INTRODUCTION
As a start to the 2020/21 season Milan take on Bologna, a team they defeated 5-1 in July but in football nothing can be taken for granted. Despite going unbeaten post lockdown and having a 10-0-2 record Milan finished 6th and 12 points off the minimum target of UEFA Champions league qualification the club had set at the start of the 2019/20 season. A bad start under the Giampaolo regime and an unkind fixture list to Pioli meant Milan had a very poor start to the campaign. This means Milan have a flying start to the campaign to ensure Milan reach the heights it targets.
A S.W.O.T analysis is a tool used by multinational corporations as a strategic planning technique to identify strength weakness, Opportunities and Threats. In this article we take a season preview through a S.W.O.T analysis to objectively assess where Milan lie and where it can improve.
STRENGTHS
- The experience of Ibrahimovic: Milan’s trump card for this season will be none other than Ibrahimovic. Performing at a high-level despite his age Ibrahimovic has been able to infuse his mentality onto his younger colleagues and has raised the bar
- The rise of Hakan and Rebic: Both player had a mini-renaissance post the turn of 2020 and has been instrumental. Their form has complemented Ibrahimovic’s rise and has been part of annihilating opponents post lockdown
- The Press: Milan’s shift to high aggressive press has been a revolution in Serie A. Kessie and Bennacer have been the main contributors to the press as milan look to win the ball back and counter instantly
WEAKNESS
- Milan’s main weakness in attack is on the right side. Samu Castillejo and Saelemaekers contributed only 4 goals and 7 assists last season which is less than the numbers other productive right wingers have been able to make hence Milan seem to actively pursue Chiesa
- In defense, there seems to be quite a few gaps between the 2nd line and last line of defense. Any team with good technical players and fast wingers can exploit these spaces and put in quick crosses. A player like Bakayoko could help neutralize this weakness
- Milan lack depth in Centre-Back. Duarte has shown he is not up to the standards of European football while Gabbia seemed shaky against Shamrock. The pursuit of Milenkovic/Ajer is a real priority for Milan
OPPURTUNITIES
- The 2 big title contenders have not pulled off any big moves as anticipated in the market before with Juventus even going through a mini-transition appointing Pirlo as their coach while Inter lost 2 transfers targets they had agreed personal terms. If Milan recruit sensibly and ease the signings Milan could upset the duopoly
- Lazio and Roma too have not made the big moves in the market due to financial constraints affected by the covid-19. Lazio brought in Muriqi and Fares while Roma brought in Kumbulla and Pedro while being in talks for Milik.
- Milan’s EL run would depend on the teams that they are drawn with in the competition. If teams with less technical ability drop from the UCL to EL knockouts then Milan can make a deep run
THREATS
- The biggest threat for Milan is injuries. Milan have so far not made a signing upfront to be a backup to Zlatan and seem to have placed faith in Colombo and Leao. A lengthy layoff for Ibrahimovic could de-rail Milan’s season
- Milan’s EL run will be threatened if they draw difficult opponents
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