AC Milan: An in-Depth Offseason Preview and Goals for Next Season
Mission accomplished.
AC Milan are the 2010-11 champions of the Italian Serie A. Currently holding a six point lead over Inter Milan with two matches left and holding both head-to-head and goal difference advantages, it is mathematically impossible for the city-rivals to catch the Rossoneri now. It has been a dominant, incredible league campaign for the club. Under the management of first-year boss and 2008-09 Serie A Golden Bench winner Massimiliano Allegri and with the addition of stars such as Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Antonio Cassano, and Mark Van Bommel, Milan have been superb from start to finish.
As the season comes to an end, there is still work to be done and then there is a busy summer ahead. With the Scudetto wrapped up, what must Milan do now?
I'll break this down like a time line, but will do extra slides for certain subjects, such as the transfers, where I'll break down different players.
Step 1: Win Coppa Italia
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AC Milan are currently in the midst of a Semifinal tie with Palermo, with the winner set to play the winner of Roma and Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome later this month.
The two sides drew in the first leg at the San Siro in a 2-2 clash. Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the home side out in front early, but was quickly offset by a Javier Pastore strike 10 minutes later. Abel Hernandez put the Rosanero in front early in the second half but Urby Emanuelson was able to keep Milan in with a chance by striking 15 minutes from time. Palermo hold the away goal advantage, but if Milan could pull off a win or a high scoring draw at the Barbera, they will play in the Final.
Milan have not won or been to the Final since 2003. Before winning Serie A this season, Milan had not seen domestic success for seven years and had not won a trophy of any sort since 2007. Every trophy is important for Milan to aim for. Being very close now, 180 minutes away from a Double, and with nothing left to play for except padding their point total in Serie A, victory in Coppa Italia should be the prime objective at the moment.
Step 2: Determine Whose Contracts to Renew
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Eight players are in the final months of their contracts, which expire at the end of June.
The catch is that all eight players are over the age of 30 and as a team that is planning on building into a side that can challenge Barcelona for European supremacy while being able to maintain domestic dominance, several players will not have their contracts renewed and are going to be bringing their waning careers elsewhere.
Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini, Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso, Marek Jankulovski, Mark Van Bommel, Filippo Inzaghi, and Alessandro Nesta are all our of contract at the end of the season.
Determining who stays and who goes will be tough process. The club would like to renew a couple players contracts, but Barbera Berlusconi, daughter of owner Silvio, forward Alexandre Pato's girlfriend, and member of Milan board, says that the team is going in a different direction and will likely not renew the contracts of these players, six of whom arrived between 1995 and 2002, because some board members, like her, "would above all like to develop a team that focuses on youth," (Rossoneri Blog).
So are these eight players likely to stay or go? Here is how I see it breaking down...
Andrea Pirlo: Out
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Juventus and Malaga are interested in the services of Andrea Pirlo and with the 31-year old not in Allegri's plans (according to assistant Mauro Tassotti, Allegri wants players with "different characteristics" than Pirlo's), the move is likely.
Pirlo has been with AC Milan since his move from Inter in 2001 and has spent his entire career as a first team player at the red and black club. He is now a two-time Scudetto winner, two-time Champions League winner, and a one-time, potentially two, Coppa Italia winner. He has won everything at the Italian giants.
Upon Allegri's arrival at the club, he was not impressed with Pirlo in a defensive role in midfield. He started to play the star out wide. The effect: he has started only 12 times this season and has been plagued by injury. Besides winning the Scudetto, it has been a tough year for Pirlo. The only bright light of Pirlo's season individually is a long range rocket of a goal against Parma from over 30 yards out.
A move is the best thing for the World Cup winner to leave Milan this summer and it would also open some money for Milan, who would owe Pirlo about $6 million next season.
It makes sense for the club and Pirlo to go their separate ways.
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Massimo Ambrosini: Out
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Ambrosini has been with Milan far longer than any member of the team. The Italian has been with Milan since 1995 and with the retirement of Paolo Maldini was named the official club captain in 2009.
The duties of captain have been handed more often than not to Gennaro Gattuso over the recent months due to Ambrosini's injury plagued season. He has been out on two separate occasions for long term injuries, missing time from September 15th to November 3rd and again after the winter break from January 29th to April 23rd, but has made only three appearances after the injury. He has made a total of 17 appearances in the league out of 36 matches.
Ambrosini has expressed his desire to stay, but the club has yet to make an offer to their captain. It seems unlikely that the 33-year old will be with the club next season. If he is, it will be in a reduced role as Milan look to go for youth in their lineup.
Clarence Seedorf: Out
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The 35-year old Dutchman still has some fuel in the tank, some.
Milan could likely sell Seedorf in the coming weeks after the season ends to look for compensation for his departure. Several clubs throughout the world are interested in the midfielder, with Corinthians looking to be the favorites to land the star. Seedorf has expressed interest in joining the Brazilian outfit as his playing time at the San Siro will likely be reduced.
There has been questions about his staying since he was part of the unveiling of Milan's 2011/12 Adidas kit, but responded by telling Sky Sport Italia: “I am an Adidas player, so I’m here for them as much as Milan."
Seedorf is in the final days of his career. He has won wherever he has gone and has been a standout at Milan from Day One. A new experience would be good for him and Milan should look to go in a different direction.
Gennaro Gattuso: Out
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Gattuso has had an increased role in Allegri's squad since Ambrosini's injury in January as he has been the captain for the club, helping Milan to its 18th Scudetto. He has been a strong presence in the midfield but at times, but has also at times shown his well known fiery attitude, especially against Tottenham in the Champions League.
Gattuso, is aiming for a contract extension through the next two seasons, but it seems unlikely to stay and currently has an offer on the table from Russian Premier League club Anzhi Makhachkala. “I’ll see about next season," Gattuso said according to Rossoneri Blog. "Anzhi Makhachkala approached me with an important offer that I thought was a joke or a TV show prank." The offer is reportedly worth $10 million a year and at 33, Milan will not offer the fiery midfielder nearly that much money. It is likely he will take it.
Marek Jankulovksi: Out
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Jankulovski is definitely on his way out of the club. The left back has confirmed that he is leaving Milan in the summer. The Czech has made only five league appearances, mostly as a sub and has spent most of his time either injured with knee issues or not receiving call-ups due to his poor play. It looks like the 33-year old has no more future at Milan.
Alessandro Nesta: Staying
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Nesta is likely entering his final season of football as he nears retirement. The center back has lost a spring in his step, but remains an important player for Milan and was crucial in the club winning the Serie A this season.
Milan are looking for a successor to the 35-year old with Philippe Mexes reportedly being both targeted and interested in joining the Rossoneri, but Nesta will still be around as Milan look to repeat as Serie A champs and take an eighth Champions League title.
With several of Milan's older, high ranking players leaving the club this summer, it is likely that the highest player in the captain hierarchy will be Nesta. He has said he wants to go out on top, but with the team Milan are looking to build this summer, he could go out even higher and as captain.
Filippo Inzaghi: Staying
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Inzaghi could still be a super-sub scoring machine for a Champions League contender at the age of 60!
Inzaghi has been out the majority of this season after severely injuring his ACL in November. It was thought that this injury could end his career. However, with Inzaghi's determination, he could definitely back when the season starts, despite being 38.
He still has the ability when healthy to come off the bench and terrorize defenses. This season, in five games, Inzaghi produced two goals and also recorded a brace in the epic Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
Expect Inzaghi to be back next season and provide some spirit off the bench.
Mark Van Bommel: Staying
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Van Bommel joined Milan from Bayern Munich in January and has been a force in the defensive midfield role for the champions.
He was originally brought in on a six month deal as the end of his time with Bayern Munich combined with his age left some questions, but there is no doubt Milan will want their star back in the summer. Despite undoubtedly returning the Dutchman, Milan are still on the hunt for a younger defensive mid to prepare for his retirement or departure. Porto's Fernando Reges, Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani, and Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra all drawing interest from the club.
Step 3: Keep Promise of Building Superstar, Championship Winning Team
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“We made important signings and have a competitive squad," Silvio Berluscnoi told Mediaset, "but all of this does not come cheap. You cannot win in football without spending a lot of money.
“Do I have some more presents for the fans over the summer? Yes, hopefully the transfer market will allow me to do that for the supporters.”
Milan will be looking to build a team worthy of winning several more trophies over the coming years. The goal next year is above all to win the UEFA Champions League. To do that, Milan will need to release some of the expiring contracts and bring in new, younger talent.
Milan's primary targets are in the two most pressing needs, fullback and attacking midfield, but other position's are also in question at the moment. These are a few of the headline names being linked to Milan, but I'm not going to make any predictions as I think all will be beneficial to the club in one way or another.
Taye Taiwo, Left Back from Olympique Marseille (France)
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Rumors have been swirling that Milan and Taiwo have already agreed to a three year deal to become effective in July. Manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed these rumors on Monday leading into the Palermo match in Coppa Italia.
Milan have been aiming for the left back for quite some time and are now strong at both fullback positions.
Taiwo recently told his current club, French giants Olympique Marseille, that he is undoubtedly leaving at the end of the season and the competition was mainly between Milan and Liverpool. It now appears Milan have won that fight.
Philippe Mexes, Defender from Roma (Italy)
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Allegri's confirmation of the signing of Taiwo also came with the confirmation of signing Mexes as Nesta's successor in the center of defense.
When the 29-year old Frenchman returns from his ACL injury, he will most likely be the one teaming up with Thiago Silva in what could be one of the most feared back lines in the world with Van Bommel ahead of Taiwo, Silva, Mexes, and Abate stretched across the back in front of Abbiati.
Mexes still has several good years ahead of him. Expect him to lead Milan to some trophies.
Ganso, Midfielder from Santos (Brazil)
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Ganso appears to be the primary target of the Rossoneri, along with several other clubs, most competitively Inter Milan.
The Brazilian youngster has turned heads all over the world with his play for Santos. He has had a couple knocks this season and missed out on a few chances to play for the Brazil National Team, which he did only once in a brilliant performance in the win over the United States last year in New Jersey.
The 21-year old has played 110 times overall for Santos, recording 26 goals since 2008 out of his attacking midfield role. In 2010, he was instrumental in leading the club to the Sao Paolo State Championship and the Copa de Brasil titles. He was named the tournament's best player in the Copa de Brasil.
His move away from his home country seems likely to happen this summer and he will end up at the San Siro. The only question is if he will be wearing red or blue. Milan seem to be a great fit for him. As a club who have been playing several different trequartista's all season, using Boateng, Seedorf, Robinho, Antonio Cassano,and Ronaldinho before his moves at the position. Ganso provides a natural trequartista and could be the the replacement Milan have been looking for since 2009 when Ganso's compatriot Kaka left for Real Madrid.
No matter where he ends up, Ganso is going to have a fantastic career in Europe.
Federico Marchetti, Goalkeeper from Cagliari (Italy)
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It is believed that Milan's current backup goalkeeper Marco Amelia will be returning to Genoa when his loan spell ends at the end of the season. That would leave third string Flavio Roma as the backup, which is not a preferable situation for the Rossoneri.
Marchetti could be an excellent addition to the club and is surely looking for a way out of Sardinia. After a transfer request was denied before the season, he was dropped to the third string at Cagliari. This comes after a season where he stopped 117 shots in 33 games in the 2009/10 season.
Milan could provide Marchetti the avenue to eventually return to a starting role. He has the potential to be a great keeper still and with Abbiati climbing in age, his career seems to be reaching its final chapter, especially with his proneness to injuries. Marchetti could be the heir to the Milan net.
Andrea Lazzari, Midfielder from Cagliari
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Milan could be looking to pull off a double swoop of Cagliari. Both Marchetti and midfielder Andrea Lazzari could be interested in moving to Milan and play for former manager Massimiliano Allegri.
The Rossoneri reportedly made an attempt at Lazzari in the winter, but were turned away. Expect Galliani to not take no for an answer and settle for that. Milan need to fill voids in their aging midfield and the 26-year old could make a great addition.
Andrea Poli, Midfielder from Sampdoria (Italy)
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Poli is another option that could be brought in to play center midfielder for the Rossoneri. The 21-year old has been turning heads since his return to Sampdoria from loan at Sassuolo where he was fantastic in the 2008-09 season. The past two seasons have seen him earn more time at the Genoa club and his play has opened up this opportunity. Poli was also a target in the winter. Lets see what happens in a few weeks.
Hulk, Forward from Porto (Portugal)
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Several clubs are interested in Hulk's services, but it seems unlikely that the Brazilian will be moving from Porto this summer.
Milan, Inter, Tottenham, and Chelsea are among several clubs reportedly interested in the striker who is tearing the Portuguese defenses to shreds. He had by far his greatest season in three seasons at Porto after time in Japan. This season, he has recorded 34 goals and 17 assists in a season which has seen Poto win the Portuguese Liga and a spot in the upcoming UEFA Europa League Final.
Porto's president has called Milan's interest "a joke" and has warned that Hulk will not be allowed to leave for less than nine digits. Milan will be looking for a young forward to back up the starters, but Hulk would unlikely take a backup role and it would not be worth all that money to have him sitting on the bench.
Fernando Reges, Midfielder from Porto
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Milan are also interested in the services of Hulk's Porto teammate Fernando.
The 23-year old Brazilian is a target of Milan's as a replacement for Andrea Pirlo and could take an role out wide in the midfield. He could also play in defensive midfield as a backup to Mark Van Bommel.
The young, quick, lively star can make a great impact at Milan if he comes in.
Marko Marin, Midfielder from Werder Bremen (Germany)
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Marin has been playing some great football in attack for Bremem since his move from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2009. The winger is seen as a realistic introduction into the Milan attack.
Apparently, the German club have put a 14 million euro pricetag on Marin. Milan may be reluctant to make the move in all cash, but reports indicate that left back Didac Vila is involved in the offer. Vila has yet to make an appearance for Milan after moving from Espanyol in January.
Bruno Indi Martins, Defender from Feyenoord (Netherlands)
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Martins is a Dutch defender who can play either left or center back.
The Feyenoord defender has only played eight league games this season, but his skill has captured attention.
Taiwo and Mexes are already wrapped up, but another defender could be in the works if other things work out for Milan. The 19-year old may not be in this summer, but he is certainly a player they will be watching closely.
Alberto Aquilani, Defensive Midfielder from Liverpool (England)
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The Liverpool man is on loan this season at Juventus, who seem unlikely to meet his permanent deal fee after the season.
This opens the door for a move for Aquilani who most likely will not be in King Kenny's plans at Anfield next season. Milan are interested in making an offer and are ready to approach the team they played in their last two Champions League Final appearances.
The 26-year old Italian could be another option for replacing Andrea Pirlo and could provide an excellent addition to the midfield and could grab himself a starting role in Allegri's side next season.
Maarten Stekelenburg, Goalkeeper from Ajax (Netherlands)
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Stekelenburg is an unlikely candidate to move to the San Siro, but his name has been tossed around. He hit the scene big time with his role for the Netherlands as the starting goalkeeper for the World Cup runner-ups.
His good form continued with Ajax this season and he had two great performances in the Champions League against AC Milan.
He has been with Ajax since 2001, so maybe the 28-year old does not want to leave, but he is drawing interest from several big clubs, including being considered an option to be successor to Edwin Van der Sar at Old Trafford. Whatever the case, Maarten is going to finish his career in a strong fashion.
Michael Essien, Midfielder from Chelsea (England)
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Essien was seen as a possible addition to the midfield, again as a Pirlo replacement and someone who could play box to box.
This move seems unlikely as Essien reportedly has no desire to leave Chelsea and the Blues would surely put a hefty price tag on the Ghanaian. It would be a great addition, but the odds are slim to none.
Lassana Diarra, Midfielder from Real Madrid (Spain)
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Diarra has long been considered a target for Milan, especially by supporters of the club. Many have been calling for a player of Diarra's caliber and many feel he would be happier as he would actually play, unlike at Real Madrid where seeing Diarra's name in the squad is a shocker.
Lass could be an alternative to Van Bommel and while he may be farther down on the wish list than the likes of Fernando and Aquilani, he could make a strong impact at Milan.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Forward from Real Madrid
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This one I can make an easy prediction on...
NO.
Ronaldo joined Madrid in 2009 from Manchester United and has been the second best player in the world behind Lionel Messi all that time.
On top of the fact that there is no way he would leave Madrid, he is too expensive and Milan are already well established in the front, too well established to bring in the second best player in the world.
Kaka, Midfielder from Real Madrid
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The rumors are swirling again. Will Kaka return home to the San Siro?
This may seem unlikely, but Milan could look to Kaka as a plan B if a deal for Ganso were to fall through. The 2007 World Footballer of the Year has had a tough time of it at the Bernabeu, where he has probably been injured more than he has scored. He has good matches from here to there, but he seems out of place at Madrid and even when he announced his departure from Milan, he left the door open for a return.
Kaka long had the dream of playing at Milan forever and one day captaining the side. With additions to Jose Mourniho's side like Angel di Maria, Mezut Ozil, and now Nuri Sahin, Kaka's time could be limited. A return to Milan see him in the 11 in no time.
Step 4: Win the Supercoppa Italiana
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The Supercoppa Italiana is annually contested between the winner of Serie A and Coppa Italia in August leading into the next season.
With Milan winning the Scudetto, they will face either Palermo, Inter, or Roma, the other three remaining teams in Coppa Italia. Should they win the cup, it will be against either Inter or Roma, the potential runners-up.
Milan were last Supercoppa champions when they won the Scudetto in 2004. With the goal to dominate Italy and europe, Milan should be aiming to win everything. Especially if they play a rival, Milan will be aiming to win.
Step 5: Win the Serie A, Again
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AC Milan will certainly be favorites heading to next season. With a squad that is only going to get better this summer, Milan will be a fearsome menace for anyone foolish enough to try and stop them from winning number 19. It is very likely that Milan will be adding a second gold star to the top of their badge in the near future.
Step 6: Win the UEFA Champions League
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Milan are the second most successful club in European Cup/Champions League history, winning seven titles. Their most recent success came in 2007 when the Italians beat Liverpool in Athens.
The Rossoneri have struggled in club football's most elite competition since their last triumph. They have been knocked out in the Last 16 by Premier League squads in three of the last four years and missed the Champions League entirely in 2008-09 and were forced to play in the UEFA Cup. They were embarrassed in 2008 by Arsenal and Manchester United in 2010 and were narrowly thwarted by Tottenham Hotspur this season.
Silvio Berlusconi and the Milan higher-ups have made it known that the primary goal for the 2011/12 season is to win the Champions League. To do this, Milan will have to rise to the occasion against the best, something Milan have struggled to do, with only a 3-2 win at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid in the 2009/10 Champions League Group Stage to boast in recent memory.
The likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, and of course Barcelona, who currently field arguably the greatest starting 11 of all time, will be vying for the cup, with even more teams looking to play spoiler. This summer should bring many, as Berlusconi calls them, "gifts" that will make Milan potential champions again.
Step 7: Complete Treble with Coppa Italia Triumph
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The aim is always to win every trophy. The Rossoneri should be aiming to go four for four next season.
Milan have seemed unwilling to take every tournament seriously in recent years, at least before Allegri and the new signings arrived.
Going for so many trophies will require players to give their all two to three times a week on a regular basis.
With the likelihood of replacing five players over 30 with stars who are younger, faster, and in better shape, Milan are going to be a feared, skillful team with great fitness and speed in 2011/12.
It is extremely possible to win Supercoppa and follow that with a Treble, which consists of winning the Champions League, domestic league, and domestic cup and has been completed by six teams in UEFA history. Barcelona and Inter Milan have completed the Treble in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Neither of this year's Champions League finalists, Barcelona or Manchester United, can complete the Treble as both lost in their domestic cups. No team has ever done so twice and Inter are the only Italian side to accomplish the feat.
Milan have the tools, and will enhance those tools this summer, to be a serious threat to win all three season-long competitions they are competing in. A Treble is not unlikely.
Conclusion
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After a historic season for Milan, the expectations are only raised. The goal of winning all four trophies may be obvious, but some teams do not take every tournament seriously. Under Allegri, it looks like Milan will.
The board needs to keep its promise of basically "out with the old and in with the new" so that the club can progress and return to the status it had of European contenders. Very few of the players with expiring contracts should be maintained and new purchases need to be made.
If Milan are successful in the Transfer Window, everything will be fine and a four trophy campaign will be the goal and a high possibility.
Early Lineup Prediction
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Goalkeeper: Christian Abbiati
Fullbacks: Ignazio Abate (R), Taye Taiwo (L)
Center Backs: Philippe Mexes*, Thiago Silva (My personal choice for Captain)
Defensive Midfielder: Mark Van Bommel
Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani, Kevin-Prince Boateng
Trequartista: Ganso
Forwards: Alexandre Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Bench Seven:
Federico Marchetti
Robinho
Antonio Cassano
Andrea Lazzari
Mathieu Flamini
Alessandro Nesta*
Fernando Reges
*I'd expect Nesta and Mexes to share this role, especially if they are both struggling with injury. Nesta is always prone and Mexes is recovering from that ACL injury.
Early Cup Projections
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Supercoppa Italiana: Champions
Italian Serie A: Champions
Coppa Italia: Quarterfinals
Champions League: Semifinals
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