Following Milan’s unfortunate loss to Mancester United in the Champions League, there have been reports in Italy that Berlusconi is lining up a replacement for the Brazilian tactician with Marco van Basten and Marcello Lippi been hinted as possible candidates. The problem, however, is that Leonardo is not the one to blame and Berlusconi is wrong to suggest so.

In fact, under Leonardo, Milan have already exceeded many fans’ expectations heading into the season, so low were our expectations following the dramatic departure of Maldini, Kaka and Ancelotti last summer.

Given the resources at his disposal, Leonardo has actually done a great job so far. Under Leo’s guidance Milan are, if only slightly, still in touching distance of Inter and are, for the moment, still in the Champions League.

Furthermore, Leo has Milan playing some of the best football in Europe along with is due much credit for reviving the faltering career of Ronaldinho. Leo can also be credited for the ever improving performances of Antonini and Abate, the emergence of Borriello and the establishment of Thiago Silva as one of the best centre backs on the peninsula.

Leo’s work so far is highly commendable and given the disastrous way Milan started the campaign, his achievements to date are nothing short of extraordinary.

How Leo’s job can be under threat, if reports are to be believed, is frankly ridiculous. Blaming the coach is an age-old excuse for club’s directors because if it is not the coach that is the problem than it is the board of directors.

Against United, Milan showed just how far Leo has come with a squad of aging players and yesterday’s stars. In addition, the match against United also showed why Milan will continue to struggle so long as they play players like Favalli aged 38 years old.

For Milan, it is the same old story that it has been for the last few years, age. Quite simply, there are too many old legs along with a severe lack of depth. Berlusconi would do well to recognise this and perhaps make some real plans to revive the squad by bringing in some young talent, hungry hearts and future stars.