Tuttosport: Milan feeling the benefits of Gazidis’ backwards step and abandoned revolution

By Oliver Fisher -

Everyone is enjoying the current moment that AC Milan are experiencing, but it is easy to forget that it could have been a lot different.

As Tuttosport notes (via MilanLive), when the Rossoneri beat Sassuolo away on July 21st, some crucial news for the team’s future filtered through during the game. After months of speculation that there would be another coaching change in the summer, it was announced that Pioli would in fact sign a new deal and remain manager.

The surprise decision was made by Ivan Gazidis. The CEO pushed for yet another summer revolution as Pioli was simply considered an interim head coach and Ralf Rangnick was seen as the man to take the club forward.

Gazidis wanted Rangnick is he is a 360° figure who would have given Milan a different imprint based around young players, taking the roles as head coach and as technical director.

It would have also meant that key players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic would have likely left, and in the end Gazidis’ backward step could be seen as a masterstroke. He instead chose to trust the project being carried out by Pioli, Maldini and Massara, acknowledging that changing everything could be counter-productive.

It is a choice that means Milan are first in the standings with maximum points, having gained access to the group stage of the Europa League.

Tags AC Milan Ivan Gazidis Stefano Pioli
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