Paolo Maldini wasn’t axed only because his ideas and strategy didn’t coincide with those of the ownership but also because he clashed with Stefano Pioli.

Maldini Also Paid the Price Due to Frictions with Pioli

Paolo Maldini wasn’t axed only because his ideas and strategy didn’t coincide with those of the ownership but because he clashed with Stefano Pioli too. The higher-ups decided to side with the coach. He will have more power after the shake-up. The Rossoneri managed to keep the disagreements under wraps.
The stunning developments at Milan will have immediate effects on a few negotiations and their transfer market plans, but not on their dugout.

How the Milan Strategy Will Change After Recent Events

The stunning developments at Milan will have immediate effects on a few negotiations and the transfer market plans, but not on their dugout. Stefano Pioli was blindsided by Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara’s ousting. The ownership signaled their its in him, and he'll remain the coach.