‘No history, vision, competence and style’ – Sacchi highly critical of Milan’s leadership | OneFootball

Arrigo Sacchi believes that the current leadership at AC Milan are lacking in various qualities that are crucial to bring success.

Milan’s 2024-25 season has been a negative one when it comes to the two main metrics: Serie A and the Champions League. The Rossoneri sit ninth in the league table and were forced into a coaching change in December, while they were knocked out of Europe by Feyenoord.

That has led to reports from virtually every major source – as well as from ourselves – that some big alterations are expected. A new sporting director should arrive to oversee a revolution of sorts, and another change in manager is expected.

Sacchi has been one of the most vocal critics of the current hierarchy. He gave an interview to CalcioBox in which he spoke about his former club Milan as well as the fierce race for the Champions League and the Coppa Italia final. MilanNews relayed his comments.

The current situation of Milan does not seem to be the best. In your opinion, what should the club do next season to bring Milan back to its former glory?

“Look, when you start with a club [management] that has no history, vision, competence and style, it is very likely that problems will arise. These aspects come before the team. The club is the base. If these elements are missing, then difficulties are inevitable.”

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So is it more of a structural problem of the club than of the coach?

“Exactly. A good club builds a good team, not the other way around.”

Let’s move on to the Champions League race. It’s one of the most hotly contested in recent years: Roma, Lazio, Bologna… In your opinion, who can go all the way?

“Football was invented by the English. They understood that two things were needed: a game and intelligent players. In Italy, for too long, we focused on the defensive phase, on catenaccio. But it’s not enough.

“My father, who had two factories, told me something important: ‘When you hire a person, look at what they’ve done in life’. This also applies to football. I looked at the players’ heads, not just their feet.”

Photos by AC Milan

And that’s how he built his great Milan?

“Exactly. FIFA recognised the 1989 Milan as the best team in history. I had great players, but even greater people. People who gave everything, on and off the pitch. This was also thanks to a solid club, to an exceptional president like Silvio Berlusconi, who always supported us.”

Let’s get to the Coppa Italia. Who do you see as the favorite between Milan and Bologna?

“Difficult question. I’m no longer in the system, but if Milan has a club that is up to par, with clear ideas and well-chosen players, then they can become great again. But consistency is needed. You can’t say “I want a playmaker” and then take another type of profile. Few ideas, but clear ones.”