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This afternoon, Igli Tare gave a long interview about his role at AC Milan and the different elements to his job.
After arriving in the summer, it was fair to say that many were sceptical about what Tare would bring to Milan. However, the Albanian sporting director has been pivotal to the widescale changes seen within the club.
The Rossoneri, thanks to his work in the mercato, now sit in third, with a very real chance of winning the Scudetto. Of course, that is a long-term ambition, but whilst they are there, the hope will be to win it.
Tare and Milan
Primarily, the Diavolo need a return to the Champions League, which would be a massive achievement after a disastrous season last year. So, it is a case of one step in front of the other for now.
When it is time to sprint, we will see the real credentials of Milan; there is a long time to go yet.
Today, Tare spoke at the Social Football Summit, and his words have been relayed by MilanNews.
On his experience as a player and manager at Lazio…
“I joined Lazio to sign a player’s contract and left with a manager’s contract: knowing President Lotito, anything is possible. I think he was more visionary; in three years as a player, he understood many things that I wasn’t ready for yet.”
On the role of sporting director…
“Even as a player, I was curious to understand how clubs worked. I always wanted to delve deeper. At the time, I was also the captain of the Albanian national team, so making a decision so quickly helped.
“So I decided and went to my former teammates: introducing myself as sporting director was the hardest conversation I had to have with my teammates.”
On Walter Sabatini’s legacy…
“An extraordinary person and mind, I learned so much from him; he was a great help. As a footballer? I left my country at 16, then I spent a year and a half in Greece and nine in Germany; those were important experiences.”
On the pitch or in the build-up?
“Both: building a winning team requires daily interaction. I’m present at almost every training session to understand the nuances and gauge everyone’s mood. If I had to choose? You have to know all the challenges this job brings when you have to manage teams with great players who have to find their place.”
On his goal with AC Milan…
“I’d be lying if I said ‘I don’t want to win the Scudetto.’ I think the shortest path to winning it is through many nuances and a very radical project: we brought in 19 players and sent 23 away. We’re on the right path.
“I have this desire to win some major trophies with this glorious club. We have to be humble. Ibrahimovic? It’s always fun to be with him.”
On the role of scouting…
“I’m not a big fan of data and artificial intelligence. I think they help you gain an even broader perspective, but they don’t give you the sensitivity to understand player characteristics and personalities.
“They need to be used correctly. In the long run, much more is needed: experience is fundamental, and a deep understanding of people’s human values is essential.”
How important is intuition?
“It fits with the idea of creating a project, like AC Milan, where we decided to bring in ‘older’ players like Modric, who is actually the youngest of all on the pitch.”
On the spirit he experienced at Lazio, which he hopes to recreate at Milanello…
“The spirit that was created, especially with Simone Inzaghi’s group, was like a family. There was a strong sense of belonging, the results were confirmed under this management, and I’m very happy to bring that to Milan as well.
“This year, I’m happy because a great empathy has been created with everyone who works at Milanello, but also between the staff and the players.”
How’s the season without cups?
“We’ve changed a lot, but we have the opportunity to work on the details during the week, which is impossible when playing in Europe. We have the opportunity to lay the foundations for the near future.”
A more crystalline talent?
“Ravel Morrison, who I had at Lazio. I was intrigued by an interview with Alex Ferguson, where we talked a lot about him. I analysed him and brought him to Lazio to see if I could turn on his light, but it was impossible. I had never seen a talent like that in my life.”
Player with the most personality?
“Modric has an atypical personality. After victories, seeing him celebrate in the locker room like a 10-year-old is the best thing in the world.”
On the Derby…
“I know the Rome derby well, but I’m curious to experience the Milan derby. I was a Milan fan, so it’s very special to me. These are games that aren’t played but won. It will be important but not crucial. It will be important for the city to give credibility to the project.
“A Milan fan? I grew up with Van Basten’s Milan. I’ve always said I’m a Milan fan, and realising this dream was wonderful for me.”
On the standings and goals…
“Honestly, the standings are very tight and change every week. Balance is crucial, and we need to focus on returning to the Champions League. This is a key moment of the season, and we’re disappointed about the draw in Parma. It’s important for us to win so we don’t lose points in the standings. I’ll see in March if we’re capable of winning. It wasn’t a given, but I knew we could compete.”
How often do you speak to Allegri?
“Quite a few times, and we have a great relationship. Max conveys emotion to the group.”
What market will you be targeting?
“We’re not thinking about it. I don’t know, but we’ll be very attentive to every opportunity. I don’t think it will be a major market, but we’ll be ready if it’s useful.”
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