A Disheartening Season for AC Milan
The 2024-25 season has been a major disappointment for AC Milan, a sentiment echoed loudly by the Curva Sud, one of the club’s most passionate fan bases. In a recent statement, they announced their intention to stay away from the first 15 minutes of the Milan-Lazio match, underscoring their frustration and disillusionment. Legendary manager Arrigo Sacchi, who has always held a special place in the hearts of Milan fans, shares a similar sentiment. In an exclusive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi expressed his deep disappointment with the club’s performance and offered some critical insights on what Milan must do to turn things around.
Evaluating Conceicao’s Future
Sacchi’s perspective on the future of current manager Sérgio Conceicao is stark and clear. "I don’t think the club sees a future with him, but that’s my impression," he said, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among both fans and club officials. The season’s struggles can be traced back to a series of decisions made during the summer transfer window. Milan’s management had initially set their sights on ex-Seville manager Julen Lopetegui, a move that was met with significant backlash from the fans. Faced with fan opposition, the club pivoted to Paulo Fonseca, a decision that seemed to quell the immediate controversy but ultimately did little to improve on-field performance. The club then made a series of foreign player acquisitions, but Fonseca’s tenure was short-lived, and Conceicao was brought in to take the helm. Yet, despite signing another five players, the results remained disappointing, leading Sacchi to assert, "Milan never became a team."
The Importance of Clear Club Vision
Sacchi emphasizes that the root of Milan’s problems lies in a lack of a clear, consistent vision from the club. "To build a team, you need a club that has clear ideas, and these ideas must be transmitted to the coach who has the task of making the players understand them," he explained. This strategic misalignment has been a recurring theme throughout the season. The legendary coach provided a vivid example from his own tenure at Milan: "When Berlusconi hired me, he told me that he wanted to win and do so through spectacular play. I explained to him what I had in mind, and he supported me at every moment." Sacchi’s success was a testament to the harmony between club management and coaching staff, a synergy that has been missing this season.
Learning from the Past
Berlusconi’s commitment to Sacchi’s vision was not just a matter of words but of actions. "He had already bought Gullit and Van Basten, but I asked for three boys from Parma—Mussi, Bianchi, and Bortolazzi—and one who had spent a lot of time on the bench at Udinese, Colombo. I also wanted Ancelotti, about whom the president had doubts due to his physical problems. I told him, ‘You buy me Ancelotti, and we will win the league.’ He obliged, and I kept my word," Sacchi recounted. This anecdote highlights the importance of trust and strategic alignment between the club and its coach. It’s a lesson that the current management would do well to heed if they hope to rebuild a competitive team.
The Need for a New Sporting Director
Given the challenges ahead, Sacchi suggests that the first step in Milan’s rebuilding process should be the appointment of a new sporting director. "A new sporting director will likely arrive first, and then the new management will decide on the manager to replace Sergio Conceicao," he predicts. This move is crucial as the sporting director will play a pivotal role in setting the tone for the club’s strategy in the transfer market and ensuring that the coach has the right tools to implement his vision. The right person in this role could bridge the gap between management and the playing squad, fostering a more cohesive and effective team.
Financial Constraints and Player Movements
Rebuilding a team is not just about signing new players; it also involves making tough financial decisions. "Then, it remains to be seen what players will leave the club, as money ultimately needs to be collected from somewhere," Sacchi noted. Milan must navigate the tricky balance of selling players to raise funds while also retaining key talents. This summer, the club will need to be strategic and decisive in their player movements. Identifying which players can help revitalize the squad and which ones might be surplus to requirements will be a critical task. The process will be challenging but necessary to give the new coach and sporting director the best chance to rebuild the team and restore Milan’s competitive edge.
A Path Forward for Milan
Sacchi’s advice, drawn from his own storied career, is a call to action for Milan’s management. The club needs to establish a clear, unified vision and ensure that it is communicated and implemented effectively. The appointment of a new sporting director and the selection of a coach who can embody and execute this vision are the first steps. By learning from past successes and applying a strategic, cohesive approach, Milan can begin to heal the wounds of the past season and work towards a brighter, more successful future. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with the right decisions, the Rossoneri can once again rise to the top of Italian and European football.
