Soccer: Galliani out after rift with Barbara Berlusconi
(By Denis Greenan).
(ANSA) – Milan, November 29 – AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has been its most prominent fan as he stood beside owner Silvio Berlusconi for the last 27 years, exploding into joy at five European Cups and eight Serie A titles since the media magnate and future politician took over in the mid-1980s.
But of late the heart-on-sleeve executive, one of the most recognisable faces in Italian soccer and the three-time premier’s most trusty right-hand man, has looked increasingly lugubrious.
His unhappiness peaked on Friday when he announced he was going to step down from the helm of the Milan giants. Galliani had watched with dismay as Milan struggled in Serie A, and became even more hang-dog when – until this week – it seemed like they might be heading for an early exit from the Champions League.
His malaise became even more obvious when Berlusconi’s daughter Barbara, now one of the most influential board members, made it plain he was the man to blame.
The CEO finally snapped on Friday, saying he was throwing in the towel.
The younger Berlusconi, known for her three-year relationship with the club’s former Brazil ace and star striker Alexandre Pato, recently made the trouble at the top glaringly visible during Milan’s 3-1 loss to Barcelona in a Champions League Group H clash at the Nou Camp.
Barbara Berlusconi never once looked at Galliani, sitting right beside her, as Milan were sunk by two goals from the supreme Lionel Messi and one from Sergio Busquets.
Barbara Berlusconi reportedly blamed Galliani’s alleged transfer-market bungling, and failure to take the strong hand her father used to wield with coaches, for Milan’s woes.
The CEO did not reply publicly but his more than usually long face spoke louder than words.
“It was a match within the match”, Rome’s La Repubblica daily said.
“Verging on a theatrical piece, the fixed stare of Galliani and the equally stunned look on the scion’s face showed their shared discomfort but how far they are separated in terms of strategy”, it said.
On Friday Galliani said he had had enough.
Talking to ANSA, he said Barbara Berlusconi’s sniping about his performance, and reported complaints to her father, had “gravely damaged my reputation.
“With or without a deal on a severance package I will resign for just cause in a few days,” he said.
However, he said he might wait until Milan’s Champions League showdown with Ajax at the San Siro on December 11, to see his beloved team safely through to the next round.
Ajax, who became the first side to beat Group H leaders Barcelona this week, are a point behind Milan and must beat the seven-time European champions to progress.
A draw is enough for Milan.
“Perhaps I’ll wait for the Ajax game,” Galliani said, adding that his affection for Silvio Berlusoni “would never change”.
Milan’s 3-0 win over Glasgow Celtic on Tuesday did more than put the Serie A giants within reach of qualifying for the knockout round of the Champions League.
It also gave them a vital lift in a season that, so far, has brought little to cheer about.
Goals by Kak