Ruud Gullit is upset that AC Milan were unable to qualify for the Champions League, and hopes they bounce back with the right decisions.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
Milan’s 10-week collapse culminated in the final game of the season at San Siro on Sunday night when they lost to an already-safe Cagliari side, having led after less than two minutes. As it turned out a draw would have been good enough; instead they fell from third to fifth right at the final hurdle.
Big changes have already been forthcoming. Gerry Cardinale chose to sack Massimiliano Allegri, Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani in a clean sweep of the management, one that must now be rebuilt in a different direction, one that seems to be more European-led.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gullit gave his take on recent events at Milan, having seen the club fall so far from the glory days of the 1990s that he was a big part of.
Are you surprised by Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League?
“It was a huge disappointment because I really didn’t expect it. On the final matchday, a home win against Cagliari would have been enough for Milan, but instead they lost. It was disappointing for me.”
Even a coach like Allegri, who had won six Scudetti in his career, wasn’t enough…
“For a good part of the season, Milan played well, and Allegri had achieved good results. There was a decline towards the end, but they still had a chance to finish in the top four. It’s a great shame they didn’t manage it. Given their history, Milan should always play in the Champions League.”
Was it Leao’s worst season with AC Milan?
“I know him and he’s good, but I don’t know what he thinks. When you play at a certain level, to be at the top and express your qualities, you have to be physically and mentally fit. Plus, you need team-mates to help you. Leao didn’t do well with Milan, and now he’ll have the World Cup to show his potential.”
It seems Milan hope to sell him for a good price…
“During World Cup years, many deals are based on players’ performances during the World Cup. We’ll have to see what he does with Portugal, where Leao isn’t a starter. He has great potential, but it depends on him.”
Across the pond, Modric will be playing for Croatia, who you saw live in Milan-Juventus…
“Even at 40, Modric is still a champion. I was disappointed about the injury he sustained from that head clash.”
Would Modric have played for your Milan team too?
“Yes, because he has so much class and personality.”
Would you like him to stay with Milan?
“I hope so.”
Ibrahimovic is now in charge of Milan it seems…
“I spoke to him, and we had an interesting conversation. I can’t comment on him as a manager because I don’t know him well. Sunday was a difficult day for the fans. I wish Milan and all its fans the best.”
The next Champions League will have no Milan or Juventus…
“Among your big teams, only Inter had a great season and deservedly won the Scudetto. Juventus and Milan didn’t perform as well as their managers and fans expected. In football, there are so many variables, and things don’t always go as one hopes. The important thing is to start over and not forget your DNA.”
Italy, however, will not be competing in the next World Cup.
“It hurts me that your national team didn’t qualify. Italy has won the World Cup four times and has good players, but this is the third consecutive exclusion… I think you need to rediscover your DNA: Italian football has often relied on personality and careful defense.
“You won Euro 2021 thanks to Bonucci and Chiellini, but your history is full of great defenders, from Maldini and Nesta to Cannavaro, and super goalkeepers like Buffon. When you conceded few goals, you had the chance to win. Italy has conceded too many goals recently and lost qualification on penalties in Bosnia.”
Who are your favourites to win the World Cup?
“Reigning champions Argentina are always there, among the favourites. I put them alongside Spain and France, but also keep an eye on Portugal and the Netherlands.”
Have you forgotten about the Brazil team coached by your former team-mate Ancelotti?
“I’m curious to see the Brazil team, which isn’t the same as it was a few years ago because it no longer has all the top players it once had. They’ve had a few problems, but I hope Carlo does well.”