Milan stars, management and Fonscea face the people’s court: What the verdict returned

SempreMilan

·18 de diciembre de 2024

Milan stars, management and Fonscea face the people’s court: What the verdict returned

One of the most striking elements of the AC Milan fan protest a few days ago took place outside the venue for the 125th birthday party.

The Curva Sud chose to make their voices heard again, after Sunday night when the stadium booed the team and chanted against the ownership and the management. They displayed a banner outside the ground, which had been prohibited by security, only fuelling the tensions.

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The organised supporters’ group gathered outside the luxurious hall where Milan legends but also current players and managers arrived for the festivities on Monday night, for the anniversary celebration which also doubled up as the Christmas party.

A few metres from the entrance they protested peacefully, but the situation allowed for something rather unique. The players arrived one by one and the Curva Sud were able to express their opinions to each player. The result: a mix of jeers, applause, chants and silence.

It must also be noted before diving into a case-by-case basis that the Curva do not represent all fans, even if they are the most vocal group. As such, you may agree or disagree with the stances taken, though it remains a useful barometer.

Stars get mixed reception

Starting with Mike Maignan, he was given a warm reception from the supporters. This is perhaps because his form has been resurgent compared to last season, and because they know he probably has the strongest character in the dressing room.

It might even be because of the positive renewal news given most major sources are stating that he will soon extend his contract by three years, showing he is committed to the cause and not listening to any outside noise.

Kicked when down

After reading the above, it is no surprise that the Curva did not exactly adopt an ‘arm around the shoulder’ approach to the players that have not hit the levels expected of them this season.

Since the beginning of October, Alvaro Morata has scored only three goals for Milan and the fans have lost patience. On Sunday night they bemoaned the two decisive misses and on Monday they also chanted ‘show some balls’, like at Leao.

The feeling is that the Spaniard has the required heart and also the experience to contribute, but he must carry the team as a leader. He is 32, has won almost everything there is to win and is coming off a career-best season with Atletico Madrid, so why isn’t it working?

Davide Calabria – the club captain – was targeted with the same words. He has spent a decent portion of the season injured but when he has played his performances have been shaky at best. In fairness to Calabria nobody can contest his attachment to the shirt given he is a boyhood fan of the club.

Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images

He cannot be in a great headspace though, after being forced to clear up rumours with a recent statement and making the headlines for ignoring Fonseca while being substituted off. All that rumbles on while his deal winds down into the final few months, with the fear now being a very sad ending to a heartfelt 17-year story.

Emerson Royal and Marco Sportiello got a negative welcome too. The Brazilian arrived in the summer amid the concerns of many supporters that he would not be an adequate right-back, something he is struggling to disprove. The Sportiello reaction was a tad more strange, given he impaled his hand in the USA and has only just recovered.

Fikayo Tomori was also told to ‘show some balls’, continuing a rough recent period for him. The Englishman is not among the first names in the hierarchy any more but he was a key part in the Scudetti-winning season, has worn the captain’s armband and is in his fifth season at the club.

Perhaps the Curva were venting their frustration at his decline in form and the fact that he was suspended in the Champions League for a yellow card received while warming up. Either way, it feels like a chapter closer to the end than the start.

The standard-setters

Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders arrived and the fans had nothing bad to say, nor should they have. The commitment of the midfield duo is not up for discussion, nor their performance levels, so on Monday night they were applauded.

The real issue – and no doubt this contributes to the hostility aimed at the directors – is that they are being run into the ground. There is no natural deputy to either in the squad so they are each having to start every game, something that must be addressed in January.

What was striking when Francesco Camarda walked along the red carpet was the Curva’s chants of ‘We want 11 Camardas’, which he heard and thanked by clapping those who he has no doubt stood alongside with his father in the second tier at San Siro.

Amid the reports that he is expected to get his second Serie A start against Verona, what the ultras were making abundantly clear is how much they value effort. An image sticks out: against Genoa, having come off the bench, the 16-year-old chased what seemed like a lost cause of a ball to the byline and hooked in a cross. With that effort from all 11 players, you can go further.

Christian Pulisic was another player to be warmly greeted by those who gathered. There is no discussion about the American: after a fantastic debut campaign last season, he is once again passing the test with flying colours when it comes to being ‘worthy of Milan’.

👏 Applause from the Curva Sud as @Pulisic arrived at the 125th anniversary party
– lunes, 16 de diciembre de 2024

The sound of silence

Strahinja Pavlovic, Yunus Musah, and Ismael Bennacer were met with silence. It may seem strange given that each of them have not exactly contributed a net positive this season (and thus the response might default to negative), but it is also a sign of patience.

Pavlovic hasn’t been here long, has shown plenty of heart and fight when called upon but has also been reckless, so the jury is out. Musah is the same in many ways, though there is some sympathy for the fact he has been played in so many positions. Bennacer has been absent for a long time and booing him would be like heckling a hospital patient.

We have saved the most indicative reaction of all until last: the Curva Sud remained silent when Paulo Fonseca rocked up. It’s not a sign of indifference though as it might suggest, but rather a balance of the good and bad.

What are the positives? Well, the Curva – as a group who wear their hearts on their sleeve – see a bit of themselves, their own thoughts and feelings in Fonseca. He has openly criticised a lack of effort from the team, he has benched the same stars that they jeered on the night because they were not pulling their weight.