A Season of Disappointment for AC Milan
After a disappointing season for AC Milan, where the first team’s decline was palpable, fans and management alike had pinned their hopes on the club’s youth academy, the Milan Futuro. However, this season has been a tale of woe that has left many questioning the future of the project. Milan finds itself in a precarious position, a far cry from the days when the Rossoneri were a dominant force in European football. The youth team’s struggles are not just a setback but a stark reminder of the club’s broader issues, making the situation even more frustrating and toxic.
The Current State of Milan Futuro
Milan Futuro’s performance this season has been nothing short of a disaster. The youth team, which was envisioned as a breeding ground for future stars, has instead faltered at every turn. After losing their last three games, including a recent defeat against Legnago, a team that was already down one man by the end of the first half, the club is facing a crisis of confidence. The project, which was meant to be a beacon of hope, has instead become a symbol of the club’s decline. The failure to produce players of the caliber expected has led to a mounting sense of disappointment and urgency for change.
Pietro Mazzara’s Blunt Assessment
Pietro Mazzara, a respected figure in Italian football, has not minced his words when discussing the state of Milan Futuro. In an interview with Milan News, Mazzara was straightforward and unapologetic in his critique. "Massimo Oddo and Mauro Tassotti are two true Milanisti and have taken to heart the situation of Milan Futuro, who lost yesterday against Legnago, who were one man down at the end of the first half. But it is the whole project of the Rossoneri’s second team that, if it remains in Serie C, will have to be razed to the ground again," he stated. Mazzara’s comments reflect a deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs and a call for radical change.
The Need for Structural Overhaul
According to Mazzara, the problems with Milan Futuro extend beyond just poor performance on the pitch. The project requires a complete overhaul, starting with the structure and leadership. "First and foremost, a structure will be needed that knows the league, the players, and the dynamics, so not a novice to the role like Kirovski, but a director who knows how to handle the material," he emphasized. The current leadership, he argues, lacks the necessary experience and insight to steer the team towards success. Additionally, Mazzara pointed out that the project has already exceeded its budget for the season by more than 2 million euros, indicating serious financial mismanagement.
The Importance of a Clear Strategy
One of the key issues Mazzara identified is the lack of a clear and consistent strategy for player development. "Then a clear strategy will be needed: the Milan Futuro players must stay with Milan Futuro. They must grow, but within the everyday reality of a Serie C reality and not do as they did this season, where several players were taken away from Milan Futuro from the evening for the morning or were sent down from the first team in the same way," he explained. This inconsistency in player management has disrupted the team’s cohesion and hindered the development of young talents. Mazzara believes that a more stable and focused approach is essential to nurturing the next generation of Milan players.
Learning from Success Stories
Mazzara also emphasized the importance of learning from successful models, such as Juventus’ Next Gen project. "No one had to invent anything, it was enough to copy what Juventus did with the Next Gen and not expect first-team players in a few months (Alex Jimenez is the exception, not the rule)," he noted. Juventus’ approach to youth development has been widely praised, and Mazzara suggests that Milan should adopt a similar model. By focusing on long-term development and providing a structured pathway for young players, Milan could rejuvenate its squad and regain its competitive edge. The lessons from Juventus’ success are clear: a well-structured and well-executed youth academy is crucial for the future of the club.
