Ahead of the Milan derby, former Milan boss Arrigo Sacchi explained how the Rossoneri can get themselves out of the crisis they face. A disappointing 3-1 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League has only piled pressure on coach Paolo Fonseca, but writing for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi explained how his former side might rectify things in this weekends derby:
The feelings with which Inter and Milan approach the derby could not be more different. On one side a team and an environment in full euphoria, after the good draw achieved in Manchester against Guardiola’s City. On the other, instead, there are the Rossoneri who are going through a very delicate period, and the clear defeat at San Siro, in Champions League, against Liverpool is the clearest testimony of it. What can come out of a duel between these realities is, however, a mystery, because it is known that the derby can give surprises and turnarounds, which in other circumstances would be at least strange, in the super-challenge of San Siro are to be taken into account.
Inter, what an evening in Manchester
Certainly the Inter seen in Manchester, and also in the first four league days, is in great shape. I believe that Simone Inzaghi is doing a great job: he has given courage to the whole group, he has grown a lot and leads the team with confidence. You don’t go to play against City with that decision and with that determination if at the base there are not the knowledge that the coach has been able to transmit. The Nerazzurri played on par against the team that has dominated the Premier for years and is a reference point for all European football. This was possible because today Inter is a very high level team, which can aim to be a protagonist both in the league and in the Champions League. It knows how to attack with many players and is formidable in counterattacks, knows how to build dangerous actions through reasoned ball possession, defends compactly, does not leave spaces to opponents, has elements of exceptional talent and considerable experience. In essence it is a really complete team. Easy to talk about the attacking pair Lautaro-Thuram, or Calhanoglu’s direction and Barella’s raids, or the solidity of the defense. The truth is that Inzaghi has succeeded in the most difficult task: transforming a group of excellent players into a real team, which fights united and, united, moves on the field.
Rossoneri in crisis
The same cannot be said of Milan. I saw it against Liverpool and it was painful. The Rossoneri, at this moment, lack everything and finding it again in a few days is not a simple thing. In the league they have won only one match, against Venezia: too little for a club that would like to become a leader in world football. It is true that Fonseca is in his first season, it is true that we must give him time to work, but it is equally true that, at least for what has been seen in this start, Milan is not a team. Eleven players scattered across the field, that’s what they are. They don’t know what they have to do in the construction phase and in the folding phase, they are not a single block, there is no synergy between the departments. And it is logical that the result of this situation is a deep feeling of discouragement that also involves the fans. At this moment it is necessary for the company to support the coach, give him protection and confidence. I say this because I experienced on my own skin the help that President Berlusconi gave me at the beginning of my adventure at Milan.
Milan, here’s the solution
To get out of this problem there is only one method: work. And, even before work, clear ideas are needed. From the managers who must transmit them to the coach, who will then have to know how to communicate them to the players. This is the chain that Milan must follow. Easy to blame Fonseca, as I hear around. But then I say: why not give it to this or that player? The truth is that there is not a single culprit: everyone is responsible and everyone together must be able to find the key to return to being a high-level team. The derby can represent a turning point for the Rossoneri but one match is not enough, even if played well, to say that the patient is healed. Continuity of performance and results are needed. Inter instead must dribble the danger of feeling already arrived: there is still a long way to go before the finish line. Both in Italy and in Europe.
