Marco van Basten fears for former club

Marco van Basten fears for former club

Marco van Basten predicts AC Milan will face an arduous season after failing to strengthen their team with big signings this summer.

The Rossoneri made just four additions in the transfer market in pre-season with the arrivals of Thiago Silva from Fluminense, Oguchi Onyewu from Standard Liege, Flavio Roma from Monaco and Klaas Jan Huntelaar from Real Madrid.

"I must admit I was surprised by (AC Milan owner Silvio) Berlusconi's (transfer) policy," said Van Basten to Corriere dello Sport.

The former AC Milan great played an exhibition game for charity on Monday night at the San Siro as former Rossoneri players beat Real Madrid veterans 2-0.

Milan fans have been left disappointed with the lack of reinforcements the team has made this summer.

The departure of long-time coach Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea at the end of last season and the sale of star player Kaka to Real Madrid was a further blow for the Rossoneri faithful.

"I remember that Milan ruled the market 20 years ago," said Van Basten. "The truth is that if you don't buy, improving the squad becomes difficult.

"If the club does not go back to spending, it's difficult to remain competitive.

"Juventus and Inter Milan have spent much more in the market than AC Milan."

Under new coach Leonardo, Milan won their opening Serie A game 2-1 at Siena but were humiliated 4-0 by city neighbours Inter Milan in the last round.

Van Basten believes Leonardo should not be blamed for the Rossoneri's failure to win titles this campaign.

"I don't know what will happen in the future," said the former Ajax coach. "But, if Leonardo does not win, it will not be his fault."