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A.C. Milan Coach Max Allegri Needs To Provide Answers

Frank TiganiCorrespondent ISeptember 21, 2010

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 15:  AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri talks with Andrea Pirlo during the UEFA Champions League group G match between AC Milan and Auxerre at San Siro Stadium on September 15, 2010 in Milan, Italy.  (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Claudio Villa/Getty Images

The next week will be a testing time for new Milan coach Max Allegri as his side face three potentially difficult ties. Tomorrow they travel to Rome to take on Lazio, then will host Genoa at the weekend in another Serie A fixture before facing Ajax in the Champions League next week. Allegri knows that his side have to improve otherwise his position as manager will already be at risk.

Despite a strong opening day victory against Lecce, Milan have since struggled, looking increasingly like a team lacking in cohesion, purpose and motivation.

Milan's supposed 'Fantastic Four' have looked anything but as Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Pato have failed to gel into a cohesive attacking unit. Though it is still early, after three or so matches of playing together there has not been much evident progress.

But, it is not only up front where Milan are not clicking. The midfield has also failed to perform, with the likes of Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo looking rather sluggish. Only Kevin Prince Boateng's presence has helped Milan look more dynamic and energetic but unfortunately this has not been enough.

Not only is the team struggling to gel into anything resembling a cohesive unit, but when going forward Milan's plan is to clearly get the ball to Ronaldinho who they hope will do the rest.

This plan worked last week against Auxerre but has clearly not worked and will not work against the more organised defensive units that Milan has and will face in the Serie A, let alone the tougher competition that awaits them in the Champions League.

Apart from the tactical failings, most disconcerting of all, however, has been the overall lack of motivation displayed by Allegri's Milan.

The strong egotistic personalities of Robinho, Ronaldinho and Ibrahimovic may be difficult to manage, however, Allegri simply must make the whole team play with more commitment and motivation. No simple task, especially for a young manager like Allegri, which leaves one wondering whether Allegri is in fact the right man for the job.

As always, time will tell and the next week will shed much light on Allegri's ability to resolve Milan's current issues. Even evidence of progress will help quell the anxious hopes of the Milan faithful, however, it is results that are needed in football and Allegri knows that it is results that he must deliver.