The CEO of Milan, Giorgio Furlani, guest on "Supertele," the Monday night talk show on DAZN hosted by Pierluigi Pardo.
Here are his statements, as relayed via Milan News:
"A key week both as a fan and as a manager. We approach these two important matches with optimism. Let's keep our fingers crossed."
What assessment do you give of the season?
"It's too early. Let's see how this last month goes. We're doing well compared to last year. We're 12 points ahead compared to a year ago. It's a shame we exited the Champions League, but the group was tough. We always aim to win."
Furlani continued:
"Our job is to provide the coach with the most competitive team possible to achieve certain goals. Milan always sets out to win. The truth is, you can't succeed every year. We were unlucky against Newcastle, and injuries affected us in the return leg against Borussia Dortmund. The Champions League is a regret, but we'll do everything to do better next year."
On the transfer market:
"The philosophy is to improve the team. Last year, we made several changes because it was necessary to shake up the team a bit. This year will be more targeted because the foundations are there. It's not fair to say that we only aim for young players or a specific type. Like other clubs, we consider various criteria. When we analyze potential acquisitions, we start with scouting, which is crucial. There are data that are talked about a lot that help us in decision-making - an important ingredient even though it doesn't alone provide the solution. We also look at the player's medical history and personality, in addition to the financial aspect. These are all factors in choosing a player, although there are no necessarily predetermined characteristics that tell you only about this or that type."
On revenue growth:
"We're around 400 million euros. How much can it grow? It's a complicated question. It certainly depends on the activities we undertake and therefore the work we do with our partners (Puma, MSC, Emirates...). It partly depends on UEFA competitions (how far we go) and the work we do with Serie A (not only as Milan but together with the other 19 clubs) to increase Serie A revenue, especially in terms of media. And then there's the stadium aspect, which is very important: currently, we have San Siro and we focus on making it a better experience for our fans. Who knows what the future holds."
Regarding the San Siro and the new stadium project, Furlani said:
"I had a season ticket with my dad. San Siro is a special place and even football fans around the world tell you that San Siro is in the top 5 stadiums in the world. The stadium is an engine to create resources that are reinvested in football and today San Siro is an outdated product."
Can a significant sale be prevented in the next transfer window?
"We don't need to make sales to cover losses. Being a financially sound club, we have the opportunity to invest in new signings. Leao, Maignan, and Theo Hernandez are happy to stay at Milan and have long contracts."
On Olivier Giroud, Furlani commented:
"He has made history at Milan and is still performing at high levels. We weren't shy in the market last year, and we won't be in the upcoming one if necessary. The players who arrived in the summer have performed well and are happy to be here."
Do fans have the right to dream of a big signing? Furlani answered:
"We shouldn't make signings just for the sake of it and jeopardize the club's financial stability. Our focus should be on continuously improving the team to win. We shouldn't make signings for show, but ones that are useful."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"A lot has been said about Zlatan. The leadership and final decisions belong to RedBird and Gerry Cardinale, and there is a working group under him. Zlatan is already showing that he is also a great champion off the pitch. It contributes on various fronts. On the sporting side it is made up of Zlatan, Moncada and myself. Then there are other areas of work such as that of the stadium where Scaroni is very involved on the sporting part."
On Thursday's match against Roma, Furlani offered these words:
"I hope that our champions play a great match on Thursday."
On the idols Dejan Savicevic and George Weah:
"Among the 'less obvious' champions, for many AC Milan fans, they are wonderful players. I always remember Dejan's goal against Barcelona, while Weah had devastating power."
On Rafael Leao:
"He's an exceptional player, and you can't stop him when he sets his mind to it. He's a really good guy, always smiling, and it's pleasant to be in a group with him."
On the derby:
"We'll play it to the fullest. We know how this Serie A season will end, and I don't think it's that important."
Furlani also spoke about the investigation:
"There's this idea that RedBird isn't the owner of Milan, and that's wrong. The facts are simple. Authorities have the right to conduct investigations as they see fit, but we have nothing to hide."
On Stefano Pioli:
"There's this constant spotlight on him. Since the beginning of the season, criticism of the coach ignites after every game not won. This year he has done well, and we are focused on the end of the season. He's a wonderful person to work with, and I can say we're fortunate to work with him."
