Ambrosini discusses Scudetto race, Milan’s squad leaders and January signings | OneFootball

The former AC Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini believes Paulo Fonseca’s men are still in the Scudetto race, despite the inconsistent start to the season. However, there are a few things that need to be solved first.

Milan are currently eight points behind the league leaders Napoli and although they have a game in hand, this is far from ideal. Especially when you consider that Serie A is more competitive at the top than it has been for a long time, so the gap should arguably be smaller.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former club captain Ambrosini was asked about the situation and whether they are out of the Scudetto race or not. While he stated that they are still in it, he admitted that a completely different mentality is needed.

Victory in Madrid, like you in 2009, then a draw in Cagliari. What’s happening? Are Milan already out of the Scudetto race?

“No, I don’t think they are out. For me, they still have a chance and in fact, I see Inter, Milan, Napoli, Juve and Atalanta in the running. Let’s say that these are five teams for the four Champions League places.”

So, Milan out or Milan in, what will it depend on?

“From the predisposition to stay on top of things within the same game and for multiple games. A team always depends on the mentality, on the ability to do things together with the right intensity. If you have the predisposition to struggle and fight, you create a base that will be useful to you throughout the year.”

To do this, wouldn’t you need someone over 30 in the squad?

“No, for me the leaders are there, they need to actually show their leadership. Think about it: in the squad, there is the captain of the national team that won the Euros, the best goalkeeper in the world, one of the best left-backs, a winger with infinite potential, a certain midfielder from France.”

It’s not difficult to recognize the players: Morata, Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Leao, Fofana…

“Yes, and there’s also Pulisic, who won a Champions League final, and Reijnders, one of the most interesting midfielders in Europe. For me they’re enough, they have to be enough.”

So what should they do?

“They have to find the resources to stimulate themselves. When you play for Milan, the ambition must be to put yourself in the best possible condition. And this is done by always asking yourself ‘how can I do it?’. A Milan player does that.”

One last question from the Rossoneri. The team, despite the talk of leadership, has problems especially in defence. Can the transfer market help?

“Yes, I think we need an alternative to Fofana and let’s not forget that Loftus-Cheek is in the squad, a player I like a lot.”

Is it better to have a Milan with two or three players in the middle?

“It doesn’t change that much, let’s not forget that Pulisic is working as a right midfielder. And then in January, Bennacer will return. January is not that far away.”

Juventus are up next for the Rossoneri and a win is needed to remain in the Scudetto race. Rafael Leao has certainly been in tremendous form lately and will be looking to lead his side, with the No.10 on his back.