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Clarence Seedorf; Brilliant player. Manager?

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Rossoneri legend Clarence Seedorf recently returned to the club for a second spell after his initial 10 year duration. This time though, he returns in the capacity of a boss. Following a disastrous season (By the standards set by Milan in previous seasons), 2nd year running, the club saw the departure of 2010-11 season title winning manager Max Allegri. The club seemed to be in a state of turmoil.

 The sacking of Allegri meant Seedorf's retirement as a player of Brazilian side Botafogo. A daunting task awaited an inexperienced Seedorf (in managerial terms at least) as he now, at the helm of the club prepared to rebuild the Rossoneri from their shambolic recent run of results and tried to salvage something from the season.

 It had not been a happy time for former Milan players in the managerial role, as Clarence's teammate Gennaro Gattuso found out after taking over Palermo and being sacked immediately. For Seedorf, it posed an even bigger challenge to fulfill the dreams and the potential of a club as big in stature as AC Milan. Not helping his cause, was Milan's activity in the transfer market. Even though Keisuke Honda and Adel Taarabt might provide a much needed spark in the attacking third and Michael Essien and Adil Rami providing certainty to their defense, they are, as one might call them, "Bang average" players (At least by the Milanese standards).

 Despite the odds against him, the Dutchman seemed confident in his appointment as the new Milan boss. Having stated the fans should expect a drastic change and that they would enjoy watching their beloved once again, he certainly seemed to be oozing with confidence.

 Seedorf's first game in charge, 19th January against high flying Hellas Verona provided him with a perfect start to his managerial career as Mario Balotelli's late goal meant AC Milan came through with all 3 points. Milan managed to beat Cagliari too, under their new boss. Even though Milan managed to win these games, the new gaffer's naivety and inexperience in his new position from the sidelines was evident. Despite their impressive attacking play, Milan's game, was way too open. They seemed very susceptible to a counter attack every time they lost possession in the final third.

 Milan's next match, at home against Torino, saw them chasing the game through an early Ciro Immobile goal. Their new signing in Adil Rami though, managed to pull them back on level terms, just after the second half began, but weren't able to find the all-important 2nd goal to ensure 3 points.

 Their next game in Naples, against Rafa Benitez' Napoli would be Seedorf's first real test. Milan got to a flying start as Adel Taarabt's 8th minute goal gave them the lead. But, Seedorf's inexperience, evident once again, as Napoli outplayed Milan. They managed to win 3-1 and it seems harder and harder for Milan to get a respectable outcome from this season. Silvio Berlusconi's frustration with Seedorf's tactics that put too much pressure on the back 4 wasn't without reason. Milan were getting caught out on the break way too often. 

 The appointment of Seedorf was always going to be risky business. It is now up to the fans and everyone associated with Milan to get behind the Dutchman and hope for the best. Hope for the Rossoneri to get past this recent nightmare.

Author:
Kartik Reddy
Twitter: @FeXperimen


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Comments

  1. santshaliMonday, February 17, 2014 7:33:00 am

    Good

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousThursday, February 20, 2014 3:21:00 pm

    Interesting analysis. I hope he can bring us back to our glory days!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rrichie AnthonyTuesday, February 25, 2014 7:25:00 pm

    I was quite surprised to see Milan posting more draws than wins on the table!!! Now I know y !
    Hope balotelli helps them strike back.. (y) :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. rrichie anthonyWednesday, February 26, 2014 11:12:00 pm

    I was quite surprised to see Milan posting more draws than wins on the table!!! Now I know y ! 
    Hope balotelli helps them strike back.. (y) :)

    ReplyDelete

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