The importance of unity during a difficult moment for AC Milan has been preached by fans and the media, but the anonymity of owner Gerry Cardinale is not helping things.
That is according to MilanNews, who write that Cardinale has barely been seen since he formally completed the takeover of the club back in August, leaving the management of the club to take care of things day to day.
However, when things are as bad as they are at the moment – four defeats in a row, no win in seven, sliding from second to sixth and out of three competitions – then there is a need for whoever is at the top of the pyramid to roll up their sleeves and give a signal.
Cardinale instead hasn’t been seen in Milan for months, due to commitments around the world or in other projects such as media companies, but the time to act is now. Neither he nor the underwriters of the Milan investment can be happy with what is happening.
While no major changes such as the sacking of the manager are expected, the absence of the main man can be counterproductive. Instead, it feels necessary to take a flight from New York to Milano and stay in the city and alongside the team for a tough next few weeks, and only then can they fully understand the state of the the situation.
It would also help Giorgio Furlani, who was named as the CEO to succeed Ivan Gazidis which is a daunting role for a man who has never held such a senior position at a football club, even if he is a boyhood Milan fan.
The risk that the ‘Pallotta effect’ could repeat itself with Milan. The former Roma president stayed almost exclusively in Boston and experienced the problems of the club from afar. Just like the Giallorossi did then, fans need signals from those in charge to suggest there is a plan, especially after a January transfer market in which not a single notable move was made.
Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara have not made sales like Napoli did to generate funds to reinvest, and they did spend more than anyone else in Italy last summer in terms of net amount, but with multiple competitions to fight in and a squad plagued by injuries an investment of €400k on a third-choice goalkeeper in January raised eyebrows.
It is for Cardinale to show his face and demonstrate that he is aware of the issues, because a possible appearance for the game against Tottenham at San Siro could end up being performative and make more negative news than anything else.
