3 Targets for AC Milan to Hit in 2016

AC Milan’s progress of late has been so gradual as to be almost invisible to the naked eye.

Despite hiring a new head coach in Sinisa Mihajlovic and spending a rather wholesome £63.68 million on new players (per Transfermarkt.co.uk) last summer, Milan’s record at the halfway stage of this campaign is just three points more than what they had achieved by the same time last season.

So the Rossoneri haven’t gone backwards, but the expected forward steps are coming at a frustratingly slow rate. Hence, the club has had to be more realistic about its aims.

Last August, amid the transfer frenzy, Mihajlovic—speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) confidently asserted that: “Our main objective is to finish in the top three, but with the squad we’ve got, if we are able to sign another two players then we could aim even higher."

It was a bold assessment, one that—over the ensuing months—has come to look less and less appropriate. Now, with exactly half of their Serie A fixtures completed, Milan can more precisely estimate their capabilities for this season and beyond in 2016.

1. Finish in the top six

Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press

A top-six finish may not smack of ambition, but it would be a practical target for a team low on form, confidence and tactical consistency.

Since Mihajlovic took charge, Milan have won consecutive games on just two occasions. Their longest winning streak was three in a row last October. The players’ inability to win on a recurring basis may have something to do with similar levels of inconsistency from the coaching staff.

Mihajlovic enlists the help of Emilio De Leo, who was also with him at Sampdoria, when it comes to tactical affairs. Indeed, De Leo is listed as Milan’s "Tactical Analysis Assistant" on the official club website.

Therefore, when uncertainty surrounds the Rossoneri’s choice of formation and playing style, the questions must be pointed in direction of Mihajlovic and De Leo.

And questions should be asked, as despite the pair’s constant systematic modifications—from 4-3-1-2 to 4-3-3 to 4-4-2—Milan can’t win consistently.

If Milan are to return to Europe they will need a top-six finish. And if they require a top-six finish, they will need to start winning games on a more regular basis. For that to happen, Mihajlovic and De Leo must find the right tactics and implement them soon.

2. Win the Coppa Italia

Andy Wong/Associated Press

If Milanisti are disconcerted by the idea that a top-six Serie A finish would be considered success, they may regain some satisfaction through the addition of some silverware. And that possibility is real.

Due to the nature of the Coppa Italia’s organisation, Milan knew their rough route to the final when the draw for the round of 16 was in place.

In the latter half of the draw, Milan knew that if they defeated Sampdoria a tricky quarter-final tie with Fiorentina probably awaited them. And, if they were to get beyond the Viola, it was expected that they would clash with either Roma or Genoa.

However, in a stunning sequence of fortuitous events, Fiorentina were knocked out by Carpi, while Roma and Genoa were both eliminated by lower-league opposition in Spezia and Alessandria respectively.

Consequently, Milan’s route to the Coppa Italia final could not be clearer and, if they can overcome Carpi and then Spezia or Alessandria, they would be one win away from a crucial first trophy in five years.

3. Stick by the coach

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Milan have a poor recent track record of hiring and firing with unerring frequency. Indeed, in the past three seasons, the club has had four different coaches. But in order for any long-term strategy to be realised, this mentality needs to change.

Silvio Berlusconi has not been shy in commenting on Milan’s blips during this campaign. “Who knows…” were his words regarding Mihajlovic’s future as club coach last October, per Sportmediaset (h/t Football Italia). Those ambiguous words came just four months after the Serb had been appointed.

The Milan owner’s words testify to the high-pressure environment in which Rossoneri coaches must perform, though immediate results were never going to be easy for Mihajlovic to achieve given the team finished 10th last season.

It’s important not only that the club hierarchy allows Mihajlovic the chance to see out this season, but also begins to back their man when necessary.

Milan have spent much of the last few years in a constant state of flux and uncertainty; backing the coach could be crucial to bucking that unhelpful trend.