Alessandro Costacurta believes that Mike Maignan should be stripped of the captaincy, and that it should go to one of two candidates.
In recent days there has been a bit of a storm around Maignan, which began with his absence from Franco Baresi’s funeral and intensified when he requested to extend his vacation by an extra four days, a request that was approved.
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Costacurta is certainly someone who knows what it means to represent Milan at the highest level. He ranks third all-time behind the two great captains – Paolo Maldini and Baresi – in terms of appearances for the Rossoneri.
MilanPress up with him at the fifth annual ‘Ponte di Legno Culture and Sentiment Awards’ held yesterday afternoon at the Il Panoramico restaurant in Ponte di Legno. After receiving the award, the former defender addressed a few issues.
Let’s start with current events. Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot will return, in agreement with the club, four days later than planned from their holidays. What are your thoughts on the matter?
“I think there are players who need a rest after a very long and stressful season. You have to get to know the two characters well, but I’m not against this type of solution.
“I’ve had teammates who wanted to return immediately after the World Cup, the European Championship, or the final stages of something important, and others who needed more time. It’s a subjective thing.
“They probably had more time to recharge their batteries. But I think there’s time to start the season well.”
Some say the club lack a strong figure who can enforce a sense of responsibility. Is that true? Is this necessary?
“It seems like this role isn’t really there, especially compared to what happened last year. A club that gets called out ten times for being late to the pitch means there’s a club, a director, the captain – in this case, Maignan – who’s making this happen, and so it’s not a positive thing.
“This year, it seems a little early to start criticising them. Regarding the holidays, I think it’s very important to focus on the team and not on something that needs to be done.
“If the two players need a few more days, let’s give them that. Afterward, though, we’ll be there demanding things from them, but criticising them now is wrong in my opinion.”
Torriani, Comotto, and Camarda: three young Italian players on the rise. Should they keep them in the squad?
“I think they have the chance to play for this Milan club and show what they are. They’re very interesting players. Last year, I wouldn’t have traded Camarda for… I don’t even remember which strikers they signed.
“I would have kept Camarda. These are decisions you make. Last year, I think I was right. I hope all three stay this year because that way they can shine.”
In pre-season we saw Matteo Gabbia and Luka Modric with the captain’s armband in Mike Maignan’s absence. A potential audition?
“I would take it away from Maignan and give it to Gabbia and Modric. Absolutely. They are more important examples. Last year, the captain allowed the team to take criticism for their delays.
“These were really low-level situations, because I believe a team must, above all, comply with the rules. A team that arrives late ten times and is called back is not a well-led team. I don’t think Maignan is the right captain for this team.”
We don’t have a leader at Milan, that’s the problem, it appears that Gabbia is the leader when it comes to media duties but ok the pitch the armbands is handed to Mike. There is no clear leader, and that’s a massive problem.
Luka Modrić.
That’s a one season solution. And then?
Only reason am against Modric is that he might decide to hang his boot next year or 2 and so not sure the constant changing of Captains is a good thing. Gabbia, am not sure he will play enough or has the personality. We just say Captain because he is Milanista, but deep down we all know right now he doesn’t have what it takes..Maybe he can develop into it but just doesn’t look it.
Torriani – Comotto – Liberali – Camarda 🙁