Everybody knew that Ante Rebic’s time at AC Milan would eventually come to an end, but nobody wanted nor expected it to end quite like this.
MilanNews writes how one common theme throughout a season full of ups and downs has been that the reserve options have disappointed, with Rebic among them but not the only one guilty of failing to deliver.
Stefano Pioli spoke honestly about the issue after the win against Juventus, but still defended all the young players who arrived during the last summer transfer window.
“It was easier to play at Milan last year than this year. The responsibilities belong to everyone, you need patience even if I understand that there isn’t any,” he said.
“If you bet on young players you have to wait: it’s pointless that I always give the examples of Leao and Tonali. I think the club must take its idea forward, it’s a virtuous club.”
Rebic is exempt from the defence of being a player needing time to adapt. After his arrival in summer 2019 and initial difficulties, the Croatian winger managed two consecutive seasons in which got double digits goals in the league, which is absolutely not a given for player who is not a guaranteed starter.
However, his decline since the start of last season has been frightening and worrying. Firstly he has regressed from a physical point of view with many injuries disrupting his ability to contribute.
Secondly his performance levels have dropped off with a brace on the opening day against Udinese followed up by just one goal in the next 30 games.
Finally his professionalism seems to have waned as well. His exclusion against Juventus on Sunday came from the fact the former Frankfurt man showed behaviour and an attitude that Pioli and all the staff did not like at all.
His adventure with the Rossoneri has come to an end as Milan have decided to put him up for sale. A solution will have to be found in the summer for the good of all the parties involved. Rebic needs a new start, while Milan could do with saving his €3.5m net per season salary.
