Morata and continues to pursue Pavlovic. These moves are acceptable as long as they have been agreed upon with the coach. The Rossoneri certainly needed some elements to complete their squad, but the rule always applies: if you think you can win by just buying players, you are on the wrong path. Teams are not made by just putting together stickers, but by giving the whole group an identity, a style, a game. This is what I expect from Fonseca. Atalanta, this year, qualified for the Europa League without spending astronomical sums: it is proof that hard work and ideas always pay off in the long run.
Morata, a great move
I believe that signing Morata, obviously if it was Fonseca’s wish (and I think there can be no doubts about this…), was a great move. The Spaniard is a lively striker who moves a lot across the front, knows Italian football, and, most importantly, knows what it takes to win. He can be important on the field and in the locker room, given his international experience: let’s not forget that he is the captain of Spain, which just won the European title. It seems to me that Milan is working without haste to secure the players they have under observation. I have said it on other occasions: I do not intend to judge Fonseca based solely on his last seasons. I hope he is up to the role he has been given. It is a position of great responsibility because coaching Milan is a difficult task that brings considerable prestige and at the same time requires maximum commitment. The advice I can give to the directors is to follow the coach’s indications in the market. The Rossoneri must bring in reliable and functional elements for the game Fonseca intends to develop. I reiterate the two adjectives, so there are no misunderstandings: reliable and functional. If one of these qualities is missing, then it is not good.
Fonseca must stay vigilant
The important thing is that Fonseca, during this period of negotiations, does not close his eyes and does not settle for whoever is brought to him: that would be a grave mistake. He must stay vigilant and, if necessary (but I hope it does not come to this), stand his ground. The most important objective for Milan is to have a game. And a game is achieved only if you have ideas and the right players to develop it. I give an example from my experience: when I arrived at Milan and looked into the eyes of Tassotti, Maldini, Baresi, Ancelotti, and Filippo Galli, I told myself that we could build something great. As players, I knew what they were capable of, but at that moment, at the first contact, I got to know them as men, and they conveyed seriousness and confidence to me.
Milan, are you ready for the Scudetto?
People are asking, and fans are right to question, whether Milan is already ready to attempt the climb towards the Scudetto. To be honest: I believe Inter is a bit ahead because they just won the title and have been working with the same coach and group for three years. However, I am convinced that if the Rossoneri do the right things, they will have the chance to accelerate the process and achieve something extraordinary. We did it: my Milan, which finished fifth in the previous season, won the title on the first attempt. And then the Champions Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, and so on… Projects must always be ambitious.
Work as a strength
The fundamental aspect is that work is the club’s strength, from the club, ideas and philosophy must be transmitted to the coach and the team. No selfishness, everyone on the field in the name of the collective. This is the rule if you want to go far. Milan fans demand a lot because they have received a lot: they have seen great football with me, with Capello, with Ancelotti, and with other coaches. It is logical that they want to retrace the path of glory, and Fonseca’s new team has the duty to guarantee spectacle and emotions.”
