AC Milan's precarious position deepened on Saturday following another disappointing 2-1 defeat, this time at the hands of Torino. This loss marked the Rossoneri's fourth defeat since the arrival of coach Sergio Conceicao and came on the heels of their elimination from the UEFA Champions League, leaving fans and analysts alike searching for answers.
From the first whistle, the match against Torino showcased the troubles plaguing Milan. The Rossoneri fell behind within the first six minutes due to a shocking mistake from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whose failed clearance led to an own goal credited to defender Moritz Thiaw. This early blunder not only set the tone for the afternoon but exemplified the mounting pressure on Milan’s players.
Sports journalist Franco Ordine, writing for Corriere dello Sport, didn't mince words, asking, "Who is to blame this time at Milan after loss vs Torino?" He continued, pointing fingers squarely at Maignan for his error, which followed other slip-ups from the keeper this season. Ordine contrasted Maignan's current performance with his standout moments last season, where his incredible saves were pivotal to Milan's championship run.
The issues didn't stop with Maignan. Christian Pulisic, one of Milan’s key offseason signings, missed the opportunity to equalize after a penalty was awarded for handball against Torino’s Pedersen. His inability to convert—after impressively scoring four straight—left supporters puzzled. "At the beginning of the season, Pulisic looked promising," noted Ordine, but now his inconsistency is apparent. With significant expectations on his shoulders, the weight of the team’s struggles is apparent on the American winger.
To make matters worse, Conceicao’s decision to substitute Rafael Leao during halftime raised eyebrows. Many felt the move was miscalculated, especially as Leao had been one of the few bright spots during the match. Despite finding the equalizer through midfielder Dante Reijnders, the hope was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Torino regained the lead, capitalizing on another defensive lapse from the Rossoneri.
Conceicao himself expressed his frustration post-match, stating, "I feel sorry for the fans, if we look at the last goals conceded I notice unforced errors from the opponents." He spoke of the importance of unity and strength, emphasizing the need to eradicate the errors plaguing the team, which he described as "circus-like" and inexplicable.
Fans have reacted with increasing discontent, chanting for the club to sell and demanding more passion and drive from the players, echoing the sentiments of team morale. Many have joined the chorus for accountability, feeling their beloved club is not putting forth the effort expected of them on the pitch.
Ordine encapsulated this feeling by observing, "there is no need for a psychologist to understand... these consecutive mistakes are the clearest expression of a team crushed by the fear of making errors." The rising insecurity among players has become palpable, leading to more mistakes, panic, and frantic play as the season progresses.
Milan now finds itself increasingly distant from Champions League qualification, resting at seventh place with just 41 points. With Torino’s victory lifting them to 11th, the struggle for the Rossoneri is not just about wins; it's about identity and resolve.
Milan's next steps will be under intense scrutiny as they prepare to tackle their upcoming fixtures. Another series of poor performances could spell disaster not only for Conceicao's job but also for the future direction of the club he leads.
It is clear the Rossoneri must regroup, refocus, and rediscover the fighting spirit they once displayed. The pressure is mounting, and failure to act may leave Milan languishing in the wrong half of the Serie A table at season's end, desperately needing to restore their former glory.
With the fans’ patience wearing thin and the weight of expectations growing heavier, Milan's management faces pivotal decisions to rekindle the fire within this underperforming team. The future of AC Milan hangs on a thread, and every match from here on out holds utmost importance.