AC Milan is on the verge of entering a new chapter as the club prepares to appoint a new sporting director before the start of the next season. This change is deemed necessary as the team aims to rebuild its framework off the pitch, positioning itself among Europe's elite again.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the top candidate for this pivotal role is Igli Tare, who previously served as sporting director at Lazio. Under Tare's guidance, Lazio experienced significant successes, clinching three Coppa Italia titles and three Supercoppa Italiana victories. His familiarity with the demands of top-level football could make him an ideal fit for Milan, especially after his two-year hiatus from professional management.
Meanwhile, Fabio Paratici is also being considered for the role. Known for his integral part at Juventus, Paratici helped the club achieve remarkable heights, securing nine consecutive Scudetti and overseeing the club's operations during his tenure, which produced 19 trophies alongside two Champions League finals. Paratici’s European recognition and track record make him another compelling choice for Milan’s ambitions.
The urgency of appointing this new sporting director was underscored by CEO Giorgio Furlani. "We have to improve our sporting results a lot. For this reason, if there are figures...who will help us achieve our goals, we will...consider them," Furlani stated prior to the team's defeat to Lazio. His comments highlight the club's acknowledgment of the need for significant improvements as they navigate through what has been a challenging season.
The current vacancy for the sporting director position reflects Milan's recent struggles on the pitch. The lack of authoritative leadership has left the club without someone who is capable of interacting effectively with the coaching staff and players. It's become clear to Milan's executives, including Furlani, how important it is to appoint someone who can coordinate with various departments within the organization and can contribute to the overall strategy.
Interestingly, alongside Tare and Paratici, Andrea Berta was briefly considered. Yet, news confirmed he is set to continue his career with Arsenal, leaving the other two as the frontrunners. Discussions are reportedly taking place among club officials, including Gerry Cardinale and former star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, reflecting the seriousness of the decision at hand.
The discussions are expected to lead to substantial assessments as the club moves forward. The board's deliberations are pivotal, and it’s evident they are seeking someone who can restore Milan to prominence. Given Tare’s long association with Lazio, where he spent 15 years overseeing operations, as well as his recent absence from management, he brings both experience and fresh perspective.
On the other hand, Paratici's experience at Juventus places him at the forefront, well-acquainted with the pressures of competing at the highest level. While both candidates offer unique strengths, the decision-makers at AC Milan must evaluate which individual aligns best with their vision for the club’s future.
The importance of this appointment cannot be understated. AC Milan's strategy moving forward involves not just filling the vacant role but ensuring whoever steps in has the capability to drive the club toward achieving its goals. With aspirations of excellence and competitiveness, Milan needs to chart out its direction clearly, and the new sporting director will play a significant role.
Both candidates—Tare and Paratici—have met with key figures of the club, laying the groundwork for what will likely be their most significant endeavor this year. The next steps taken by Milan's hierarchy in the coming days will shape the club's approach for seasons to come.
Untangling the position and responsibilities associated with the sporting director's role is key to Milan’s reconstruction plans. Bringing someone on board who can facilitate interaction with the management and coach will allow the club to navigate the complexity of modern football more effectively.
Whatever the final decision, AC Milan is undoubtedly at a crossroads. The choice of the new sporting director will be instrumental not only for the team’s immediate performance but also for its long-term strategy as it seeks to reclaim its status among the giants of European football.