The Curva Sud which empties during the match has turned back the hands of the Rossoneri’s history to the last, troubled, period of the Berlusconi era. An unusual scene for a team that will still end the season in second place in the standings, even if it is clear to everyone that the complaint was only marginally aimed at Pioli, now certain to be leaving, and at the players. As much and more to blame than the manager for the things that didn’t go well – consecutive derby losses and double elimination from the Europa League and Italian Cup – but which at the moment do not represent the center of the storm that is hitting Milan.
If it is true that being forced to stop choosing Lopetegui has sent out the image of an ownership that is too weak, it is equally undeniable that some of the questions that the Rossoneri people are asking today have full foundation. And it is Gerry Cardinale’s duty to respond convincingly in facts, starting from the timing. There are three weeks to go until the end of the season, we must have respect for Pioli and his farewell to the team to which he gave an extraordinary championship, but we cannot think that the debate about the future will remain expressed as it has happened so far: heavy silences, conflicting indications, the image of a society with numerous and not always convergent souls. If not in the name, at least in the method. Cardinale has the duty to explain where Milan is and where he wants to take it without repeating useless clichés already heard about the desire to “make them competitive” in line with his history. Which is cumbersome and a heavy legacy for everyone, including RedBird.
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The fans are right about this. Who decides what at Milan? What is the role of Ibrahimovic, defined as a full-power extension of the American ownership and at the same time evidently a “loser” in the fight for the choice of the new coach? Who carries out the casting for the bench? What do Fonseca and Conceiçao or other names linked to the Rossoneri have in common tactically?
The problem is not just the results, which are partly mediocre. There is a smoke screen around Casa Milan which closely resembles situations from the past, which were always less than fruitful on the pitch. A certain distrust towards the funds accompanied both the adventures of Elliott and that of RedBird, but while the former quickly achieved a triumph that silenced the criticisms, the latter found themselves having to manage the triumphant season of its city rivals, on paper with much less means but with a clear and transparent corporate line of operation. An explosive mix that ended up overwhelming the judgment of Milan’s year even beyond the demerits of the pitch.
Projected onto the future, however, the uncertainties weigh even more. For example, it is not clear what the strategy is regarding the heavy renewals of top players such as Maignan and Theo Hernandez. Panorama.it has revealed in recent days Bayern Munich’s desire to go shopping at Milanello and the perception that the negotiations to protect them against an approaching deadline (June 2026) does not seem to be considered a priority does not reassure fans. In addition to words and promises, facts are needed. Once the undeferrable process of consolidating the accounts has been completed and the virtuous circle has begun, Cardinale is now called upon to provide the vision for the future. This is expected of him. The name of the coach will come accordingly, but the enthusiast cannot be made to understand that someone like Antonio Conte is not taken into consideration because he is considered excessively ambitious, expensive and ultimately cumbersome. A message that leaked out from the many drafts that are not limited to the ‘mole’ who at Milanello suggests training to journalists, taking away Pioli’s sleep.
This is the heart of the protest that emptied the San Siro afternoon of sounds, colors and then people. For Gerry Cardinale a new experience. What will make the difference will be his ability to react.
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