Can the Dutchman make a success of first foray into coaching?
After calling time on a glittering playing career, AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf confirmed in a press conference on Tuesday that he would be returning to Italy as a coach after being chosen to replace Massimiliano Allegri.
Despite having no previous coaching experience, Silvio Berlusconi has long admired the former midfielder, and will now essentially hope that he can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello who were similarly handed an opportunity to shine with the Rossoneri.
While time will only tell whether or not this was the right job for the 37-year-old to take, he has received backing from former team-mates and coaches alike since the news was broken, with Carlo Ancelotti in particular supporting the decision.
The Italian tactician spent several years coaching Seedorf in Milan, and believes that he makes up for his lack of experience with his strong personality and tactical mind that he displayed during his playing days.
The Dutchman has regularly featured as a television pundit at major international tournaments, and it is evident that he has his own style and ideas already in place which he will now likely implement at Milan.
While the Rossoneri were initially expected to wait until the summer to make the appointment, the decision was made following the loss to Sassuolo on Sunday that an immediate change was required.
That in turn gives Seedorf four months to settle in with little expectation, although both the Coppa Italia and the Champions League remain firm objectives if Milan wish to secure European football next season.
Nevertheless, there are a number of questions that still require answers in terms of Seedorf’s ability to develop this squad and lead them towards a new cycle of success.
Will he be able to handle the difficult personalities in the squad? Does he have the ability to outwit his rival coaches, particularly in Europe where the standard is even higher?
With no previous track record to help make a judgement, Milan supporters now face an anxious wait to see whether or not this was the right appointment.
The Curva Sud objected to the decision as early as last year when speculation first emerged, but that will mean little to the club now as Seedorf is expected to arrive in Milan on Wednesday evening where he will eventually hold a press conference.
Rumours suggest that the likes of Jaap Stam and Hernan Crespo will form part of his coaching staff, and while it all sounds quite exciting, ultimately Seedorf must get Milan playing attractive football again and simultaneously ensure that they pick up the right results.
COMMENTS