Boban Doubles Down: Milan Must Aim for Trophies, Not Just Top Four

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | In a passionate defense of his recent remarks, former AC Milan director Zvonimir Boban has reiterated his belief that the club must aspire to win major honors rather than settle for mere Champions League qualification. Speaking on Rai Radio 1, Boban defends comments on Milan’s lack of ambition and explains dislike of Amorim’s system, insisting that his critique was not outlandish but rooted in the club’s storied history. “I didn’t understand what I said that was so special,” Boban said. “I said that Milan should aspire to win, yet I read about ‘Boban’s poison’. I don’t understand how much the idea of what Milan and its fans should be has changed: we can’t be mediocre.”

Boban’s original comments came at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, where he accused RedBird Capital of shifting the goalposts of success. He argued that merely finishing in the top four is not enough for a club of Milan’s stature, and that “nothing makes sense” if the Rossoneri are not competing for the biggest prizes. His stance has sparked debate among fans and pundits, but Boban remains unapologetic. “If we accept that the maximum ambition is to qualify for the Champions League every year, then I haven’t understood anything of what I was taught in Italy and what my father passed on to me by watching Rivera and hoping that one day as a footballer I could repeat what he did,” he added.

The former Milan midfielder and director also took aim at the team’s current tactical setup under manager Ruben Amorim. Boban defends comments on Milan’s lack of ambition and explains dislike of Amorim’s system, particularly the 3-5-2 formation that often morphs into a five-man defence. “This 3-5-2 system, which becomes a 5-2-3 or a 3-4-3, ultimately turns into a five-man defence with players on the wings killing each other: it’s a bit illogical,” Boban explained. He expressed doubts about Milan’s ability to go all the way in the Europa League with a shallow squad, though he acknowledged that if Amorim succeeds, “we’ll all be happy.”

When asked if Amorim is convincing him, Boban remained cautious. “It’s still early days. As I said, I don’t like playing with three at the back: the runs become long and tiring, the distances break up, and the connections become difficult to maintain for 90 minutes. Great skill is needed in the changes to maintain quality on the wing-backs, on the full-backs, and in midfield. The Lecce game went better than the matches in which Milan conceded a lot, but we’re only at the beginning of the process.” He emphasized the need for patience, noting that every match seems to bring years of discussion in today’s fast-paced media world. “We need to give him time. He has to convince us all with results, and it’s normal that he needs consistency and time to work.”

Boban’s critique of Milan’s ambition is not just about tactics; it’s about the soul of the club. He fears that accepting mediocrity will erode the very essence of what makes Milan great. “We can’t be mediocre,” he repeated, underscoring the weight of expectations that come with the Rossoneri shirt. His words resonate with a fanbase that has grown restless after years of inconsistency and a perceived lack of direction under the current ownership.

Looking ahead to the Serie A title race, Boban sees Inter as the clear favorites but also tipped Roma to challenge. “Besides Inter, I’m looking at Roma for what they’re showing now, hoping the others can keep up the pace to make the race exciting.” His comments suggest that while he remains critical of Milan’s current path, he still holds a deep love for the game and a desire to see Italian football thrive at the highest level.

In conclusion, Zvonimir Boban’s unwavering stance serves as a reminder of the high standards that once defined AC Milan. His willingness to speak out, even at the risk of controversy, reflects a commitment to the club’s legacy. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Milan can rise to the challenge and prove that they are still a club that aspires to win, not just participate. Only time will tell if Boban’s warnings will be heeded or if the Rossoneri will continue to drift in the sea of mediocrity he so fears.