There’s a renewed sense of optimism at AC Milan this summer, as Stefano Pioli sees significant changes made to the squad at his disposal.
The Rossoneri still face a crunch test in terms of making it all work, but with eight new signings thus far and with a growing number moving on, there is a clear push to rebuild and become more competitive.
READ MORE: New-look Milan sparks renewed optimism but key test awaits
A top-four finish and a run to the semi-finals of the Champions League arguably masked a lot of problems that were becoming increasingly problematic last season, as we struggled after the turn of the year in particular to put together a string of positive performances.
With a glaring lack of quality and depth in key areas and an over-reliance on the likes of Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud and Theo Hernandez, something needed to be done this summer. While it seemingly needed the sacrifice of Sandro Tonali, we’ve seen quality and youth come through the door to build hope and confidence ahead of the new campaign.
Importantly though, we’re starting to see deadwood and those who simply haven’t proven to be good enough over a lengthy period of time start to move on too.
Tiemoue Bakayoko, Aster Vranckx, Sergino Dest, Brahim Diaz, Ciprian Tatarusanu, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ante Rebic have all departed, and through a combination of injuries, inability to get a run of games and simply not delivering on a consistent enough basis, they were all perhaps the right decisions.
As per Antonio Vitiello, Divock Origi, Fode Ballo-Toure and Rade Krunic could yet follow and there could be more to go too, and so it certainly feels as though Milan are identifying where we’ve simply not been good enough. As that cycle ends with Pioli having maximised and extracted as much as possible out of that previous group to deliver the progress we enjoyed, this is the opening of a new one with long-term foundations.
Not all the decisions will be universally popular amongst the Milan faithful, but for a summer that began with the exits of Paolo Maldini and Tonali to intensify the doubt and concern over the new ownership and management infrastructure, their work in this transfer window has been refreshing.
That said, the litmus test is yet to come. For all the movement this summer with outgoings and incomings, if the final product on the pitch for the new season doesn’t deliver, that will lead to question marks being raised over recruitment, management and the make-up of the players in their ability to deliver under pressure and at this level.
Having arguably gone almost stale last season though, scraping through to qualify for the Champions League having accumulated 16 points less than the previous campaign, this rebuild was necessary to raise the level of quality in the squad and reinvigorate all concerned.
