Milan, Italy, LOGIC.co.id - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has strongly criticized AC Milan’s decision to fire Paolo Maldini from his position as Technical Director in June 2023. According to Ancelotti, the move was a major blunder that has negatively impacted the club’s performance to this day.
Maldini and AC Milan’s Historical Legacy
Ancelotti, who led AC Milan to Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007, believes that Maldini is a symbol of the club’s history. “Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world because its history is always alive. Firing Maldini, despite his flaws, is the same as throwing away Milan’s history,” said Ancelotti, as quoted by Sempre Milan.
Paolo Maldini, who had served as Technical Director since 2019, played a crucial role in Milan’s resurgence. He was instrumental in building a competitive squad that secured the Serie A title in the 2021-2022 season—the club’s 19th Scudetto in history. Players such as Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Sandro Tonali, and Rafael Leao, who were signed under his leadership, became the backbone of the team at the time. Even in the 2022-2023 season, Milan reached the Champions League semifinals with the same core squad.
Milan’s Performance After Maldini’s Departure
However, following Maldini’s dismissal, AC Milan’s performance declined significantly. In the 2023-2024 season, the club only managed to finish second in Serie A and was eliminated in the Champions League group stage. After being demoted to the Europa League, Milan’s campaign ended in the quarterfinals. The situation worsened in the 2024-2025 season, as Milan was knocked out in the Champions League playoff stage and failed to compete for the Serie A title.
Currently, Milan sits in eighth place in the 2024-2025 Serie A standings, with 41 points from 26 matches—eight points behind Juventus, who occupy fourth place. With new coach Sergio Conceicao replacing Paulo Fonseca on December 30, 2024, Milan faces a tough challenge in securing a top-four finish for a Champions League spot next season.
Ancelotti: Maldini Represents Milan
Ancelotti emphasized that Maldini was not just a technical director but a true representation of AC Milan. “Paolo is a true football person and embodies Milan’s identity. Letting him go was a huge mistake,” he stressed.
Maldini’s departure seems to have left a void in the team’s management. Despite changing coaches, Milan continues to struggle with consistency on the field. Ancelotti, who shares a deep emotional bond with Milan, believes that the decision has undermined the foundation that Maldini had built over the years.
What’s Next for AC Milan?
Given the current situation, Milan’s main mission is to finish the season in the top four to secure a place in the 2025-2026 Champions League. However, achieving this goal will not be easy, considering the fierce competition in Serie A.