Paulo Amorim has been appointed as the new manager of AC Milan, bringing an end to a month of significant upheaval and restructuring at the club. The announcement came on June 25th, following a period marked by dismissals, failed appointments, and internal reshuffling initiated by owner Gerry Cardinale.
The dramatic changes began on May 25th with the unexpected sacking of four key figures: the CEO, sporting director, head coach, and head of scouting. This sweeping move, described as “very American” by sources, left a void in the club’s leadership and sporting direction. Initial expectations were for swift replacements, with a timeline of a week or so to restore both management and a new coach, following a logical order of appointing directors before a manager.
However, those plans quickly encountered obstacles. While Massimo Calvelli was appointed to ensure continuity in administrative powers, it was initially intended as a temporary measure. The search for a new sporting director and manager proved difficult, with the need to find candidates who were mutually compatible. Iraola was initially a strong contender, but ultimately opted to join Liverpool.
Further complications arose with potential appointments like Xavi and Rangnick. Rangnick’s conditions for accepting a role – complete control over all aspects of the football operation – proved a sticking point, and negotiations ultimately broke down when he was unwilling to wait for a final decision. Attempts to secure Marcus Krösche and Timmo Hardung from Eintracht Frankfurt also failed when the German club refused to release them without a substantial fee that Milan was unwilling to pay.
Alongside the search for directors, several managers were considered, including Pochettino, Glasner, and Jaissle. Ultimately, Amorim emerged as the preferred candidate, impressing both Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, his arrival coincided with the collapse of the Krösche and Hardung deal, leaving him without a fully formed sporting structure. As a result, Milan has opted for an internal solution, with Calvelli overseeing operations alongside David Castelblanco, Hendrik Almstadt, Bobby Gardiner, and Donato Lomonte. This appointment marks a significant shift in direction for the club, and the success of this new structure remains to be seen.
This appointment is expected to provide some stability after a period of uncertainty, allowing the club to focus on strengthening the squad ahead of the new season. The club will be hoping Amorim can build on the foundations laid in recent years and return Milan to its former glory.
