Mauro Tassotti Should Become AC Milan Coach

Despite Leo’s good work this season in steering Milan to a top three finish, the Juventus clash this weekend will be his last game in charge.

All things considered, Leo has done a fine job this year. Sure, he has not been perfect, but he still has defied expectations in what has been a roller coaster season for Milan.

With Leo heading for the exit door, rumors abound as to who will step in to take over for next season.

One name mentioned in recent weeks has been that of Marco Van Basten. A Milan legend in his own right, Van Basten would be welcomed with open arms by the Rossoneri faithful due to his great history with the club.

Though a popular choice, Van Basten’s record as a coach is not too impressive. Having had no previous coaching experience he was a surprise choice when appointed head coach of the Netherlands in 2004.

Whilst he led the Netherlands to the 2006 World Cup on the back of an impressive unbeaten record, his Netherlands side were dumped out at the first knockout stage to Portugal.

Two years later at Euro 2008, Van Basten’s Dutch side were mightily impressive in the first stage, accounting for both France and Italy in two convincing wins. However, typical of the Dutch, they failed to progress further than the quarter finals.

After failing to achieve success with his national team, despite some great performances by his sides, Van Basten moved on in 2008 to take over Ajax. But his reign at Ajax was even more average as he failed to qualify the Dutch giants for the Champions League. He resigned as a result.

During his two tenures as a coach, Van Basten has failed to show that his coaching ability is capable of delivering results. His record clearly shows this. Although his sides have displayed some positively attractive and effective football at times, the end result has always been lacking.

In addition, Van Basten, in his time as Dutch coach has all too often developed strained relations with his star players which is not a trait that would bode well for him at a club like Milan.

Even though it is looking less likely that Van Basten will become head coach of Milan, it still remains a possibility.

There are other choices, however, that Milan are considering. Mauro Tassotti is one of them.

Having spent eight years along side the legendary Carlo Ancelotti, Tassotti definitely has learnt from the best. Having spent 17 years at Milan as a player and having been part of the coaching team since 1997, Tassotti has the experience to be a successful head coach.

In addition, his knowledge of the club, the players, and fans will only serve him well in his new role.

What is also more appealing to have Tassotti as head coach rather than Van Basten is that he is Italian. For there is no mistaking, Italian coaches are amongst the best in the world. This has long been the case and today still holds as the success of Ancelotti and Capello shows.

In addition, with the exception of the Special One, foreign coaches always seem to struggle in Italy.

It seems likely that Milan will promote from within if they fail to land Van Basten. If the Van Basten deal does collapse completely, Tassotti will the favourite. If chosen, it will be a good choice by Berlusconi.

There has been talk of a partnership made up of Tassotti and Milan youth coach Fillippo Galli. However, if this means there will be effectively two head coaches at Milan, then it will not work.

Tassotti is more than capable of handling the role by himself with the aide of an assistant of his choosing.

Walter Mazzarri of Napoli is another name that has been linked with the hotseat at Milan. Under Mazzarri, Napoli have had a relatively successful season. However, they have fallen short of the Champions League places despite spending vast sums on players last summer.

Despite being one of the better coaches in Serie A, Mazzari’s record in the last three seasons is not impressive. A sixth place finish in 2008 with Sampdoria was followed by a 13th place last season. This season Napoli are set to finish sixth.

Of the three names linked to the Milan post, Tassotti is clearly the most preferable choice. With Leo set to leave and with Van Basten currently backing away, it is even becoming likely that it will be Tassotti that takes over. For Milan, this is good news.