Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara were largely sacked because of how bad the 2022 summer transfer window ended up being, a journalist has suggested.
Milan’s project has been thrust into uncertainty after the news that Maldini and Massara were dismissed from their respective roles as technical and sporting director less than 24 hours after the season ended.
It was meant to be a stable but important summer heading into a big 2023-23 season – which you can bet on with 188BET – but now there are fans rightly questioning what the plans are moving forward.
After the sudden dismissal of the two directors, MilanNews spoke to respected journalist Marco Bellinazzo of Il Sole 24 Ore regarding the decision and the reasons behind it.
How should Cardinale’s move be interpreted from an economic and financial point of view?
“I understand the sense of bewilderment of the fans, but modern football is like this. The major shareholder will have deemed the last summer transfer window unproductive and has chosen to sack the two main exponents.”
Maldini is the symbol and an icon of Milan…
“In modern football there is neither credit nor recognition. Did you win the Scudetto the year before? Good, however, we evaluate the year that has just ended. Evidently, Cardinale had other plans in mind.”
And what strategy?
“Trying to increase revenue. Milan navigates in a good financial situation. Now, perhaps, we want to get into gear, especially in terms of infrastructure…”
The Rossoneri fan is more tied to Maldini’s story than to the RedBird investment. Does Cardinale have a long-term development plan in mind or is he going for quick profit to sell as soon as possible?
“I think he has in mind a development plan based on the American model. Cardinale is very familiar with the income from sports in the United States. Much of it depends on the progress of infrastructure. I think he wants to build the new stadium as soon as possible.”
And then?
“And then he could consider passing Milan into the hands of another owner. That’s how the economy works now.”
What kind of summer window should Milan fans expect?
“I think the biggest operation has already been done with the renewal of Leao, a player who – at an international level – guarantees competitiveness and enhancement of the Milan brand. After that, I don’t think there will be major technical upheavals, young players will be bought – following a sustainable model – valued and, possibly, resold to obtain a capital gain.”
