Week 4: Milan – Venezia And The Early Crisis

Week three before the international break only served to heighten concerns about the team. The 2-2 tie showcased what was seen as Fonseca’s attempt at establishing authority. His benching of both Leao and Theo seemed surprising and possibly misguided. The team played with a bit more promise but still lacked direction and composure. Four minutes of such confusion allowed Lazio to score twice and manage a tie. Milan remained winless and Fonseca went into the history books as one of the worst starts for a new Milan coach.

As the players joined their national teams management rifts came to the fore with talk that Ibra is at odds with the team and less present. Commentators piled on the misfiring start and it has been mostly doom and gloom. Predictions hinted at more surprising lineup changes such as benching Pulisic. it likely won’t happen but with a tough schedule ahead the team and Fonseca in particular could run out of time. It must be said that if Fonseca is the chosen casualty those who made the decision to him (Ibra?) must not remain unscathed.

From the outside the consensus seems to be that Calabria can not be a starter but Emerson Royal has shown to be unconvincing as well. The Brazilian should start with Tomori, Pavlovic and Theo. Pavolvic scored the opener versus Lazio and continued to show good physicality and ball recovery but was lost and confused on both conceded goals. The midfield has divided fans and commentators just as many other. Loftus-Cheek starting in a more attacking role has been a failure up to this point and it is hoped that Reijnders will be moved further forward instead. Only when the line up is submitted we will all know if Fonseca sees what most deem obvious. Fofona should be given minutes to integrate. Leao will surely not start on the bench again. He scored within minutes of coming on versus Lazio. Abraham assisted on the same goal and also within minutes of coming on. The latter should start in place of Jovic, until Morata is ready. Jovic has been another case of the directionless start. He got an extension mere weeks ago but has been rumoured to be on the outs already.

Soon after this match the new Champions League season starts and with a tough one. Liverpool will be the visitors and the Milan derby is coming up next weekend. The season will be defined sooner rather than later.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s Venezia do not present the biggest threat but can deepen the dent on this season.