Paolo Maldini could be the one to pay the price if Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League. The exec had bitter remarks following the elimination at the hands of Inter, inviting the ownership to invest more and hinting that the front office had different plans for the transfer market, La Repubblica relays.
The director stated that it would have been easier if they signed Paulo Dybala rather than Charles De Ketelaere last summer when La Joya was there for the taking. But RedBird Capital prefer purchasing younger players and valorizing them. Acquiring the Belgian prodigy was a shared choice, but the legend wouldn’t mind adding some veterans as well.
Maldini could ultimately fall on the sword especially because of last year’s disappointing transfer window. Besides the ex-Club Brugge star, Divock Origi, Sergino Dest, Yacine Adli, and Aster Vranckx have brought very little to the table as well.
Instead, according to Corriere della Sera, Stefano Pioli is safer than the exec. The patron is highly appreciative of his coaching style and personality. He’s under contract until 2025. The brass realized he had to manage a team with no bench.
Milan will face Sampdoria, Juventus, and Verona in the final three games. Considering a likely point deduction, the match against the Bianconeri could be the decider in the Champions League race.
Our Take on Maldini
The management surely botched last summer. That’s the risk when you put almost all your eggs in one basket. However, the entire hierarchy shares the blame for the decision to onboard De Ketelaere, plus he looked like a surefire prospect. Despite that and a subpar campaign, it shouldn’t be enough to dismiss such an influential figure.
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