5 Reasons AC Milan Are Wrong to Appoint Gennaro Gattuso as Manager

After Vincenzo Montella's position at last became untenable, and the thin ice he'd been residing on (effectively since last season) finally gave way, Milan decided to promote youth team coach Gennaro Gattuso to the hallowed threshold.

In some ways it was understandable; Gattuso has a deep-rooted history at the Club, and has impressed in his short tenure presiding over the Primavera side, propelling certain youngsters into the first team. 

Nevertheless, his appointment has come as a surprise, especially considering the calibre of coaches that had been sporadically linked with the role during Montella's demise, and Gattuso's comparatively makeshift managerial exploits.

While Gattuso may yet transcend expectations, the appointment appears questionable for a variety of reasons. 

5. Lack of Experience

Despite AC Milan becoming Gattuso's fifth role in senior management, it is only his fourth year in the profession. During this time he has been player-manager at FC Sion for a lengthy three months, followed by a similarly compressed stint as Palermo Manager, where he was sacked in the September that preceded his June appointment.

An indifferent spell as coach of OFI Crete, largely plagued by financial problems (a common theme, as it turns out) was ensued by his first genuine success; the promotion of A.C. Pisa to Serie B in his first year in charge.

All this amounts to an intriguing, largely substandard and definitely limited CV. While it is not necessarily a terrible resume, it hardly fills you with confidence, say, if you were seeking someone to salvage a desperate situation at one of the most high-profile clubs in the world...

4. Failure Could Deter Potential Successors

The issue Milan encountered when Montella's reign was dwindling, was the worrying lack of interest from the prominent and desired figures of management. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a tempestuous start to the season coupled with the possibility of potential financial ruin apparently doesn't serve as the most enticing prospect for would-be suitors.

Worse still, if Gattuso fails to resuscitate the current campaign, his successor will face an even more formidable task of galvanising an already deficient side, almost certainly depleted by an exodus of erstwhile 'talent'. Alluring stuff... 

3. Ominous History of Economic Misfortune

While the not inconceivable prospect of financial catastrophe is a topic most Rossoneri fans are reluctant to embrace, it is not beyond the realms of possibility, with the Owners' most recent business plan rejected by UEFA adding to the turmoil.

Unfortunately, the chiseled face of their new manager will do little to settle Milanese nerves, considering Gattuso's troubling fiscal history in the game.

His track record reads like a who's who of footballing bankruptcy, with three of his four managerial spells ending in financial collapse, leaving a smouldering trail of economic ruin in his wake. Does his appointment at Milan portend to it's own fall from financial grace?

2. Curtail Gattuso's Managerial Development

Undettered by his numerous failings in management, Gattuso had been showing genuine promise with Milan Primavera before he was plucked by the senior side. 

With several youth players breaking through under his watch, and the club residing in a promising third position in the Campionato Nazionale Primavera and three points off top spot, Gattuso was earning his chops at youth football. 

While many managerial greats have been sourced from junior football, you feel Gattuso's development would be ameliorated with more time at such a level, as opposed to the imposing baptism of fire that currently awaits him.

1. Gattuso's 'Disagreeable' Tendencies

Ivan was certainly a character during his playing days - his shortless celebration upon victory at the World Cup in 2006 is etched into every football fan's memory, for better or worse. 

However, there were undoubtedly times when his passion and aggression went overboard, such as the infamous touchline tussle with Joe Jordan in 2011. Whilst such a penchant for belligerence hasn't stopped similar players becoming excellent coaches, alla Diego Simeone, there have been occasions where Gattuso has crossed the line as a manager.

Actions such as publically slapping his assistant mid-game or launching into a tirade of obscenities when facing the press are unlikely to land him many fans (at board level, at least) and are not an endorsement of his leadership qualities. 

While dignity and calmness is certainly not a prerequisite for managers in modern football, such outbursts predominantly seem to have at least an element of self-awareness attached, a skill Gattuso has not yet fully demonstrated.