Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has shed a bit more light on some of the confusion that reigned during the January window at AC Milan.
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Milan were one of the first clubs to get a deal over the line in the most recent winter mercato, as Niclas Füllkrug arrived on loan with an option to buy from West Ham United. His impact so far has been limited, with just one goal to his name.
Towards the end of the window, the Rossoneri were very close to getting a deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta over the line. However, in the end the Frenchman did not pass his medical because of concerns over the condition of his knee, forcing Milan to pull the plug.
‘Where the friction arose’
Di Marzio spoke on Sky and he gave an update on the future of Igli Tare, also revealing the background on what happened in the window involving Füllkrug and Mateta.
“They took over a team that was left out of everything last year, and now they’re one step away from qualifying for the Champions League, which has always been AC Milan’s big goal this season,” he said (via MilanNews).
“The fact that some matches weren’t played well is certainly something that can be improved on the coaching side. As for the sporting director, however, I believe Tare has achieved the objectives he was asked to achieve, namely the Champions League and making some important sales.
“Some signings have been questioned, but he’s calm: Nkunku, in terms of goals scored per minute played, is one of the best. The Frenchman has never backed down when there were responsibilities to take, like the penalty he took in Genoa.
“Jashari was injured for a long time, he cost as much as De Ketelaere, but be careful about dismissing him because we saw what CDK did. Athekame scored in Genoa. In Italy, we often quickly dismiss signings. Then all sporting directors make mistakes.
“In January, Tare was told there was no money, so he went to get Fullkrug on loan. Then, at the end of the transfer window, €35m suddenly appeared for Mateta.
“Evidently, the club decided to make other deals without consulting the sporting director and the coach. And that’s where the friction between the parties arose, as well as the doubts about the future.”