2 hours ago
17
Ariedo Braida believes that AC Milan could benefit from welcoming back Adriano Galliani, while he praised the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri.
Braida held the position of sporting director at Monza from 1981 to 1984 after a 19-year playing career, before then going to Udinese. He then became the CEO of Milan from 1986 to 2002, before serving as the sporting director for another 11 years with the Rossoneri.
As a result of his nearly three-decade long span at Milan, it would be fair to say that Braida knows what it takes to win. Working under Silvio Berlusconi and Galliani, he was part of an era that saw 29 major trophies lifted in 31 years in the 1990s and 2000s, which is a remarkable feat.
Galliani, Allegri, Yamal and Berlusconi
Braida spoke during an interview with TMW and he gave his thoughts on current events related to his former club, in particular the return of Allegri and the possible comeback of Galliani.
Are you rooting for Galliani’s return to Milan?
“Galliani is a champion in football, I think that says it all. But not just from my point of view, he’s recognised by everyone in this world. He’s a person with tremendous qualities; doing what he did at Milan isn’t something you do every day, just like at Monza. Galliani is a champion, and champion directors are very few.”
Is there a signing you’re most attached to in your career?
“Honestly, I have to say that if I were to name just one, I’d be doing a disservice to so many others I’ve worked with.”
Your best moment at Milan?
“There wasn’t just one. Let’s say the worst moment was when I lost my speech for a week after the defeat against Liverpool. I’ll never get over that. Time heals, and you think back to the good things. But what do I have to regret? I’d say nothing; even the bad things are part of life.”
How much do you miss Berlusconi?
“So much, unique, inimitable, unrivalled. You always need to use superlatives with him. There are people like that, champions are rare and words can’t describe them.”
Could someone like Lamine Yamal have arrived at Milan under Berlusconi?
“He loved champions, great players, those with footballing talent and magic in their feet. He liked those champions who did what they wanted when they had the ball.
“He once said we had to become the strongest team in the world, even stronger than envy, injustice, and bad luck. And to do that, we needed to work with champions. And unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer champions.”
What do you think of Allegri and the new Milan?
“From what I see, the first thing he did was put things right through discipline. I see a disciplined Milan, which is crucial. I liked their performance in the match against Udinese, and they can still improve.
“Modric is a champion.Should young players play? Yes, but that’s not synonymous with skill; those who know how to play should play. What does age have to do with it? If you’re good, you can be 16 or 40, but you have to play.”
What can this team aim for?
“In Italy, Milan can compete; there’s no dominant team. Napoli is strong, Inter have had some problems, Juventus are starting to gain momentum, but Milan are there. And they have the advantage of playing only one game a week, and that will help the team later on.”
English (US) ·