1 week ago
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Although Gerry Cardinale’s visit on Wednesday lasted only a few hours, it seems Massimiliano Allegri left a good impression.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report this morning, Cardinale may be an owner who is attentive to commercial development and international promotion of the brand, but he prioritises sporting results even before business results.
There’s clearly a connection: an unambitious Milan has little appeal, while a competitive Milan generates interest. There’s a big difference between the present moment and this time last year, from the confusion of the Conceicao and post-Fonseca era, to the resurgence under Allegri.
In January 2025, the Rossoneri had already changed coaches midway through the season, but without any significant results. The Diavolo were on 31 points, after losing on matchday 21 at Juventus Stadium (this season’s 0-0 draw in Turin remains a disappointment), still in eighth where they would remain.
Finishing in the top four of the league is the goal Allegri reiterates in every public appearance, a target that today almost seems to limit the team’s ambitions. In fact, in private, it is believed that Max is aiming for something more.
In any case, the coach – with his experience, successes and credibility – has been the cornerstone to build around. Allegri has restored solidity to the defence, convinced Leao to take a new role, built relationships with great players like Modric, and launched players like Bartesaghi.
Cardinale’s approval
This is why Cardinale had words of praise and respect for him two days ago. It wasn’t about reaffirming his faith in a struggling coach, as often happens with these owner visits, but rather already speaking about the idea of a long-term project together. In essence, the club’s presence and total support for the coach.
If in the summer Max needed Milan to find a project he could immerse himself in and test himself again, today it is Milan that needs Max. Cardinale values him on and off the pitch, for the results on the field and his role in the club.
Max is highly listened to when it comes to the mercato, as demonstrated by the Mike Maignan case more than any other. In the strategy of an American fund, renewing the contract of a professional over thirty, with a salary almost doubled, isn’t exactly something they would normally jump at.
Allegri, however, came out in favour of Mike’s renewal, believing that great teams are built with great players. The club supported him, and now there is talk of an imminent contract extension.
A united management
The management team are acting as the glue between the owners and Allegri, too. On Wednesday, all the executives – from CEO Giorgio Furlani to sporting director Igli Tare – were at Milanello alongside Cardinale.
It was they – Furlani and Tare – who drove the summer decision: first, the contacts between the coach and the CEO, then the acceleration when Tare arrived. Trust is therefore a key principle reiterated even at the club’s top levels. Something will change soon, but not the organisational structure, or at least not among the figures fans have come to know.
RedBird will refinance the debt currently outstanding with Elliott by having Manulife Comvest take over, with a two-fold advantage: extending the repayment period (from 2028 for Elliott to 2031 with the new partner) and simultaneously lowering interest rates, a fairly common move in finance.
Extending the terms also means moving forward the club’s sporting schedule. Looking far ahead, Milan still see Allegri at the helm. Max’s time horizon extends to Sunday evening, when Milan will play away to Roma. A clash between the second-placed Rossoneri and Gasperini’s fourth-placed team.
Therefore, it is crucial for the balance of the Champions League spot. Milan have lost only once in the first 21 matchdays: in the three-point era, this had only happened in 1995-96 and 2003-04, finishing both seasons with the Scudetto.
The only defeat of the season came in his debut against Cremonese: after which Max asked for (and immediately obtained) Rabiot.
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