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| | Wednesday 2 April, 2008 | | Blog: The Pirlo Problem | | Andrea Pirlo is the only irreplaceable figure for Milan. In this poor period of form, Susy Campanale insists that's not a compliment |  |  | | He is regularly hailed as one of the greatest midfielders in the world, his vision sublime and his free-kicks laser-guided. Andrea Pirlo has made the role in front of the defence his own and over the past seven seasons has been at the heart of Milan's success in the Champions League, Serie A and Club World Cup. It was always said by Coach Carlo Ancelotti, teammates and pundits alike that he was truly irreplaceable. Unfortunately, that seems to be absolutely true.
There are many reasons for the Rossoneri's disastrous run of results, from a slow defence to an ineffective strike force, but perhaps the biggest loss has been Pirlo. He's still playing, because he has to, but he's in no fit condition to give the team anything right now.
In the 2-1 loss to Atalanta I'm not sure he got more than a couple of passes to their intended destination. Even his free-kicks have been abysmal of late and it's a trend going back at least to the Champions League ties with Arsenal. The effect on his confidence was made evident when his stoppage-time penalty was saved this Sunday.
What has happened to Pirlo? It's possible he is tired, as he seems to be the only player – even more so than Kaka – who cannot afford to be rested. Milan are lost without him, finding no link between midfield and attack, no coverage for the defence and absolutely no ability to dictate the tempo.
If anyone doubted how important he is for this team, then they only need watch the Diavolo struggle to break down a defence this season. The transfer market priority was meant to be someone who could fill in for Pirlo, but Yoann Gourcuff and Emerson just don't fit the bill.
Milan's run for fourth place is at risk, but Pirlo is also going into Euro 2008 in this shape. He was key to the World Cup triumph in Germany and had the 4-4-1-1 system still been employed this would have been a total disaster. Roberto Donadoni employs different tactics that can do without him, but it is still always better to have Pirlo at your disposal in a major international tournament.
Then again, perhaps it is best he does sit on the sidelines during much of the summer, as with the way Milan are constructed that's the only way he'll get any rest.
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Andrea is really the soul of Carlo's playing system. Milan's entire playing style depends on him, that is huge pressure. For over five years he was constantly used for every kind of game. He is just mentally tired. People, no-one can be a genius for so long. Even Picasso and Michelangelo needed rest. Pirlo just needs a good long rest, I hope that he will hang up his international boots after Euro 2008 like Nesta, I hope that Ambro and Gattuso will follow him. Milan’s midfield is damaged. There is no speed, aggression and determination anymore. It’s a mental problem not physical one. The big Milan mistake is that they don’t have an alternative style when Andrea is not on the field.
Ivan Milicevic
I agree with many of Susy Campanale's sentiments, but I think the problem at Milan is the reliance on players such as Kaka and Andrea (who in my opinion is the best Italian player on the planet) and the club has just been too happy to rest on its laurels and not impact the transfer market. Milan need virtually a whole new defence and attack, but the midfield would not be too much of a problem if all other areas were strengthened with the world class talent that should be attracted to the greatest club in the world. The fact that they have won so much has been wonderful, but also their downfall as the President has put the blinkers on to what was needed to remain at the highest level, both in Serie A and Europe. Also, why the Shevchenko saga? Let the past remain the past and move forward.
The Unofficial Andrea Pirlo Fan Club (Kevin Wilson)
Spot on from Susy, he's tired physically and mentally. The Atalanta game was the most shocking so far, he looked so despondent from the opening minute, almost as if he'd accepted already he was going to have a bad game. He needs resting and preferably before the Euros, from a Milan perspective not acceptable, but Italy will need him. What really frustrates me is that you can blame this whole ugly situation on the ridiculous signings Milan have made recently. Gourcuff has never been the new Zidane and why sign Emerson? Old, past his best and not able to provide the kind of cover they need. Imagine how different this season could have been if they had actually made a half decent signing?
Charlie Di Placido
I agree with Susy's assessment of Andrea Pirlo. Without a doubt, Pirlo (and the rest of Milan for that matter) looked tired this season and both Milan and Italy will struggle without a fit Pirlo. Gourcuff and Emerson are not able to fill his boots when he goes off the pitch and with the 4th place Champions League berth on the line, Milan cannot afford to rest him. Luca Cigarini has been hailed as the "new Pirlo" and would make an excellent signing for next season.
Madigian
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