Ex-Milan director Ariedo Braida suggests the current Rossoneri ‘lack something’, but that they should follow Pippo Inzaghi’s lead.
Braida worked closely with Milan from 1981 to 2013 before leaving at the beginning of the Barbara Berlusconi era.
Witness to some of the most successful Milan squads of the past, the former-Rossonero understands the difference between the current team and the ones he helped to create.
“Clearly times have changed,” Braida has said this week in an interview with SportItalia.
Ex-Milan director Ariedo Braida suggests the current Rossoneri ‘lack something’, but that they should follow Pippo Inzaghi’s lead.
Braida worked closely with Milan from 1981 to 2013 before leaving at the beginning of the Barbara Berlusconi era.
Witness to some of the most successful Milan squads of the past, the former-Rossonero understands the difference between the current team and the ones he helped to create.
“Clearly times have changed,” Braida has said this week in an interview with SportItalia.
“It is no longer possible to invest what was invested in the past.
“I think they should follow the lead that is being set by Inzaghi. He may not be very experienced, but he knows everything about Milan very well and he is well-loved by the people.
“There are all the premises to do well, though of course some technical solutions must be found, as well as players that can raise the level of the team.
“At this moment Milan are short of something, unfortunately they play with [Jeremy] Menez who is not a striker and the absence of a great No 9 is sorely felt.
“I pass no judgement on [Fernando] Torres, I wasn't there when that operation was made and I don't want to talk about it.
“The team must strengthen itself in the midfield and in defence too.”
Asked whether there was any Milan player in the current team that would be able to play in his old Milan, Braida seemed sceptical.
“There are some good players today, but those of the past Milan were all of a distinctly superior level.”
On the subject of Inzaghi again, the Rossoneri veteran reiterated that he needs experience.
“You become a professor, you're not born into the role. It takes experience, only in rare circumstances is it possible to invent something.”
Braida also had much to say about the current crop of players in Milan compared to those in the past.
“[Paolo] Maldini debuted at the age of 16 and was a champion from the word go. For Mattia De Sciglio it is not the same. He's an extraordinary lad, but he's no Maldini.
“[Stephan] El Shaarawy is a player with highs and lows, often we who work in football end up overestimating our players. He proved that he's a good player, but over time he did not confirm what he had shown.”
Finally, Braida closed with some words on Mario Balotelli.
“Sometimes he is given responsibilities that are greater than those he should have.
“There are situations that are psychological, not technical, which prevent him from expressing what he has.
“Potentially, he's a champion.”