Italy

Calcio Debate: Should Milan And Gennaro Gattuso Part Company?

In the wake of the Italian midfielder's recent outburst, Goal.com's Subhankar Mondal asks whether Gattuso should leave Milan.

Nov 27, 2009 7:30:00 AM

Leonardo & Gattuso - Milan (Getty Images)

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Leonardo & Gattuso - Milan (Getty Images)

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Milan

Players

Gennaro Ivan Gattuso

For those who believe that football signifies a war, Gennaro Gattuso is the perfect embodiment of a warrior. The muscular body, the flying kicks, the challenges and the tackles, the serious intimidating face, the inclination to pick up a fight with the referee, the occasional red card all conveniently make him 'the terrier in the park.'

But a warrior is not ever-lasting and in any case football is not a war - it is much more than that. Eventually a day comes in the life of a warrior when he has to put his hands up and surrender and for Gattuso that fateful, inevitable and cruel time has come.

At least Leonardo thinks so. Which is why the Milan coach has persistently kept the 31-year-old out of his starting lineup of late, which in turn has infuriated the player to such a degree that he recently burst out issuing a play-me-or-I-quit notice.

The question is whether 'Ringhio' is justified in claiming a place in the team week in week out.

Factors Against Gattuso

Can You Spot The Difference?

So far this season Gattuso has started seven games for Milan in the league and none in the Champions League, never coming on as a substitute in Serie A and only once in Europe. There have been intervening injuries and a suspension of course but of the league matches in which he has featured, the Rossoneri have won just three.

Milan's revival - although this columnist wonders things might just dip towards the south again in the near future - started with their 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League and since then Gattuso has featured in only one league game. Has the former European giants' restoration of fortune been accomplished in spite of Gattuso's absence? Or has it been because of his absence?

Anyone who has followed Gattuso this season would have observed his sharp fall in form. True, the Snarler still runs and covers the midfield, terrorizes his opponents by his stares, glares and onrushes but there's something vital missing. Like the timely tackles and challenges. Or the discipline to maintain one's position and not get frustrated. Or the energy to play the entire 90 minutes without showing any sign of fatigue.

Perhaps it is a temporary blip in form that Gattuso is going through but even then one has to consider his age. At almost 32 he is not getting any younger and although you can argue that Claude Makelele remained the world's best defensive midfielder even in his mid 30s, the fact that Gattuso is actively contributing to Milan's high average age cannot be ignored. Then of course there is the small matter of the former Rangers midfielder tactically fitting into the Milan lineup.

Once Upon A Time.....

Gattuso complains that his loyalty to Milan and his performance for the club for over a decade must be rewarded, which it (morally) should. But playing for a side for over 10 years does not imply that you can play forever: nepotism is justified only to a certain extent. If you are good, you play; if you are not, you don't. Or, in this case, if Leonardo thinks that you are good, then you play; if he doesn't, then you don't.

Factors Supporting Gattuso

Yet Gattuso's side of the story cannot be ignored entirely. True, he has looked below par this campaign and is aging but he still remains a class act. Milan are reportedly seeking buyers for him at the end of the season but selling Gattuso would be a mistake especially if they fail to recruit a younger, capable replacement.

Selling the World Cup winner wouldn't yield much cash, although it would decimate Milan's salary burden. But losing Gattuso would imply the loss of a reliable clog in the midfield. Gattuso's hunger to fight till the end and squeeze every drop out of himself in every game cannot be overstated.

By selling Gattuso Milan would be selling a character - a leader in the dressing room. The club lost its legendary icon in the summer (Paolo Maldini) and leader in the attacking department (Kaka) and although Ronaldinho is gradually filling the latter's boots, there are still question marks on his consistency and rejuvenation. Gattuso gives the side more fortification against moral and inspiration decay.

Subhankar Mondal, Goal.com

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