Costacurta challenges Gazidis regarding Milan roles; lists conditions for Donnarumma sale

By Oliver Fisher -

Former AC Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta has given his opinion on a number of contentious issues at the club currently, including the arrival of Ralf Rangnick and the role of Ivan Gazidis.

There is no doubt regarding Costacurta’s status as an icon of Milan. He made 663 total appearances for Milan and was present during the club’s most successful era.

There were even rumours last summer that ‘Billy’ could even join up with former team-mates Paolo Maldini and Boban as part of the new-look setup, but nothing ever came of it.

However, things look set to change drastically again this summer, with rumours that the Rossoneri could entrust Ralf Rangnick with a role as sporting director and head coach.

Costacurta spoke to Quotidiano.net about Milan and their choices for the future, and his words were transcribed by MilanNews.

He began by discussing whether Rangnick could fail like other foreign coaches have at Milan, such as Tabarez and Terim.

“They arrived in particular historical moments, of generational change. In fact they then demonstrated their value, especially Tabarez,” he said.

“I agree with Ancelotti: the problem is if the coaches are good, not if they are foreign. Then I think Gazidis is not the latest arrival, I have respect for what he has done.

“The point is another: how much space would Rangnick have and how much Maldini? Paolo can have his say, in this year and a half he has grown a lot. But the company must clarify the roles.

He also discussed the Gianluigi Donnarumma situation, who reports claim could be sold if a renewal agreement is not found ahead of next season.

“Different discussion from Lautaro [of Inter]. Milan have a strong club, but a different policy, the project is behind the Nerazzurri. If the departure of Gigio can bring 3 excellent players, then I say: sell him willingly.

“Ibrahimovic? He is a very important player that the Rossoneri would do well to keep, but he is not essential. Milan needs clearer ideas and players involved in the project.

“Too often this year I have heard the managers defend the team because ‘they are young, San Siro is scary’. It is stupid, age cannot be an excuse. Bennacer, Theo Hernandez, Rebic are young, but they have character. Players with personality are needed. In my first derby I wasn’t scared.”

Tags AC Milan alessandro costacurta Ivan Gazidis Ralf Rangnick
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