A great finish to a job well done

Milan’s convincing win over Juventus was a great way to end another disappointing season. For Leo, who now leaves Milan after 13 years of loyal service, it could not have been better.

It is rather unfortunate to see Leo move on. Though it may have been a disappointing season, both Milan and Leo have defied expectations this season.

At the start of the season, not much hope was given for a Milan side short on quality and seriously lacking in depth. When Leo was appointed coach, his first ever coaching appointment, Milan were effectively written off.

But, Leo did very well in the end. Helping Ronaldinho rediscover his magic of old, Leo engineered a Milan side that played some of the most attractive football on the continent this season. A remarkable achievement given that is was the same old Milan side from seasons prior.

Not only did Milan play some attractive football under Leo, but it proved effective too as Milan entered the last few rounds of the season with a better than good chance of winning the Scudetto.

It was not to be, however, with injuries to Pato and Nesta underming Milan’s title push as Milan’s ageing squad was left exposed once again. Leo could not do much in this event.

In the end, a third placed finish is a great achievement, all things considered. Of course, for a club like Milan, third place is not usually good enough. But, given the current state of affairs at this troubled giant of the game, a third place finish by a rookie coach is an achievement.

It was most fitting that in Leo’s last game, Ronaldinho would steal the show. Leo’s greatest achievement this season has been to motivate the former Barcelona star and help him rediscover his old magic. From the start, Leo made Ronaldinho the focal point of this Milan side and the Brazilian duly responded by leading the Milan attack with some fine performances.

Another player who greatly improved under the guidance of Leo was Luca Antonini. The Italian has enjoyed the best season of his career and has firmly established himself as Milan’s number one choice left back. An unsung hero of Milan’s campaign, it was most deserving that he would get on the scoresheet. Incredible to think that this player’s performances have not been noticed by Italian coach, Marcello Lippi.

Marco Borriello is another who has benefitted under Leo’s guidance. The Italian has under his best season for the Rossoneri and has impressed Marcello Lippi so much that he looks a good bet to make it to South Africa.

It is not only for his achievements this season that Leo will be missed but also because of his contribution to the club over the years. Leo first joined the club as a player in 1997 where he enjoyed four full seasons with the club, scoring 22 goals in 96 appearances. Leo played his last season as a footballer in 2002 when he rejoined Milan for just one season.

It was in 2008 that Leo was made technical director of Milan and his first major contribution was helping the club land the signature of rising star, Alexandre Pato. It was not the first time that Leo aided the club in the signing of a player that would become a star, for in 2003 it was a certain Kaka that Leo helped the club sign.

Needless to say, Leo has been a great asset to Milan over the years. As a coach this season, he proved so again. He may have not been greatly appreciated by his employers, however, the fans showed their great appreciation in the match against Juventus, constantly chanted his name in praise throughout.

After years of loyalty and distinguished contribution, Leo will leave Milan. For all his fine work, all that is left to say now is, “Grazie, Leo”.