Igli Tare, Milan’s sporting director starting this season, is attending the first day of the Social Football Summit held today and tomorrow at Allianz Stadium in Turin. Here are his statements, as relayed via Milan News:
"I joined Lazio to sign as a player and left with a contract as a director. Knowing President Lotito, anything is possible. I think he was more visionary, in three years as a player he understood many things I wasn’t ready for yet."
On the role of sporting director:
"Even as a player, I was curious about how clubs operated. I always wanted to go deeper. Back then, I was also captain of the Albanian national team, making decisions quickly helps. So I decided and went to my former teammates. Presenting myself as sporting director was the hardest conversation with them."
On Walter Sabatini’s legacy:
"An extraordinary person and mind, I learned a lot from him, he was a point of support. As a player? I left my country at 16, then spent a year and a half in Greece and nine in Germany, important experiences."
Fieldwork or building the squad? Tare said:
"Both. To build a winning team you need daily involvement. I attend almost all trainings to understand nuances and feel everyone’s mood. If I had to choose, you need to know all the challenges of this job, managing squads with top players finding their space."
On AC Milan’s goal:
"I’d be lying if I said ‘I don’t want to win the Scudetto.’ To win it, the shortest path is through many nuances and a radical project: we brought in 19 players and let 23 go. We are on the right track. I want to win important trophies with this glorious club. We must stay humble. Ibrahimovic? Being around him is always fun."
On scouting:
"I’m not a big fan of data or artificial intelligence. They help provide a broader view, but sensitivity in understanding players’ traits and personalities comes from experience. They must be used correctly. Long-term, you need much more: deep knowledge of people’s human values is crucial."
On intuition:
"It fits the idea of creating a project like Milan, where we decided to bring in ‘older’ players like Modric, who is actually the youngest on the field."
On the spirit from Lazio to replicate at Milanello:
"The spirit created under Simone Inzaghi was like a family. A strong sense of belonging existed, results confirmed this approach. I like bringing it to Milan. This year, I’m happy because strong empathy has formed with everyone at Milanello, between staff and players."
Tare on a season without European competitions:
"We changed a lot, but we have the week to work on details, which is impossible when playing in Europe. We have the chance to lay foundations for the near future."
Most outstanding talent:
"Ravel Morrison at Lazio. Alex Ferguson’s interview intrigued me, we discussed him a lot. I analyzed him and brought him to Lazio to see if his light could be ignited, but it was impossible. I had never seen talent like that in my life."
Player with the most personality:
"Modric, atypical personality. After victories, seeing him celebrate in the locker room like a 10-year-old is the best thing in the world."
On the derby:
"I know the Rome derby well, but I’m curious about Milan’s. I was a Milan fan, so it’s very special for me. These matches are won, not just played. Important, but not decisive. Important for the city and for the project’s credibility. Milan fan? I grew up with Van Basten’s Milan. I’ve always said I was a Milan fan, realizing this dream is amazing."
On the standings and objectives:
"Honestly, the table is tight and changes every week. Balance is key, we must aim to return to the Champions League. This is a critical moment and we regret the draw at Parma. Winning is crucial to avoid losing points. In March, I’ll see if we can win. It wasn’t guaranteed, but I knew we could compete."
How often do you speak with Allegri?
"Often, and we have a great relationship. Max transmits emotions to the group."
On the transfer market:
"We aren’t thinking about it. I don’t know, but we will watch every opportunity closely. I don’t expect a big market, but we will act if useful."
