Roberto Donadoni, once a stalwart of AC Milan and former coach of Cagliari, has offered candid thoughts on his coaching career and the current state of Italian football. Speaking to the media, Donadoni criticized his former club's approach, highlighting what he sees as a lack of style and recognition of the team's essence.
Following AC Milan's disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Feyenoord, Donadoni did not shy away from expressing his emotional turmoil. He remarked, "I was in the stands the other night, I suffered. I struggle to recognise Milan. They cause me suffering, and their style is no longer there; I’m not just referring to on the pitch." His comments have struck chords with many who feel similarly about the team's recent performances.
The loss, particularly punctuated by Theo Hernandez's red card, has launched discussions about personnel changes and potential exits come summer. While many are targeting the lack of discipline within the squad, Donadoni reflects more on the historical and stylistic aspects, hinting at how far Milan has strayed from its glorious past.
Donadoni's relationship with AC Milan is deeply personal, borne out of years as both player and coach. He reminisced about Silvio Berlusconi, the former president of the club: "Berlusconi was exceptional with me... I still heard from him every now and then." This nostalgia was palpable as he recounted his last interaction with Berlusconi, who expressed gratitude for Donadoni's memories of their time together.
Despite longing for another opportunity to coach Milan, Donadoni hinted at past frustrations. He shared, "I often thought about why Milan didn’t look for me too. Galliani said it was Berlusconi. Once I even asked Berlusconi and he told me it was Galliani who didn’t want me." This account showcases the political intricacies of club management and hiring processes, reflecting the challenging pathways for many former stars seeking to transition to coaching roles.
Donadoni also recently discussed receiving calls from clubs, including Cagliari, yet noted, "Negotiations have never started, sometimes by my choice, other times by the will of the clubs. Who have every right to do as they want." This statement encapsulates the bittersweet nature of his career, as ambitions sometimes clash with realities within club dynamics.
Particularly poignant is Donadoni's commentary on the general state of Italian football. He expressed disillusionment, stating, "Parlare di progetti e programmi [Talking about projects and plans] is now out of place. Today, immediate results are what counts." His remarks brought attention to the pressure coaches face, especially at historically dominant clubs like Inter, Juventus, and Milan, where the expectation is solely to win, regardless of longer-term strategies.
His criticism extended beyond the pitch, criticizing foreign ownership within clubs and lamenting the decline of Italian football’s quality. He pointed to Atalanta as one of the few teams seemingly holding on to competence under foreign management, emphasizing how valuable good leadership has become under current circumstances.
The dramatic shifts across Italian football have left Donadoni pensive yet passionate, questioning how the game evolved away from its roots. "It makes me angry to think we’ve reduced ourselves to this, and I’m not just referring to football. I extend this judgment to the country," he declared, showcasing his broader concerns about the cultural and operational factors affecting football.
Roberto Donadoni continues to be a significant voice not just for football fans but for former players who see their identities intertwined with the clubs they once served. His thoughts on AC Milan, foreign intervention, and the priorities of coaching reflect deep-rooted values within the sport, making his commentary not only relevant but necessary as Italian football navigates turbulent times.
Donadoni's insights serve as reminders of what was and what could still be, if only clubs can tap back to their illustrious traditions and seek stability and growth through effective management, rather than quick fixes and immediate gratification.