Former Milan director Paolo Maldini had high praise for the Inter management, explaining how their work was crucial to their Scudetto success this season.
The Nerazzurri were a step above their counterparts in Serie A this term, taking a commanding lead in the title race early on and maintaining consistency. Their work eventually saw Scudetto competitors Juventus and Milan fall away, allowing Simone Inzaghi’s side to cruise to the title.
Whilst praise has been high for various Inter players and Inzaghi, many have also pointed to the work of Beppe Marotta, who has been considered a key architect of their success. Credit is also due to sporting director Piero Ausilio and his collaborator Dario Baccin, something Maldini highlighted.
Maldini praises Inter
Speaking to Alessandro Alciato and Lega Serie A, Maldini had high praise for the Inter management, analysing why their work was crucial to the club’s success in Serie A and path in the Champions League last term.
“It is very indicative of what happened. Inter have a sports structure that determines the future of the sports area. They were rewarded with long term contracts, there was an idea of strategy. It is no coincidence that Napoli went wrong after the goodbyes of the coach and sporting director.
“Little importance is given to group management, sometimes players are seen as machines that have to produce something, but to do that you need people to help them do it.
“Support for players I think is still something unspoken in football both in Italy and worldwide, we forget that they are young guys who need support and someone to tell them things as they are, it’s not always easy to get to talk to them.
“Can the past be scary? Sometimes yes, but the fact that you have a great past as a footballer doesn’t necessarily give you a present as a director. They are two completely different jobs, until you try you don’t know.
“When they don’t give you the chance, it’s probably because your past is cumbersome, and people know that. That’s what I’ve always said, when they called me, I said: ‘But are you sure?’ because you have to know the pros and cons. I like to play my cards open.”