AC Milan could soon hand the keys to their sporting department to Markus Krösche. The German executive, who has recently parted ways with Eintracht Frankfurt, has once again become a major focus for Gerry Cardinale, who had already identified him during the summer as the ideal candidate to complete the Rossoneri's management structure. The negotiations have not yet been finalised, but his possible arrival raises a question that goes far beyond the club's organisational chart: what kind of Milan could emerge under his management? Fans already analysing upcoming fixtures and using every available prediction site to assess the Rossoneri’s chances will be watching closely, because a clearer sporting structure under Krösche could quickly reshape expectations around both league and European matches.
A club capable of discovering talents, developing them and selling them on for extraordinary fees, as has happened repeatedly in Frankfurt? Or a club that returns to having a central, authoritative figure capable of building a project primarily geared towards winning, as was the case during Paolo Maldini's tenure? Needless to say, the fans would choose the second philosophy. Both, however, obviously deserve closer examination to understand where and how Milan's immediate future might lie. Two seemingly distant philosophies that reflect different ways of interpreting football. And an answer that probably should not lie entirely in either direction.
The comparison with Maldini that must be handled with care
Reports suggest that Krösche could be appointed Head of Football, with responsibilities extending across the entire sporting department. In terms of his duties, at least, this role could resemble the one held by Paolo Maldini during his time as a club executive. The comparison, naturally, must stop there. Maldini was not merely an executive. He was Milan's history within the club, a point of reference for the players and a figure capable of conveying the meaning of wearing a shirt that cannot be considered like any other. This is an authority that no appointment can guarantee, and it would be unfair to expect Krösche to possess it.
There is, however, one aspect of that management that Milan would do well to recover: the centrality of the sporting project in the club's decisions. The ability to build a team by following a recognisable vision, maintain a direct relationship with the head coach and take responsibility for decisions. Maldini, together with the management structure of that period, contributed to building the Milan side that won the Scudetto in 2022, demonstrating that even within strict financial constraints, it is possible to pursue an ambitious objective. Therefore, a new Maldini is not needed. What is needed is someone who restores continuity, expertise and authority to the Rossoneri's sporting project.
What did Fabrizio Romano say about the Markus Krösche - AC Milan talks:
""Krösche, out of respect for Eintracht, first wanted to say his goodbyes and bid farewell to the German club. Krösche is now free, but there will still be discussions and negotiations regarding compensation to Eintracht. However, the Krösche era has come to an end, and so Milan are clearly now ready to take all the necessary steps to try to bring him to the Rossoneri."
As for well-known journalist and AC Milan fan, Carlo Pellegatti, he had this to say: "Krösche is obviously talking to Milan and is flattered, but be careful, because nothing has been finalised yet. He is also somewhat tempted by a possible move to Bayern Munich, where there is a Head of Football who seems to be somewhat on shaky ground, somewhat unsteady. This news is coming from Germany, so pay attention to Krösche’s thinking on this. There is, however, a positive feeling about a deal being concluded in favour of Milan and Krösche, but there are still some obstacles, whether small or large."
