The idea that AC Milan would part with Kaka is not so outrageous, writes Frank Dunne. Not just because of the $133 million porice tag, but for actual soccer reasons. Dunne posits four of them for discussion.
First, Kaka and fellow Brazilian Ronaldinho have not gelled as twin forward/midfielders behind the striker in Coach Carlo Ancelotti ‘s 4-3-2-1 formation. Second, Milan wants to bring back the 22-year-old Joann Gourcuff, on loan to Bordeaux, and play him in Kaka’s role. Third, Milan intends to extend David Beckham‘s contract through to 2010 and use him in a more advanced role. Fourth, Kaka has been replaced as the golden boy at Milan by Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato.
“Only the first theory really stands up,” says Dunne. “The mild-mannered and uncontroversial Kaka has gone public several times this season about his dissatisfaction with his duties since Ronaldinho arrived.” He interprets Kaka’s complaints as meaning that he doesn’t like to do too much pressing and tracking back to cover for the unfit Ronaldinho, and that has diminished his goalscoring opportunities. Because Ancelotti will not abandon his system, “one of the players will probably have to be sacrificed and, although Ronaldinho is two years older than Kaka, it is unlikely to be the new signing who makes way.”