Counterattack: Is Leonardo Right For AC Milan?

Rigg: If you expect me to defend scumbags like Berlusconi or Galliani, you've got another thing coming. They're in charge of the club, and despite weak rumors a couple weeks ago of a possible sale, they're going to stick around.
Given the circumstances, Leonardo isn't the best man for the job. He, like Ciro Ferrara, is too inexperienced for a club that size. He's making rookie mistakes (how long before he decides his 4-3-3 isn't working and decides to switch from that -- after he's already switched from a 4-3-1-2 to a 4-4-2 to get there?) and isn't getting the best out of his players.
We're still seeing the sluggish Ronaldinho of last year, and Leo was supposed to be the one to whip his countryman into shape. This coaching challenge is too far beyond his capabilities right now, and a swift change will suit everyone.

Ramsey: My point here is that the coaching job is beyond ANYONE'S abilities. It seems pretty clear that Milan made a couple of huge mistakes. First, they held on to aging players and showed a ton of loyalty to the guys who had brought success to the club despite clear signs that they were past the prime of their careers. And then, as if going against the trend they started and sold Kaka. Money was clearly a problem, so offloading the Brazilian ace doesn't bother me (why would you not take all that cash?), but thinking that somehow Ronaldinho would be the savior was stupid.
They have to bring in new blood, and I think most people knew at the start of the season that no matter what formation Leonardo used he did not have the right players to fit it. It's not that the club is too big for him, it's that the expectations of the fans are too big for reality. Right now, Milan is just not at the level of the top teams in Europe, and no matter who is coaching, that fact won't change until they bring in some talent and quit letting go of young stars. Leonardo should get at least this season, with the winter transfer window, to prove that he can handle the post.

Rigg: Ah, and here's where we disagree. Milan doesn't have the players to be the best team in the world, but it's certainly up there. A coach like Leonardo risks missing out on the Champions League again.
However, there are guys out there who could handle this squad and get the best out of it. The club missed out on a good one at the start of the year in Ranieri, missed out on an even better one last year in Capello, etc.
Rikjaard is the most qualified former player (Milan traditionally likes to hire former players as coaches to keep everything in the family). Fact is, there's talent in this Milan team (the core of Nesta - Pirlo - Pato is as strong as any team's), and Leonardo isn't going to tap into it any time soon. Not this year especially, and it's unclear when he'll be ready for a challenge like Milan. It's certainly not now.

Ramsey: Nesta can't stay healthy, Pirlo has clearly lost a step, and Pato is still figuring out the game, even if he is one of the most talented young strikers in the world.
It seems clear to me that Milan lacks players who are in the prime of their careers and that they have to bring in some fresh legs in the window, but if they do that, all will be fine.

Counterattack runs every Thursday on Goal.com

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