AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has stated that the club’s season will be considered a failure if they do not qualify for the Champions League, and has promised a comprehensive review of all aspects of the organization this summer. Cardinale delivered the assessment in a rare interview, expressing his frustration with recent results and a perceived lack of correlation between spending and on-field success.
Milan have endured a difficult end to the Serie A season, slipping from a strong position to risk missing out on Champions League qualification. Cardinale acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating that both he and manager Paulo Fonseca are disappointed with the current trajectory. He emphasized his commitment to winning, dismissing suggestions that his primary focus is financial gain, and pointed to his track record of success in previous ventures.
Cardinale highlighted the significant financial investment he has made in the club over the past three seasons, surpassing any other team in Serie A. However, he admitted that this investment has not translated into the desired results, and that a more effective approach to player recruitment and overall structure is needed. He specifically mentioned the need to improve the connection between financial outlay and victories, stating that the club has not “spent well” enough.
The American investor also addressed concerns about the club’s financial sustainability and the importance of Champions League qualification. He refuted the idea that prioritizing financial stability comes at the expense of ambition, arguing that a strong financial foundation is essential for sustained success. He also touched upon the broader challenges facing Italian football, including the significant gap in television revenue compared to the Premier League, and the need for modernization.
Looking ahead, Cardinale confirmed that a thorough evaluation of the entire organization will take place this summer, encompassing all levels of the club, from the coaching staff and sporting director to the academy system. He has already held discussions with Fonseca and will continue to assess the situation once the season concludes. He stressed the importance of building a world-class organization capable of consistently competing at the highest level, and acknowledged that mistakes have been made along the way. Cardinale concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the club and his determination to achieve success, stating that he will not rest until Milan is once again a dominant force in European football.
