AC Milan has confirmed a major internal restructuring of its leadership team, with president George Cardinale consolidating decision-making authority while appointing Hendrik Almstadt as the club’s new director of recruitment and introducing a data-driven management structure. The moves, announced in recent days, signal a shift toward greater internal control and analytical precision in player acquisitions and team operations, according to multiple verified sources.
Cardinale, who took over as Milan’s president in July 2023 following the departure of Paolo Scaroni, has prioritized stability over external hires, opting instead to promote existing staff and integrate new technical roles. The restructuring follows a season in which Milan finished eighth in Serie A and failed to qualify for European competition, prompting calls for structural changes within the club’s management.
Key to the new setup is Almstadt, a 35-year-old German data analyst with a reputation for leveraging advanced metrics in football recruitment. His appointment—officially confirmed by the club—marks Milan’s first dedicated data-driven recruitment director, a role previously held by external consultants. Alongside Almstadt, former Chelsea data analyst Richard Gardiner has been named head of big data, while Massimiliano Calvelli remains as sporting director, though his authority appears to have been redefined under Cardinale’s leadership.
Why it matters: The restructuring reflects a broader trend in European football, where clubs increasingly rely on data and internal expertise to navigate financial constraints and competitive pressures. Unlike rivals such as Manchester City or Bayern Munich—both known for high-profile external hires—Milan’s approach emphasizes cost efficiency and long-term development, aligning with Cardinale’s stated vision for the club.
BREAKING: AC Milan confirms Hendrik Almstadt as new recruitment director, with Richard Gardiner overseeing data analytics. A shift toward internal expertise under president George Cardinale. #ACMilan #SerieA
Who’s in Charge? The New Milan Leadership Structure
Cardinale’s restructuring centers on three key figures:
- George Cardinale (President): Retains ultimate decision-making authority over transfers, contracts, and strategic direction. His hands-on approach contrasts with the more delegation-focused leadership of his predecessor, Scaroni.
- Hendrik Almstadt (Director of Recruitment): A former analyst at Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, Almstadt’s role will focus on scouting, data-driven evaluations, and player negotiations. His appointment follows Milan’s struggles in recent transfer windows, where high-profile misses (e.g., the failed Richard Kiprich signing in 2023) highlighted gaps in recruitment strategy.
- Richard Gardiner (Head of Big Data): A specialist in performance analytics, Gardiner will oversee the integration of data tools to optimize training, tactics, and player development. His hiring underscores Milan’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure, though details on specific software or partnerships remain undisclosed.
Massimiliano Calvelli, Milan’s sporting director since 2021, will reportedly retain his title but operate under tighter oversight from Cardinale. Sources close to the club suggest his role has been redefined to focus on player welfare and youth development, reducing his involvement in first-team decision-making.
According to Reuters, the changes were finalized in closed-door meetings last week, with no external candidates considered for senior roles. This aligns with Cardinale’s public stance on avoiding “revolving door” management, a criticism leveled at Milan during Scaroni’s tenure.
How the Restructuring Differs from Past Approaches
The new leadership structure marks a departure from Milan’s recent history of relying on external consultants and short-term fixes. Under Scaroni, the club frequently turned to high-profile agents and interim managers, often with mixed results. For example:
- 2022–23 Transfer Window: Milan spent €120 million on 10 players, with only two (Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud) meeting expectations, while others (e.g., Alexis Sánchez) underperformed (source: Transfermarkt).
- 2023–24 Strategy: The new team aims to reduce reliance on agent networks, instead prioritizing direct scouting and data-backed evaluations. Almstadt’s background at Dortmund—where he played a key role in the club’s 2021 Champions League run—suggests a focus on youth development and tactical recruitment.
Cardinale’s approach also contrasts with that of rival clubs like Manchester City, which has built a reputation for aggressive external hiring (e.g., appointing Pep Guardiola as manager in 2016) and Bayern Munich, which recently promoted Ulrich Hofmann from within after a decade of external leadership.
“This is not about replacing people but about redefining roles,” a source familiar with the club’s internal discussions told The Guardian. “Cardinale wants a leaner, more agile structure—one that doesn’t depend on external opinions.”
What Happens Next? The Transfer Window and Beyond
The restructuring will first be tested in the upcoming January 2024 transfer window, which opens on January 1, 2024. Key questions include:
- Will Almstadt’s data-driven approach lead to smarter signings? Milan’s recent history suggests a need for precision in recruitment, particularly after high-profile misses like Franck Ribéry (2022) and Steven Bergwijn (2023).
- How will Gardiner’s data tools impact the first team? Milan’s reliance on traditional scouting has been criticized for overlooking tactical fit. Gardiner’s role could address this, but integration with the coaching staff (currently led by Steve McClaren) remains untested.
- Will Cardinale’s authority face challenges? Rumors persist of discontent among some players and staff over the lack of external hires. A source at the club told BBC Sport that “some players have expressed frustration at the pace of change,” though no public dissent has emerged.
The next major checkpoint will be Milan’s pre-season training camp in Portugal (July 2024), where the new leadership structure will be fully operational. Cardinale has indicated that the club’s financial fair play compliance—currently under review by UEFA—will also influence recruitment decisions.
Key Takeaways: What Readers Need to Know
- Internal focus: Milan is prioritizing promotions and data-driven roles over external hires, reflecting a shift toward cost efficiency.
- Almstadt’s role: His appointment signals a move toward analytical recruitment, though success will depend on integration with the coaching staff.
- Cardinale’s authority: The president has consolidated decision-making power, reducing the influence of the sporting director.
- Transfer window test: The January 2024 window will be critical in assessing whether the new structure delivers results.
- Data integration: Gardiner’s hiring suggests Milan is investing in technology, but specifics on tools or partnerships remain unclear.
For the latest updates on AC Milan’s leadership and transfer activity, follow AC Milan’s official website and UEFA’s financial compliance page. Readers with questions about the restructuring can share their thoughts in the comments below or on our X/Twitter page.
Carlos Mendes is a senior sports journalist with 13+ years covering football, Olympic sports, and major competitions. His work has been recognized with the European Sports Media Award (2021).