Gerry Cardinale, head of RedBird and owner of Milan, has spoken again. In an interview with the newspaper Corriere della Sera, he first commented on the Rossoneri team’s season:
“Not winning the league title is a disappointment. And if we do not finish in the top four, it will be a failure. For me, winning is always the priority. Always. We were in the top two positions in the table for much of the year, competing for the title. But the ending fell below Milan’s standards and we threw the season away. I am disappointed. It happens in sport. But that does not make you feel any better. I want to win.”
Cardinale also took the opportunity to respond to those who claim he only cares about money and Champions League revenues:
“There is a narrative that I only care about money and not about winning. It is absurd. If you look at my life and career, I have always won. When the club generates money, I do not take it out. I reinvest it into the team. Into players, infrastructure, and growth. In the last three years since I acquired Milan, we have spent more than any other Serie A club in the transfer market. And that is a fact. Did we spend perfectly? Clearly not. We need to do a better job of ensuring there is a direct correlation between spending and victories. The idea that financial discipline means not wanting to win makes no sense at all."
"Since 2022 we have won only one Supercoppa? I cannot coach. I cannot score goals. I cannot defend on the pitch. But I can provide the financial resources and build a winning team. My job is the financial side and creating a sense of urgency and a winning culture. Everyone should take for granted that I will do my part. I am a fighter and I will not stop until I win."
"Have I made mistakes in these four years as owner? Of course I have. This is probably the most difficult thing I have ever done, but I am a fighter and I will not stop until I win. I love Italy. I love Milan. For me, it has become personal.”
In recent weeks, there have been many rumours about another major shake-up at the club once the season ends. The RedBird founder, Cardinale, tried to clarify the situation:
“Every year we constantly evaluate how to evolve the organisation and maximise performance. Every season is carefully assessed, especially after a campaign below expectations. At the end of the season I will evaluate everything and everyone. But this is not the right time to talk about changes, we must focus on the next two matches."
"What will happen with the management and the coach? Allegri and the team did an excellent job for much of the season. I am not happy with what I am seeing in recent performances. Max is not happy. The players are not happy. I have already spoken with Max. We discussed many things."
"We need everyone, coaching staff, sporting director, player development, academy, to work as one ecosystem. The goal is not simply to win once. The goal is to build the foundations to win consistently over time.”
Finally, Cardinale sent a message to Milan supporters:
“I understand their disappointment because I feel it too. Our team is going through a difficult moment. Everyone who cares about this club should try to help the team get back on its feet instead of tearing it down. I do not blame the fans for being angry. I am angry too. Criticism is legitimate. But there is too much noise. Here, football is deeply emotional and tied to the community in a way Americans cannot understand. I have always tried not to be the stereotype of the American who arrives thinking that everything that works in the United States can simply be transferred here. Everyone has a role: ownership, management, players, coaching staff, media, fans. Everyone should contribute to improving Italian football and helping it evolve. When we fail, I take it personally. That is why no one should ever question my desire to win.”
