AC Milan's recent clash against Genoa marked a disappointing chapter for the storied club as they celebrated their 125th anniversary. While the occasion was meant to be filled with pride and joy, the reality on the pitch told another story altogether. Fans, who were hopeful for a vibrant display to honor the club’s history, were left frustrated as their team could only muster a goalless draw.
The match against Genoa didn't just symbolize poor performance; it also triggered vocal protests from the Rossoneri fanbase. Amidst chants of dissent, particularly the resounding "We are not Americans," supporters made their grievances with the current ownership loud and clear. This line not only criticized the management style of the club's ownership, RedBird Capital Partners, but was also emblematic of the deep-rooted connection fans have with AC Milan as it symbolizes much more than just soccer—it is their heritage.
Outside the iconic San Siro, the atmosphere was charged. A banner waved by passionate supporters displayed the message, “We’ve had enough of your mediocrity.” Even those who had been bearing the brunt of underwhelming performances were now openly voicing their dissatisfaction. The essence of this protest was simple yet powerful: the fans want their club back. They expressed the sentiment clearly; AC Milan is not merely seen as another corporate asset to be managed but as part of their identity—their club.
Despite the celebrations occurring inside and the presence of legendary former players, the current squad's performance on the field fell flat. Coach Paulo Fonseca found himself pleased with the team’s performance across the board even as the fans’ frustrations were palpable. It’s quite the paradox—despite drawing with Genoa, Fonseca felt there were positives to take away, underscoring the divide between management's perceptions and the supporters' lived experience.
The individual player performances were equally telling. Alex Jimenez, stepping in for the absent Theo Hernandez, shone brightly among the squad earning himself the highest rating from La Gazzetta dello Sport, scoring a solid 7. He was joined by Tijjani Reijnders, who also impressed with his energetic midfield displays. On the defensive front, Matteo Gabbia received praise for his steady work, accumulating 6.5 points. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan secured yet another clean sheet but only got rated 6 along with Emerson Royal and Malick Thiaw. Unfortunately, the attack was where things fell apart.
Among the forwards, none managed to garner respect from the critics. Rafael Leao and his attacking comrades, including Tammy Abraham, Alvaro Morata, and Noah Okafor, all faced tough scrutiny, each walking away with disappointing ratings of 5. Such lackluster ratings were reflective of their inability to break through the resolute Genoa defense. Although Leao stood as the captain during this significant match, his performance has been criticized severely. On the match night celebrating the club's legacy, Leao's efforts were deemed inadequate, labeled as, "almost a weight" on the team's ambition.
Adding to this disarray, AC Milan has faced yet another injury blow with Noah Okafor sustaining a muscle injury. This news hit hard as Okafor had recently returned from issues related to lower back pain after missing the Champions League game. He only managed to feature for about fifteen minutes against Genoa, during which he struggled to make any impact, mirroring his fellow failing attackers. Reports indicated he sustained calf issues now reminiscent of injuries faced by teammate Christian Pulisic, raising alarms for the Rossoneri’s depth up front.
For Okafor, life at Milan has been challenging; he’s made appearances but only started five times this season. With just one goal to his name during the campaign opener, there’s little to show for his ambitious talents. His fantasy football metrics allow for glimpses of potential, yet fans are increasingly anxious about the recurring injury setbacks he’s faced and how these will affect the team going forward.
With AC Milan slipping down to eighth place in the Serie A standings, the sense of urgency grows. The pressure on Fonseca and the players mounts as their upcoming fixture draws nearer. Many fans, weary of passivity, are hoping for fire and grit rather than mere appreciation of ‘efforts’ without results. The Rossoneri faithful are demanding more; the nostalgia of the club’s illustrious past weighs heavily on the current squad, urging them to dig deep and rediscover their fighting spirit.
There’s talk about what will come next for the Rossoneri after this dismal display. Will the management finally heed the calls of the supporters or will we continue to see the status quo? The essence of AC Milan is rooted deeply within its fans, who, for generations, have lived and breathed the club. The discontent brewing mirrors the hope for rejuvenation—hopefully inspired by the legends of the past lining the stands—a rejuvenation Milan of today is yet to capture. Change is necessary if this modern group of players wishes to find their own legacy, and as the banner outside the gates of San Siro declared, fans have had enough of mere mediocrity.
