In the past, AC Milan built around their stars. Now, the Rossoneri are seemingly resigned to losing their key players.
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Football, ultimately, is a game of money now. From the top to the bottom, money controls everything. However, there has to be a middle ground where a club’s ambition prevails over monetary gain. For many, this is the current situation which Milan must find themselves in with Tijjani Reijnders.
On paper, it is a simple decision. Build around the Dutchman, who has already proved so often that he can mould the future. Alternatively, restart the project without the star of the team.
In many ways, his situation is comparable to the one which saw Sandro Tonali depart. So, a second failure to retain the key would be frustrating, certainly. However, with Manchester City’s interest, it seems like it will only be a matter of time.
Today, Ruud Gullit, speaking at the Vialli and Mauro Golf Cup, admitted the same, via Milan News.
“It’s a shame that Milan has slipped so far down the table. I hope they can find a formula to climb back to the top because when you see the team, you can’t think it’s bad. The players aren’t bad, I don’t know what’s happening.”
Reijnders is being followed by Manchester City. What do you think of him?
“I’m very happy with his path. 3/4 years ago, he played with my son, and when Slot sent him to the second team, Reijnders got very angry. Now he has had a very rapid rise. He is a strong player, who knows how to score goals.
“It will be an incredible loss for Milan when he leaves. He is someone who wants to win, he is not satisfied with staying in a club that doesn’t win.”
Is Gimenez a Milan-worthy centre-forward?
“He’s a goalscorer, he’s already scored several goals in a difficult championship like Serie A. In Holland, a striker has many chances; in Italy, defenders don’t give you more than one.
Can Milan, without cups, replicate what Napoli did?
“I don’t know, we need to understand what’s happening in the club. I’m sorry that important figures, like Paolo Maldini, are no longer here. These are things that bother me. Ibrahimovic found himself playing a role he had never played before. I think he’s doing his best.”