Mark Hateley Reflects on Milan’s Struggles
Renowned former AC Milan striker Mark Hateley recently shared his insights on the current issues plaguing the Serie A giants in an exclusive interview with Get Italian Football News. The club, once a beacon of success and excellence, has faced a series of setbacks, including consecutive league losses and a recent Champions League elimination. According to Hateley, these problems can be traced back to a pivotal moment in the club’s history: the departure of Paolo Maldini.
The Turning Point: Maldini’s Exit
"I’ve known Paolo Maldini for a long time, and I think if you go back to when Paolo left the football club, you can start to see where it starts to unravel a little bit," Hateley said. Maldini, a club legend, was not only a player but also a significant figure in the club’s hierarchy. His presence brought a sense of stability, communication, and gravitas that is now sorely missed. "When Paolo was back there, the club was more of a close-knit environment," Hateley noted. "It was a pretty close-knit sort of communication. And I see them go from winning a league to Champions League semi-final, and then all of a sudden, next season was a difficult one to bounce back from that."
The Aftermath of Change
The ex-Milan star emphasized the impact of constant changes in the club’s management and the challenges they pose. "It is always difficult during the second year. And then all of a sudden, Paolo’s not at the football club now. And then you see what happens from there. I think it’s difficult when you keep changing people in the background, especially a man of his stature, his personality, his gravitas, I think you will always struggle," he added. The club’s inability to maintain a consistent leadership team has contributed to the current turmoil, affecting everything from player morale to strategic planning.
Ownership and Leadership Issues
Hateley acknowledged that he doesn’t personally know the current ownership of Milan, but he believes the issues are deeply rooted in both ownership and management. "I don’t know the ownership, I don’t know them personally, and it’s very difficult to comment on something you’re not really close into and you don’t know," he said. However, he stressed the significance of Maldini’s departure and the subsequent changes. "You cannot just put a player or a personality or a guy like Paolo away from a club that he’s been there all his life, understand everything, everything about it, what it takes to be a Milan player, how the supporters think, which is the most important thing. And he has that intelligence and humanity as well within all that."
The Need for Stability and Focus
In addressing the current problems, Hateley highlighted the importance of having the right people in the right positions to maintain focus and drive. "It’s about getting the right people in the right place to keep the people focused on the job," he emphasized. The former striker also mentioned that he still keeps in touch with people at the club and understands the broader issues at play. "There are bigger things to worry about for the Diavolo than just the manager or a certain section of players. The problems higher up just trickle down on a weekly basis," he stated.
Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
Sergio Conceicao, the current manager, faces a significant challenge in turning things around for Milan. The club’s upcoming match against Lazio, a fellow top-four contender, will be a critical test of their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. "Conceicao will look to turn things around on Sunday," Hateley noted. The future of Milan hinges on addressing these internal issues and finding a way to rebuild the club’s once formidable structure. As the club navigates these turbulent times, the legacy of figures like Paolo Maldini serves as a reminder of the importance of stability, leadership, and a deep connection to the club’s roots.
