Milan director Paolo Maldini sent clear messages to club owners after a 1-0 loss against Inter on Tuesday and according to Gazzetta his position could be under scrutiny if the Rossoneri fail to qualify for the Champions League this term.
The legendary Milan and Rossoneri defender spoke to Italian media after seeing his men knocked out of the Champions League semis at the hands of city rivals Inter.
Maldini admitted that Milan have overachieved in the Champions League this term reaching an “unexpected” target and continued by discussing the club’s transfer strategies which have been heavily criticised this season with none of the new signings capable of making the difference in 2022-23.
Maldini, Milan’s technical director, is in charge of negotiations to sign new players alongside Frederic Massara, but the duo has to deal with a tight transfer budget, which hasn’t improved after RedBird’s takeover from Elliott this past August.
“We are not yet built to handle two tournaments. We said that to the media, but also the club owners, so they know that full well,” Maldini admitted in an interview with SportMeadiaset on Tuesday
“Reaching the Champions League semi-final is something we must make the most of economically, too, so invest to finish in the top four and hope to repeat this journey again.”
So, the big question for Milan now is: how much budget will Maldini have at his disposal to strengthen the team next summer? They will be looking for a new centre forward and a new central midfielder, also considering Ismael Bennacer’s knee injury, which will force him to the sidelines for at least six months. Regardless of the money available, it seems unlikely that Milan will change their strategy in the summer, continuing to target young players who can develop through the years at the club.
“We have an idea and want to build a young and talented team. It is risky to sign young players,” Maldini told Sky Sport on Tuesday.
“Sandro [Tonali] struggled in his first season; the same happened with Charles [De Ketelaere] this year. But this is our idea of football, our idea of investment.
“It’s a shared view with the owners. If I wanted a stronger line-up I would have made different choices in the market. We have a project which we are developing together. It takes time, knowing that we are Milan.”
However, before focusing on summer transfers, Milan still have plenty to play for in Serie A, where they are currently out of the top four. A Champions League placement is a crucial target on and off the pitch and failing to achieve it, would have consequences, perhaps even involving Maldini.
Wednesday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (page 15), said the former defender would be ‘at risk’ if Milan miss out on the top four. ‘Finishing fifth would lead to evaluations regarding the technical area, the coach and the plans,’ wrote Luca Bianchin.
It’s worth highlighting that the Rossoneri could still play in the Champions League if they finish fifth in Serie A. Juventus will likely get a new point penalty before the end of the season and Maldini is aware of it: “The season is not over, as we must try to qualify in the top four in Serie A and we’ll see what happens to Juventus,” he said on Tuesday after a bitter end of Milan’s Champions League dream.
Keep it up. Milan are really building properly and constantly overachieving considering the funds aren’t exactly flowing. A Scudetto and a CL semi-final in the last 2 seasons, I would have bitten your hand off for that.
Agnelli will get away with it