![]() ![]() Since the start of 2022, Maldini and Massara successfully negotiated the contract extensions of Theo Hernandez, Matteo Gabbia, Tommaso Pobega, Fikayo Tomori, Rade Krunic, Sandro Tonali, Pierre Kalulu, Ismael Bennacer, Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao, plus head coach Stefano Pioli. What is worth mentioning is that Maldini made these signings with help (the scouting of Geoffrey Moncada above all) but also with some handcuffs, given the dire economic situation the club were in when he took the helm.ĭuring his time as technical director, the Rossoneri’s revenues began to grow more and more within a virtuous and sustainable path, and consequently moves were made to keep the core pieces for the future together. Then of course there is Rafael Leao, who has grown from being a raw talent when arriving from Lille to become last season’s Serie A MVP and without doubt the most valuable asset in the squad at present. Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer have become the midfield pairing of the future with Rade Krunic showing himself to be a reliable reserve, while the likes of Alexis Saelemaekers and Brahim Diaz even gave more in contribution than what the costs of their respective deals suggested they would. ![]() Ranking each success and failure is something that deserves its own deep-dive, but it does feel important to highlight the merits and drawbacks of his work.įor starters, nobody can argue with the fact that the core of the side was put in place on Maldini and Massara’s watch, starting with Mike Maignan, Malick Thiaw, Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu and Theo Hernandez in the rearguard. Body of workīefore discussing the circumstances that led to this point more specifically, it would be amiss of us not to highlight the work that was done and not done by Maldini during his four-year tenure as the technical director of the club.įrom the summer of 2019 when he officially became the man calling the shots, 34 signings were made and you can read the full list in chronological order here. Through a statement on their official website earlier today, Milan confirmed Maldini’s departure and one is expected to follow for Massara too, meaning the club are now without a technical director and a sporting director. ![]() That frank discussion happened alright, and it resulted in what can only be described cataclysmic change in direction. The vision was that Pioli would highlight the holes in his squad and the types of players that will be most compatible with his system, the parameters in which to operate (transfer and wage budget, mainly) would be affirmed by Cardinale, then Moncada, Maldini and Massara can get to work identifying the right profiles. One of the themes touched upon was the need for a very frank discussion between owner Gerry Cardinale, CEO Giorgio Furlani, the directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, chief scout Geoffrey Moncada and the head coach Stefano Pioli. Sometimes features age very badly, which is part and parcel of being a journalist of course, but it is worth recapping what was written back on May 25 and having either a chuckle or a wince, whatever comes more naturally.Īround a fortnight ago I wrote about how stability could be Milan’s biggest weapon heading into next season given that the club seemed to have a solid management in place, with obvious gaps to address but with some order and continuity to everything. ![]()
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