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No official decision has been taken regarding Boban yet. Nobody from the sporting area, including Maldini and Massara, want to abandon the team with season ongoing, unless Gazidis decides otherwise. Along with Boban, Ibrahimovic could leave in June as well

No official decision has been taken regarding Boban yet. Nobody from the sporting area, including Maldini and Massara, want to abandon the team with season ongoing, unless Gazidis decides otherwise. Along with Boban, Ibrahimovic could leave in June as well

Milan ultras: 'Wash dirty linen in private!'

The Milan ultras have released a statement urging their current and former directors to “wash your dirty linen in private” after a series of ugly public spats.
Over the last few days, director Zvonimir Boban has openly accused CEO Ivan Gazidis of “going behind our backs” by contacting coach Ralf Rangnick for next season, without informing Boban or Paolo Maldini.
Ex-director Massimiliano Mirabelli then bitterly criticised Maldini, who responded with a barbed comment of his own.

The situation has become so extreme that the fans have acted to intervene with a statement from the Curva Sud ultras.
“Unfortunately, we are forced to accept with great bitterness that, save for shock turnarounds, we are sliding towards the end of yet another disappointing season,” read the statement.
“The latest diatribes around the club are not doing any good to Milan, let alone to the mood of the fans who have been on the edge for some time already.
“Putting the responsibility for this latest debacle on one person seems unfair and inelegant. We wait for the situation to be better defined, trying to understand what possible scenarios are on the horizon.
“We are not taking our eyes off the reality of the situation, which is that that the sporting directorial staff (Boban and Maldini, ndr) must take the blame for some at the very least disappointing choices, both in terms of coach and transfer market, and at the same time cannot forget that the club chose to entrust these figures with the job of relaunching Milan.
“Hoping not to start every summer talking about a ‘Year Zero,’ we also trust that we won’t see this media ping-pong game play out again, as the future directorial staff – whoever they may be – remember the fundamental importance of washing your dirty linen in private!”

Contacts between AC Milan and Ralf Rangnick have been going on for two months and the German has a clear plan for the Rossoneri, one sports journalist has claimed.

Speculation is rife in the media at present suggesting that the Rossoneri in line for their umpteenth summer revolution after a disappointing season so far.

There has been a war of words ongoing in the media between CEO Ivan Gazidis and director Zvonimir Boban regarding the former’s decision to contact Rangnick about becoming the new head coach and sporting director. Boban is expected to leave after he hit out at Gazidis in the media.

To discuss Rangnick and find out more about this figure who has been persistently linked with a job at Milan, the MilanNews.it interviewed Bild journalist Stefan Krause.

“We have known about the negotiations on both sides for about two months. The situation is the same that we reported in January: Milan want Rangnick and the German coach is very interested in the AC Milan project,” he said.

“Negotiations are still ongoing with Rangnick who is looking for a new challenge because it is more than obvious that he is not satisfied with his role as only a Red Bull club consultant. He has always wanted to work in a foreign country, especially in England and in the Premier League but in the past concrete offers have never arrived, only some contact with Everton.

“Even if it is not England, he will go to Milan and therefore not the worst of the destinations. Rangnick has a strong character and is very ambitious and for this he needs total powers in the club.”

Could his way of working be suitable for Italian football?

“Why not? The most important thing in Rangnick’s philosophy is speed: fast players, fast football, fast success. In this way he led clubs such as Hannover, Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig to the top. I can certainly imagine that Rangnick will try to make the team younger also because he has never signed players over 24 years old.

“This is the philosophy and will continue to arrive in Milan. He is very good at discovering talented players and making them grow. An example is Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konatè: he took him on a free transfer from Sochaux in 2017 when nobody knew him and now he is one of the best central defenders in the Bundesliga. The dual role of sports director and coach is perfect for him.”

On Rangnick’s tactics, Krause continued: “The rangnick philosophy is part of a modern type of football. He is not interested in ball possession but wants many counterattacks.

“Players must win the ball back quickly in the opponent’s territory and quickly change from a defensive situation to an offensive situation. When the ball is between his feet, his players should shoot at the goal in a fraction of time of maximum 8 seconds. For this type of game, you need fast and young players.”

On the prospect of Zlatan Ibrahimovic remaining beyond June, therefore, the Bild journalist is not optimistic.

“I do not think so [that he will stay]. Rangnick wants to work with young players as mentioned above. I’ll give you an example: when he was a manager of Stuttgart in 2000 he put Krassimir Balakov, a star of the team with more than 236 appearances in the club, on the bench and said to him: ‘Balakov you need to play more without the ball and to speed up’.”

It has been well documented over the past few days that AC Milan are set for another revolution over the summer, with Ralf Rangnick set to arrive.
Not only does that look likely to mean that Zvonimir Boban, Ricky Massara and Paolo Maldini will leave, but it could also spell the end for a few current Rossoneri players too, as Calciomercato.it reports.

Departures

The revolution could seriously involve some of the most influential currently players at present who would generate the highest capital gains to help make the balance sheet look a bit more healthy.

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Among the chief candidates to depart is Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose contract expires in June 2021 and with a salary (€6m-a-year) which Elliott considers excessive. There are no margins at present for his renewal, and Mino Raiola has been pushing for some time for the departure of his client. With a proposal of at least €40million euros, Donnarumma would go.
At high risk are captain Alessio Romagnoli as well as Theo Hernandez, who is firmly in the sights of some elite European clubs, the report continues.
Meanwhile there is also midfield duo Franck Kessie and Hakan Calhanoglu for whom offers would be considered, while winger Ante Rebic – even though has another year on loan – has many admirers in the Premier League.

In addition, the redemption of Simon Kjaer – a signing mainly desired by the Boban-Maldini-Massara trio – is now under threat, while it remains to be seen whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic will fancy sticking around for another year.

The new start

The report continues by claiming that Rangnick could instead try to focus on both Lucas Paqueta and above all Rafael Leao, who cost €35million from Lille last summer and is struggling for game time.
With Rangnick at the helm, Elliott aims to revive the strategy based on the purchase of prospective young players. Donnarumma’s replacement could be the Cleiton, who Rangnick was instrumental in signing for Red Bull owned Brazilian side Bragantino.
For the midfield keep an eye on Dominik Szoboszlai, an Austria international talent owned by Red Bull Salzburg and linked with Juventus, Napoli and Inter in recent times.
Finally, for the attack, it is likely that Milan will focus on a centre-forward. No name is mentioned, but it cannot be excluded that the biggest investment could be made in the attacking department.

Arsenal have a serious interest in signing AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie in the summer transfer window, according to a report.


Despite being a mainstay in the starting line-up this season alongside former Gunners starlet Ismael Bennacer, the future of Kessie beyond the summer appears to be up in the air.

Earlier on Thursday, Calciomercato.com reported that the Ivorian has several admirers in England, with Wolves and West Ham United mentioned in particular.

According to the latest from CalcioMercato24 though the aforementioned duo may face competition as there have been 'concrete advances' for Kessie from Arsenal.

However, the Rossoneri have apparently have told the Gunners that Kessie is not for sale, but it may be reconsidered depending on what happens between now and the end of the season, when a new head coach in Ralf Rangnick looks set to arrive.

We reported via our mercato expert Vito Angele back in January that Arsenal and Newcastle are both interested in Kessie, who has 13 goals and seven assists in 120 appearances since his arrival from Atalanta in 2017.

In typical Zlatan style, Ibrahimovic has posted a cryptic message on Instagram raising questions about his future at AC Milan.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract is due to expire in June 2020 and his stay at Milan is highly in doubtful. With the now certain goodbyes of Paolo Maldini and Zvonimir Boban, the two directors who returned him at the Rossoneri would be missing.

Despite opposing the signing of players over 26 for over a year, Ivan Gazidis has judged positively Ibra’s comeback acknowledging that his contribution to the team has been decisive.
Nevertheless, the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as the new coach of AC Milan, and the start of another technical revolution, could push the 38-year-old striker to end his career elsewhere. In the coming weeks the player will have to reflect on his future,

Meanwhile, today Ibrahimovic published an cryptic message on Instagram: “Do it with passion or not at all“.
Words that according to the Italian media signal the fact that Zlatan is already reflecting on his future. It is essential for him to have motivation to continue playing, whether at Milan or elsewhere. The uncertainty present at Milan this days is not helpful at all.

🎙️ Di Marzio :

"Boban, Maldini and Massara work with great professionalism. The staff and players know exactly what's going on. The trust between the two areas has not been the same." TeamMilanAC on Twitter

Milan's final training session before the Genoa game tomorrow will be held at San Siro [ANSA]

Lega Serie A has rejected a proposal put forth by Italy’s Minister of Sport Vincenzo Spadafora to air the postponed Serie A games, including the Derby d’Italia, for free.

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#Milan have only scored two headed goals this season, one of the worst records of any side in Serie A this season.

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Milan don't like headers | Football Italia footballitalia on Twitter

📰 Mediaset: Maldini might not attend #MilanGenoa; Gazidis will bring two legends

Mediaset: Maldini might not attend Milan-Genoa; Gazidis will bring two legends

Stefano Pioli has decided to do today's finishing at the San Siro stadium.
@Gazzetta_it writes to get used to silence and for the players to become familiar with such a large stadium without the noise of the public.
The risk, is that someone will lower the tension.
@MilanNewsit

CorSport: Pioli could stay at AC Milan as Rangnick is ‘tempted’ by Premier League

A possible twist could be on the horizon for AC Milan, who have been heavily linked with Ralf Rangnick in the last few weeks. However, by the looks of it, the German’s arrival is less certain than first thought.

According to today’s edition of Corriere Dello Sport (via Milanlive.it), Rangnick is ‘tempted’ by a possible future in the Premier League, making his arrival in Milan less certain than what has been reported. This, of course, will be crucial for Stefano Pioli.

Should the former RB Leipzig boss opt for England instead, then Pioli’s chances of staying are bound to rise, as he could then remain for at least one more year. In fact, CEO Ivan Gazidis appreciates the work he has done so far.

In addition to getting the results on the pitch, he has given the team a soul and a rather clear tactical structure. Should he manage to end the season on a positive note, then a confirmation is more than possible.

As mentioned, Gazidis has great respect for the manager. And in any case, even without Rangnick, he would still build the new Milan with Hendrik Almstadt and Geoffrey Moncadaas the main figures.

AC Milan have communicated to Boban that he has been fired. In the coming hours the club will make an official announcement.

Gazidis held a 10-minute talk with the team where he communicated that Boban is no longer a part of the Milan managament while also underlining that he has yet to speak with Maldini and Massara [Sky]

The appointment of Ralf Rangnick as the new coach of AC Milan is not as sure as some media reports claim.

The name of Ralf Rangnick has caused a disruption at AC Milan. Since the media reported on his secret meeting with Ivan Gazdis, controversies have plagued the club and the situation escalated quickly with Maldini snubbing him as “not the right profile for Milan” and Boban getting fired.

However, Rangnick’s arrival is not guaranteed at all. According to Corriere dello Sport, although Elliot and Ivan Gazidis have identified Ralf Rangnick as the number target, the German is not that close to Milan as initially reported.

In fact, Corriere dello Sport reports that the German coach is also intrigued by a possible adventure in the Premier League. Despite the many rumors there is still a chance that Stefano Pioli could stay as AC Milan coach for one more year.

Rossoneri CEO Ivan Gazidis appreciates the work of Pioli done so far. The 54 year old Italian coach inherited a complex situation from Marco Giampaolo but in the end he managed to create a team identity. In addition to reassembling the squad and pulling it out of the relegation zone, Pioli gave the team a soul and a rather clear tactical structure. Qualification in European competitions would be seen as a success considering how the season started for the Rossoenri.

If he manages to end the season positively, then there is a real chance for a surprise in this regard. Because Gazidis, to whom Elliott Management Corporation has bestowed full powers, has a high esteem and respect for the current Milan coach. And in any case, even without Rangnick, he would still build his new Milan also around the figures of Hendrik Almstadt and Geoffrey Moncada.

Biglia 'back in training & will be called up for Milan vs Genoa'
an hour ago / autty

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Milan are gearing up to take on Genoa at San Siro tomorrow afternoon, having experienced a week of no game due to the Coronavirus outbreak. By the looks of it, one man will be back in action.


As reported by MilanNews.it, Lucas Biglia took part in the entire training session earlier today, which was held at San Siro. After a long injury absence, therefore, the Argentine midfielder is back in action for the Rossoneri.

In fact, he will be included in the squad for tomorrow's game. Considering that Rade Krunic is also injured, it will help offload some pressure for Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer, who have been fantastic in the midfield tandem as of late.

The game will be played behind closed doors, meaning no fans are allowed at the stadium. Therefore, the training session was held there today, in order to get a sense of what it's like without the fans cheering.

Check out the exclusive preview of Milan vs Genoa 👉 Click here now >>>

Zvonimir Boban is not going quietly, hitting out at the “dictatorship” at Milan and insisting Ivan Gazidis “had closed a deal with Ralf Rangnick in December.”

The Chief Football Officer was fired on Saturday , largely due to the interview he gave with La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he said CEO Gazidis had “gone behind our backs” in contacting Rangnick.

“I wasn’t aware we were in a dictatorship like North Korea,” Boban told Il Giornale today. “My interview was legally impeccable and it arrived after many questions and demands for clarification in-house went unanswered.”

Now Boban is ready to sue Milan for unfair dismissal, using the legal consultants he met while working with FIFA, demanding payment for the three-year contract that was torn up after just nine months.

The complaint is that Boban’s contract made him and Paolo Maldini in charge of the football area, something he felt was breached by Gazidis negotiating with Rangnick.

“They closed a deal with Rangnick in December,” added Boban. “I can wish him all the luck in the world, but they have to at least tell me about this. I deserve to be informed of the initiative.”

His statement comes under 24 hours after his dismissal, with Gazidis announcing “Stefano Pioli and his staff are doing an exceptional job growing the performances of the team every week and will have our full support as they continue this work.”

If a deal has already been agreed with Rangnick to take over as both coach and director of sport next season, a sort of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United role, then Pioli is a lame duck.

According to Boban, Gazidis had blocked some January transfers because “we can’t do them without the consent of the new coach,” which would mean Rangnick.

Yet Maldini publicly declared last month that the German was “not the right profile to lead Milan” and was over the last couple of days nowhere to be seen at the training ground.

It’s reported Maldini won’t even be present for today’s game with Genoa at San Siro, as Gazidis is taking full control of the club.

#ACMilan have 36 points in the first 26 games of the @SerieA season (1.4 points per game), their worst return since the league expanded to 20 teams (2004-05).

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