AC Milan - How to fix them

The second big European football team that needs fixing is AC Milan. This season has been nothing short of a disaster for the Rossoneri, currently sitting in 8th and going to endure their 3rd season in a row without a major trophy after their defeat in the Coppa Italia to Bologna (shoutout Bologna for winning their first major trophy in 50-something years, Italiano has done a wonderful job after losing so many key players in the summer). Let's examine the major problems with the team:

Coaching:

I really liked the Sergio Conceicao appointment, but I'll admit it's not been a great success. His slow, possession recycling style of play just doesn't suit the modern Serie A like it does the Portuguese league. I think an Italian coach would suit Milan the best - they have always suited the club well. Allegri, Pioli, Ancelotti, Capello have always had an intimate knowledge of the Serie A, and so someone like this would probably suit Milan again. Is a coaching change necessary? Maybe some think it's too soon. But I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen. Some names floated around: Italiano (did very well with Bologna and alright with Fiorentina), Allegri (this man always finds a way to come back), Sarri (very interesting option, I always liked him at my beloved Chelsea) or even De Zerbi (not a fan tbh). Milan should make this decision as early as possible to allow for the most time to bed in players, make signing etc. My personal pick would be either Italiano or Don Allegri.

Sporting directors/leadership:

Why did Milan sack Paolo Maldini? He was doing a very decent job with their limited resources - getting a Scudetto and a UCL semi-final appearance. Honestly the ownership too - Cardinale has just mismanaged Milan as squandered what was a decent position for them to be in. We'll talk about the players later in the squad section, but the sporting directors haven't exactly covered themselves in glory here either. I'm going to put a quote from former Milan player and chief football officer Zvonimir Boban which sums up the incompetence/lack of care perfectly: "Olmo and Szoboszlai was chosen for Milan. Olmo was done for 18+2m. But the board stopped responding so it didn't happen. Then with Szoboszlai, I went because Maldini was scared of being recognized in public in Innsbruck. Was done for 20m. He couldn't wait to join. Then board said no." I mean come on. This is just shocking stuff, especially considering the quality of the two players here for a combined 40m. Big ownership/sporting changes needed (probably the main long term issue tbh)

Squad:

Goalkeepers - Maignan is an absolutely world class keeper (note: a few rumors he might leave??? I don't swear but what the fuck Milan) and Sportiello is a solid backup. Not much to improve on here, maybe another backup switch next season (we all know Italian football and backup keepers)

Defenders - I'm honestly not sure what's going on with Theo here, some say he wants to leave, others say he wants to stay, but Milan should KEEP! Jimenez is a good youngster that can either develop/used as cover or be loaned out.  Emerson Royal is not great. Sell him Milan (why was he even bought?). Tomori is a very decent CB and should not be sold (he clearly loves the club, could have gone to Spurs or Juve in Jan). It looks like Thiaw is going to be sold which is a shame for Milan because I think he has a really good skillset for a modern CB and a high ceiling. Pavlovic is nothing special but a good physical depth piece. They're not triggering Walker's buy option (I get he's kinda washed but where is the RB depth coming from???) Terracciano is a decent youngster for depth. (he might be sold though) Gabbia is alright, consistent but only at like a 6-7/10 level. This area isn't terrible but improvements are desperately needed

Midfield - It looks like Rejinders is heading to Man City which will be a big miss for Milan, as he's had a pretty good season. Loftus-Cheek has fallen off massively and should be offloaded (real shame, I will never forget 18/19 RLC). Fofana is good and Milan need to keep him. Felix is not going to be bought (now Chels have to deal with him) and Musah is a good depth piece but probably shouldn't be a starter... looks like Milan are going to sell and honestly I don't hate that. And that's kinda it... (I hope I read the transfrmarkt page right). Yeah Milan need SERIOUS work here.

Attack - Gimenez is a really good finisher and Milan should keep, the potential is massive (bit biased but liked him since Feyenoord days). Jovic honestly... lowest of keys not the worst as a third choice (but only that). Leao must be kept at all costs, sell the damn stadium if you have to. Pulisic is also having a really good season (another ex-Chelsea man that I miss). Chukwueze is... yeah not great. Sell him imo. Sottil is a good depth piece here and should be given more chances next season. Liberali might also be more involved next season but probably needs a loan.

Loans - I'm not sure about the buy option or that stuff (Italian football and loan-to-buys, name a better combo) but Kalulu should be kept, so should Okafor.

Signings:

A rumored attacker to sign for Milan has been Bologna winger Riccardo Orsolini. And I'm a fan. Player that is experienced in the Serie A, knows the league and is having a great season with 13 goals and 4 assists. Available for a good price too. Not a game changer but one to improve the squad (no European football could also make recruitment for Milan much harder).

David Hancko is a left hand sided defender from Feyenoord that can also play centre-back. I think he would be a quality signing for Milan, and he's a very good physical defender that can also play a solid pass. Atletico almost signed him last summer, so clearly there's talent there. I like this one a lot for Milan, but would they pay 32+ million for him? I would, but Cardinale is a different story.

Miguel Gutierrez could also be a great Theo replacement if he does eventually leave. The Girona left back should be available for around 20 million and he's a good crosser and has a decent burst of pace on him. He's only 23 as well and it looks like Madrid won't activate their buy-back (instead focusing on Carreras), so I would go for it if Theo gets sold.

Cristian Mosquera is someone I talked about in my Madrid fixing discussion and I rate him very highly. The Valencia defender is amazing physically and he has the potential to be an awesome ball-player. Once again available for around 30-40m (could even be used at DM?)

Koni De Winter is a good domestic option if Milan want a cheap defender for depth. The 22 year old Belgian from Genoa should be got for 20-25m and if Milan can't get their first choice players then there's nothing wrong with Koni. Great physically and a good tackler.

Nicolussi Caviglia is a talent that I really liked at Juventus, so I'm glad to see him doing decently at Venezia this season. He should also be in the 20-25m range and he's a very capable defensive midfielder. Even as just a depth piece I think this would be a good signing.

Samuele Ricci is a marvel of a midfielder. This should be Milan's no 1 midfield target. Great stamina and tackling, good first touch and passing. Just an overall well rounded and talented midfielder that a team like Milan needs! The problem - price. Torino are crazy tough negotiators (remember the Belotti saga) so a steep price here. But honestly? Instead of buying like 5 different defenders, rather get this guy! Young too so many years of service in here. DO IT MILAN!

Federico Chiesa is one of my personal favourite players (Euro 2021 Chiesa was different), but his Liverpool move was clearly a failure. He never played. This could be an underrated move - probably available for a very cheap price - 10m or even below - and Serie A fans all know his quality. This would be a bargain for Milan and give them a new spark in that attacking area.

Conclusion:

This is not a one season fix. I'll be honest. The signings are not going to make Milan instantly win the Scudetto. But a season of cleaning house and coming in the Champions League places, maybe going on a cup run and actually winning it this time might not be the worst thing. A reset can be good. There is still decent enough quality here for a decent season to be had. Essentially young players are needed to develop around the existing ones and Milan's stars like Leao. I wish I could be more positive, but Milan aren't in the best of places. A real shame for one of European football's most historic clubs.