Boban Rips Into Milan’s Decision on Bennacer
Zvonimir Boban didn’t mince words about AC Milan’s recent move to loan out Ismaël Bennacer. Just minutes after Milan’s stinging 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord in the Champions League, Boban, speaking on Sky, called the decision a “serious mistake.” He described Bennacer as an exceptional player, stressing that the Algerian midfielder’s value was overlooked by Milan’s leadership.
Boban made it clear: Bennacer’s strengths weren’t just in defense or moving the ball forward—he could do both, and do them well. For Boban, losing that kind of presence from midfield left Milan exposed and lacking balance. He pointed out that keeping Bennacer would have given the squad more options and stability, possibly helping rising talents like Mohamed Fofana and Justin Reijnders find their rhythm alongside a reliable anchor.
Sparks Fly Over Club Identity and Consistency
But it wasn’t just about Bennacer. Boban took aim at Milan’s overall approach this season, and he didn’t hold back. He slammed the club for what he sees as a team drifting without clear direction or style. In his view, there’s no “typical team” identity being built—a big concern for a club with Milan’s history.
Head coach Paulo Conceição was firmly in Boban’s line of fire. The Croatian legend argued that Conceição’s constant tactical tweaks are doing more harm than good. It’s not just about changing shape on the field—Boban believes these constant adjustments unsettle players, stop them from establishing reliable partnerships, and get in the way of real progress.
Then there was the match itself, which set off these strong opinions. Mike Maignan’s early error gifted Feyenoord the only goal of the night, putting Milan on the back foot from the start. Boban saw this not just as a one-off mistake, but as a symbol of Milan’s larger issues—sloppy, unchecked errors and a lack of the focus you’d expect in big European matches.
The wider message behind Boban’s statements isn’t just about a single loan or a single match. He’s frustrated by a season that feels more like a patchwork, with Milan failing to build momentum or trust in a core group. His call is simple: Milan need a clear identity, fewer changes, and the sort of backbone that once made them feared across Europe. Otherwise, mistakes—both in the transfer market and on the field—will keep haunting the club.
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