Cardinale vs. Maldini, us vs. them - what are we doing here? [Bonus article]

The only constant in life is change. I know, this seems like an awfully cliche way to start the article, but there’s something about that watered-down expression that resonates so much with AC Milan fans right now. In a way, it feels like we have all come to terms with the fact that this expression is essential.

Who would have thought, even just a few weeks ago, that a majority of the Milan fans would be supporting Gerry Cardinale and his new troops? Perhaps it’s an overstatement, but it really felt as if the romanticists were ready to give up at one point. You know, the romanticists that appreciate the way football used to be, before money completely took over the eco-system. That classic approach could be found at Milan until recently, at least to some extent.

Sure, Elliott Management were indeed money-focused but their whole tenure - with Paolo Maldini as one of their advocates - felt more like a vacuum of hopes and dreams. The Scudetto was absolutely the climax to that feeling. Without spending an outrageous amount of money, and simply by believing in their project, Milan became the champions of Italy.

That exact feeling is one that you really cannot get that much in football anymore. Sure, there are clubs that still operate in what one would call a classic way, but the reality is that money affects everything in football these days. For Milan and Cardinale, there was simply no other option but to get with the times.

Fortunately, the new directors have seemingly won over the fans, even the ones that berated them just a few weeks ago. And while many on social media seem to be ostracising those that ‘did not get with the times’ the first chance they got, resulting in some fans even publishing apology statements, one can’t help but wonder why it has once again turned into a matter of us vs. them.