Desailly blast for Milan and Joao Felix: ‘Lack mental strength ‘

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 27: Joao Felix of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between Bologna and AC Milan at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 27, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Marcel Desailly hits out at Milan for their ‘mix of many different problems,’ including the fact Chelsea loanee Joao Felix ‘lacks character and mental strength.’

The Rossoneri are languishing in ninth place in Serie A and it will take something remarkable for them to get back into the hunt for a Champions League spot.

They sacked Paulo Fonseca in December, but things have barely improved under Sergio Conceicao, aside from that surprise Supercoppa Italiana victory.

“I am disappointed, as Milan are today a mix of many different problems,” Desailly told Sky Sport Italia.

“The season started badly, then there was a moment where they thought it was turning around, but everyone quickly realised this team lacks the leadership to be competitive. All the sides ahead of them in the Serie A table have a very clear philosophy.

“Just look at Inter, who for years have assimilated the 3-5-2 system and now play by heart. I don’t think Milan have less individual talent than Inter, but they lack chemistry.

“Sergio Conceicao’s arrival didn’t change much, as the Supercoppa win created expectations that were not fulfilled. I really thought he might be the right person to get the best out of the talent within the squad, but that wasn’t the case.”

Desailly identifies core problem at Milan

Milan legend Desailly feels that the basic problem at the club is that there is no grand plan, so inevitably the side lacks unity or a clear identity.

“I don’t think it’s an individual problem, because Milan have many good players who unfortunately just don’t complete each other.

“You see Rafael Leao, Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, Tijjani Reijnders. All have quality, but no real leader, nobody who stands out. This is what Milan need.”

They tried to revamp the squad in the January transfer window by bringing in Joao Felix on loan from Chelsea, but after a bright start, he too got sucked into the black hole of Milan confusion.

“Joao Felix is a player with great talent, but he has still not found his place,” added Desailly.

“He’s been at Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, now Milan, without making any real impact. At this moment of his career, he needs a club with a clear philosophy that can build its project around him, put him at ease to express his potential that we still haven’t really seen. I would suggest Paris Saint-Germain.

“What Joao Felix lacks is not technique, but character. He is not a leader. At this moment, he is not what Milan need, because he lacks the mental strength to revive the Rossoneri. And vice versa.”