Former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi believes the Rossoneri need to sign Joshua Zirkzee and at least two defenders this summer. Writing in his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi outlined his thoughts on the summer transfer window, and where he thinks Milan need to invest most:
“In spring, usually, the future is planned, players are chosen for the following season, evaluations are made, also based on how the current season ends, and important decisions are taken. Milan, currently second in the league and set to face Roma in the Europa League, is surely laying the groundwork to build something significant.
“This to say that it’s not the individual that determines the fortunes or misfortunes of a department: we defended as a team and attacked as a team. Even though I know that making such a statement in Italy is practically useless because no one wants to listen, I insist: you never know if someone will open their ears. So, before we question the possible acquisitions Milan can make, let’s ask ourselves: do the Rossoneri, today, defend and attack as a team? No. Or at least, not always. Therefore, this is an aspect to improve. Because if the four at the back are not adequately protected and supported, they struggle, lose confidence, and everything gets complicated. And the same goes for the offensive action. Milan must become a unified, compact block that moves in perfect harmony, where all players have a function.
“They say: the Rossoneri will need a center-forward. True if Giroud, who has performed very well so far, decides to leave. The Frenchman has been very useful, and in choosing his successor, the coach’s requests must be listened to. If it’s still Pioli, as I hope, I believe he will aim to have a forward with movement characteristics, willing to sacrifice himself even in non-possession phases. Often meeting Milan fans, I am asked this question: Would Zirkzee be good? The answer is not simple. The boy has talent, he’s part of a group that is playing excellent football (Bologna is the real surprise of the league), and he’s a striker who likes to build the play. This means he participates in the maneuver and communicates with his teammates. He has already scored ten goals with Bologna, which is a lot. I could see him fitting in at Milan, provided that the Rossoneri truly become a collective. In the market, instead of the players’ feet, we must look at their heads: we need reliable and intelligent elements. I wouldn’t exaggerate with many purchases from abroad: it always takes five or six months for players coming from another country to settle in our league, and Milan has no time to waste. In essence, looking at this year’s squad, I would aim to intervene with at least four acquisitions. I would say a forward, and Zirkzee would be an excellent profile. With Pulisic and Leao on the wings, the department would be fine. And then a midfielder is needed, very intelligent and very willing to run. Finally, I would look for two defenders: perhaps a full-back and a central one. Obviously, names can be mentioned, but to do so, you need to know the budget available to the executives. I believe that Pioli’s team should not be overhauled but only adjusted. And I think that then you have to work to acquire those playing principles suitable for making the group more and more European. In the long run, good ideas make the difference.”
