AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis has revealed the targets that have been set for the season as he recalled the emotions of the Scudetto win in the last campaign.
Gazidis spoke during an interview he gave to reporters at the Gazzetta Sport Awards, in which the Rossoneri were awarded the title of ‘Team of the Year’, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
He began by recalling the incredible emotions of the title win last season during which Milan overcame their city rivals Inter to become Champions of Italy for a 19th time.
“It was a special season for all of us. Winning the Scudetto after 11 years is a very important emotion for the club and receiving this award is another honour,” he said.
Milan’s project has been built around young players who are given time and support to realise their potential as the development of Theo Hernandez, Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori, Sandro Tonali, Ismael Bennacer and Rafael Leao among others shows. But can it continue this way and result in another title?
“We must have this ambition: we are Milan. We always want to grow, improve every day and win again; for our fans it was a great joy. We must have this ambition.”
Gazidis was asked what the target is in the Champions League, and he made it very clear what is expected of the team with two group stage games still to come.
“Certainly qualify for the round of 16: it is necessary to win both games and this is our goal.”
Stefano Pioli has rightly been given a lot of credit for his work in giving Milan a modern identity and allowing players to shine, with Gazidis adding to the praise.
“He is a special person. He has the club’s values. He is a coach with clear ideas, he is committed to helping the young players grow. Stefano is fundamental for this Milan and for our growth.”
However, it was also due to the work of many other figures from directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara to the scouting team and even the commercial side, as they improved the accounts hugely.
“It’s a team effort, not only on the sporting side but also off the pitch; we have done a great job, which is important for today and for the future of the club.”
Finally, a word on Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “Ibrahimovic is a person with a very strong public profile, but under this mask there is a kind, intelligent person who has made this team and these young players grow.”
