AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has finalized a sweeping internal reorganization of the club’s management structure following a month of transition. According to reports from Sky Sport, the club will move forward with a “Liverpool-style” model, relying on existing internal resources and a new executive trio led by Cardinale, head coach Ruben Amorim, and newly appointed CEO Massimo Calvelli. The restructuring follows the departure of several high-ranking officials, including former executives Furlani and Moncada.
How is the new AC Milan management structured?
The new organizational chart shifts power into a tripartite leadership team. At the top, Gerry Cardinale oversees the operation as owner, supported by head coach Ruben Amorim and CEO Massimo Calvelli. Unlike traditional Italian football structures, this model emphasizes data-driven decision-making and internal promotion, drawing inspiration from the RedBird Capital-backed Liverpool strategy. Financial and strategic oversight remains heavily tied to RedBird, with David Castelblanco serving as an advisor for investments and market operations, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues in his advisory role for the sporting department.
Who are the key figures in the technical department?
The technical and sporting operations will be managed entirely by personnel already within the Milan system. Hendrik Almstadt has been appointed as the Sporting Director and Director of Player Trading. Almstadt brings experience from both the Arsenal scouting department and a tenure as Sporting Director at Aston Villa. Supporting him is Bobby Gardiner, the new Director of Football Intelligence, who is tasked with identifying transfer targets. Donato Lomonte will lead the scouting department under Gardiner’s supervision, while Vincenzo Vergine retains responsibility for the youth sector and Jovan Kirovski continues to manage the Milan Futuro project.
The new Milan model mirrors the “Moneyball” philosophy often associated with RedBird Capital, prioritizing analytical scouting and internal development over high-profile, external executive hires.
What are the risks of this internal-only approach?
The decision to rely exclusively on current staff represents a significant departure from standard European football practices. Critics suggest that by failing to recruit external high-profile talent, the club may lack fresh perspectives during a critical rebuilding phase. However, supporters of the strategy argue that maintaining institutional knowledge creates continuity. The success of this model will be tested immediately as the team prepares for the upcoming season, with training camp at Milanello scheduled to begin in approximately 20 days.
Comparison: The RedBird Model vs. Traditional Serie A
| Feature | Traditional Serie A | New Milan Model |
|---|---|---|
| Staffing | External hiring | Internal promotion |
| Leadership | Centralized President/GM | Trident (Owner/Coach/CEO) |
| Focus | Immediate results | Data-driven intelligence |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new CEO of AC Milan?
Massimo Calvelli has been confirmed as the new CEO, taking on a central role in the club’s revamped organizational hierarchy.
What is the role of Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains with the club as an advisor to the sporting area, providing strategic input while the ownership focuses on the new management structure.
When does the team start preparations for the new season?
Milanello is set to reopen for the squad in approximately three weeks, marking the first real-world test for the new management team.
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