Gerry Cardinale, the owner of AC Milan, has announced plans to “review” the club’s organizational structure over the summer. He recently met with head coach Massimiliano Allegri, but issued a stark warning: “Failing to qualify for the Champions League would be a failure.”
The Rossoneri’s form has faltered, with only one win in their last five Serie A games, including three losses, jeopardizing their Champions League prospects for the first time this season.
Tensions are palpable at San Siro, as Milan sits tied on 67 points with AS Roma with just two matches left.
Fan outrage directed at team management and players has prompted Cardinale to grant a rare interview with Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta.
Cardinale stated, “I typically avoid interviews, believing actions speak louder than words. However, in a moment of this gravity, I feel it’s essential to communicate a clear message.” He acknowledged Allegri and the team for their strong performance earlier in the season when they were in contention for the title, but expressed concern over their recent lackluster results.
“Having spent three decades in sports has been eye-opening, and this current situation is disheartening. Our focus now is to secure victories in our last two matches. However, this environment is challenging, filled with controversy and misinformation. I admit my disappointment,” he added.
Some reports suggest that Cardinale’s primary focus is on profitability rather than on-field success. He countered this notion, asserting, “Claiming I prioritize money over winning is foolish. My career has been marked by victory, and it’s ludicrous to suggest I’m not striving for top performance. However, results must reflect our efforts, and when we underperform, I become anxious. My role is to ensure the team has the resources needed to compete at a high level, not just in Serie A, but in Europe as well.”
“Without question, I am not satisfied with the current outcomes. Allegri and the players share this sentiment. Winning is our ultimate goal, and not clinching the title has been disappointing. Should we fail to secure a Champions League spot, it would be deemed a failure. Injuries, like that of Luka Modric, can impact our performance, but at a club like Milan, not winning feels like a setback.”
Cardinale stressed the importance of supporting the team during this difficult stretch. “As we navigate this challenging moment, I urge our supporters to rally behind the squad, particularly with only two matches left. Their passion mirrors mine, and I fully understand their frustration.” He expressed a deep sense of responsibility to address the situation, feeling personally affected by fan reactions to the team’s performance.
He emphasized that, despite investments, spending had not been strategically executed. “Since I took control of Milan, we have achieved unparalleled financial results and positive cash flow, something the club had never done before,” he claimed.
Milan is striving for a top-four finish, but Cardinale intends to evaluate the club’s structure once the season concludes. “We aim to continually enhance our organization. Thus, when performances go below expectations, reassessing is crucial, and I plan to evaluate all facets of the club this summer.” He is already contemplating potential changes and has had discussions with Allegri about various matters.
“My goal is to elevate our organization to a world-class standard. We aspire to win every year while establishing a solid foundation for sustained success. Simply spending on established players isn’t enough; both aspects must coexist. This summer, we’ll reassess our structure and identify areas to improve, as we have not met the necessary standards,” he concluded.
Cardinale admitted to making mistakes along the journey, labeling this experience as a significant challenge, but he remains determined to succeed. “One of the most profound lessons has been recognizing how unique the football culture is in Italy. The importance of sports infrastructure and modernizing Italian football cannot be overstated.” He highlighted the financial disparities that have emerged in European football, particularly the gap in television rights revenue, and emphasized that without addressing these financial challenges, progress will be limited.
Additionally, the Rossoneri aim to redevelop the San Siro area alongside Inter Milan, looking to construct a new stadium to benefit both clubs. “This initiative is not merely a real estate venture or a personal project; it’s about enhancing Milan’s financial standing to attract top-tier players. The local community deserves a state-of-the-art stadium that reflects the city’s rich sporting heritage,” Cardinale concluded.