Former AC Milan director, Ariedo Braida was interviewed by Il Secolo XIX to discuss his enduring relationship with Patrick Vieira, the current Genoa coach:
"He remains fond of me, he calls me 'Dad,' although he's not the only one from that Milan. He invited me to England when he was at Crystal Palace. I spoke to him a week ago. He's ready, well-prepared, and highly motivated to do well at such an important club. He's coached in the Premier League, in France, and now in Italy: working in different countries enhances your sporting culture and your ability to understand situations."
On the upcoming weekend clash against Milan at San Siro and the current state of the Rossoneri, Braida said:
"They’re a work in progress, experiencing ups and downs, unable to find identity and continuity. Right now, they're out of the race for the goals they’re accustomed to aiming for. They can reinsert themselves, but for now, they’re searching for something they can’t quite grasp."
Has Milan lost something with Paolo Maldini's exit? Braida commented:
"The history of Milan is also tied to the Maldini family, from Cesare to Paolo," Braida reflected. "I have great respect for history, for the sense of belonging, a magic I also experienced during my five years in Barcelona — that bond between people and the team that you don’t see but feel. And Milan misses Berlusconi and Galliani, key reference points for the club and football itself, indispensable figures."
