Zvonimir Boban Criticises AC Milan’s Strategy and Warns Luka Modrić

Zvonimir Boban Criticises AC Milan’s Strategy and Explains Why Luka Modrić Faces a Difficult Challenge

Zvonimir Boban remains deeply connected to football, despite now serving as president of Dinamo Zagreb. The legendary Croatian midfielder, now 58, still occasionally takes to the pitch alongside the club’s Under-15 players. He has retained the elegance and technical ability he displayed at the highest level, while his passion for the game remains as strong as ever.

Over the coming months, Boban will regularly travel between Zagreb and Milan to provide commentary on European matches for Sky Sport. The Croatian jokes that nobody has travelled along the A4 motorway as often as he has. He used to spend those journeys listening to The Betrothed, as he is a great admirer of Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni. These days, he spends more time on the phone, discussing transfers, the Champions League, Serie A and international football.

José Mourinho Can Still Produce a Champions League Upset

Boban discussed the challenge José Mourinho faces against Real Madrid. Although he believes the Portuguese coach is no longer operating at the level he reached during the finest years of his career, the Croatian has not ruled out a major upset.

“Recently, he has not been the coach he was during his best years, but if he recaptures his inspiration, he can achieve something extraordinary. In any case, it looks like a difficult challenge...”

The former AC Milan player believes 3 teams stand above the rest in the race to win the Champions League. Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich are his leading contenders, with Arsenal occupying 4th place in his personal ranking. Lamine Yamal is also the Croatian’s choice to win the Ballon d’Or.

“Barcelona, PSG and Bayern are the best, while Lamine Yamal would be my choice for the Ballon d’Or. He has incredible talent. He is still a child, but the natural way in which he plays is unique. Among the English teams, I would put Arsenal 4th on my list of favourites. I am curious because the new format has proved exciting, and commentating on matches is always a pleasure.”

Boban does not believe his broadcasting work conflicts with his position at Dinamo Zagreb. Instead, it allows him to take a temporary break from his administrative responsibilities while maintaining his connection with Italy and journalism.

“Yes, working as a commentator allows me to step away from my role as Dinamo president and keep my love for Italy and journalism alive.”

Luis Enrique Has Already Written His Name Into Football History

Luis Enrique’s achievements at PSG have greatly impressed Zvonimir Boban. The Croatian prefers to avoid rankings that compare coaches from different generations, but places the Spaniard alongside some of the most influential managers in the history of the game.

“I do not like these rankings, but Luis Enrique has already written his name into history. He performed a miracle, and I did not believe he was this good. I was impressed by how he found the right role for Ousmane Dembélé, who did not understand how to work with his teammates at Barcelona. He belongs in the same category as Ștefan Kovács, Arrigo Sacchi, Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola and Fabio Capello – the greats.”

Enzo Maresca is another coach admired by the former Croatia international. Boban believes the Italian would be a logical candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola because of his attacking football philosophy.

“I like him very much. He has a positive, attacking vision of football. Choosing him would make perfect sense.”

Why Pep Guardiola Turned Down the Italy Job

Zvonimir Boban understands Pep Guardiola’s decision not to take charge of the Italian national team. In his opinion, the Spanish coach needs to work with his players every day, something that is impossible at international level.

“No. The fact that he did not feel able to accept the job is significant. He would probably find it frustrating not to work on the training ground every day. I know Guardiola has enormous respect for Maldini, but he understood that it was not the right time. We should all thank him because he has given so much to football throughout his managerial career.”

The Croatian also addressed the problems within the Italian Football Federation. Boban refuses to place any blame on Paolo Maldini, arguing that responsibility depends on what was agreed and who failed to honour those agreements.

“It depends on what the agreements were and who broke them. Certainly not Paolo...”

Boban Defends Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo’s appointment as Italy manager sparked debate, particularly following his spells with Fatih Karagümrük, Sampdoria and United FC. Although the former midfielder’s managerial record has not been convincing, Boban believes Pirlo understands the importance of the national team and commands the players’ respect.

“Andrea Pirlo has not enjoyed success as a coach, but he knows what the national team means. He is not stupid, and the players see him as a footballing genius. That is something people have failed to understand. A football executive makes decisions and accepts responsibility for them.”

In Boban’s view, football officials must accept responsibility for their decisions, including those that fail to earn the support of either the public or the media.

Italian Football Has Fallen Behind Europe’s Leading Leagues

One of Zvonimir Boban’s main concerns is the tactical direction of Italian football. The former midfielder believes Serie A teams place too much emphasis on physical attributes and do not show enough attacking ambition.

“In terms of ideas, we are far behind Europe and its understanding of speed. Italian football is not attacking enough. It is becoming increasingly physical and less proactive. In the post-Sacchi era, 90% of successful teams played with a back 4 and 2 players on the flanks. In Italy, however, teams use modernised versions of catenaccio with 3-man defences. It is up to the clubs to change direction because the federation cannot force them to do so.”

Boban believes the responsibility for change belongs to the clubs. The federation can establish general guidelines, but it cannot impose formations or tactical principles on individual teams.

Como and Cesc Fàbregas Earn Boban’s Praise

Como are one of the few positive examples highlighted by the Croatian. Boban admires the club’s project and the work carried out by Cesc Fàbregas. The presence of Martin Baturina, a product of Dinamo Zagreb’s academy, gives him another reason to follow the team.

“Como. I am a supporter of the project and of the way Fàbregas is coaching the team. Then there is Baturina, a Dinamo Zagreb boy like me.”

The former Croatia international has not ruled out Como challenging for the title. Cesc Fàbregas’ side have lost several matches they dominated and possess the ability to cause problems for every opponent.

“When I look at how Como play and how many matches they have lost despite dominating them, I say yes. They can make life difficult for everyone. Of course, Inter are far ahead of the others, and history matters. There will be moments when the weight of the shirt and the club’s tradition make a difference.”

Inter are Boban’s leading title favourites, while Juventus and Roma are the other teams he mentioned.“Juventus and Roma.”

AC Milan Are No Longer Behaving Like a Club of Their Stature

Boban reserved his harshest criticism for AC Milan. He believes his former club have moved away from the identity that once established them as a dominant force in European football.

The Croatian appreciates the team’s courage and willingness to adopt an attacking approach, but does not believe they have made any meaningful progress. He cited last season’s defeat by Cagliari as an example. After playing defensive football for a prolonged period, Milan were unable to take control of a decisive match when it mattered most.

“For years, AC Milan have not behaved like Milan in any sense. I do not see any progress, apart from the courage and desire to play attacking football. Last season, they lost to Cagliari because they had played defensive football throughout the entire campaign. When the decisive moment came, they were unable to dominate the match.

“Milan paid an excessive fee for Ramos. On the other hand, he moves well to get into scoring positions and has an eye for goal, but we are still far from the kind of quality that can transform a team. I was more moved by Cissé’s story, a youngster who came from nowhere thanks to his talent.”

Boban believes the fee paid for Ramos was disproportionate to the player’s ability. The striker moves intelligently inside and around the penalty area and regularly finds himself in scoring positions, but does not yet possess the quality required to transform the team.

Cissé’s story made a greater impression on him. The youngster rose to prominence through his talent after beginning his career without the advantages or reputation enjoyed by many other players.

Luka Modrić Will Have Plenty of Ground to Cover in Rúben Amorim’s System

Luka Modrić continues to play at the age of 41, but Boban has warned that the new tactical system could present him with considerable difficulties. His intelligence and ability to anticipate situations remain exceptional, although the physical demands will be different from those he faced under Massimiliano Allegri.

“Luka Modrić is a genius, and genius does not disappear with age. His intelligence allows him to anticipate situations. Of course, these are personal choices. I believe he will find it difficult to play in Amorim’s system. Under Allegri, he was protected by 2 central midfielders and played in a deeper position. Now he will have to cover 60 metres alongside only one other player. It will be difficult.”

Under the previous system, Modrić had the protection of 2 midfielders and could operate closer to his own defence. Rúben Amorim’s formation will force him to cover much greater distances alongside only one partner in central midfield.

Dinamo Zagreb Hold a Special Place in Boban’s Life

Although he is proud to have become the first democratically elected president in the club’s history, Boban says he still considers himself a footballer at heart. His executive position has not changed his love for the game, although watching matches from the stands causes him considerable anxiety.

“I am proud because I am the first democratically elected president, but in my soul I remain a footballer. The position I hold will certainly not change my genuine passion for the game. However, sitting in the stands during matches makes me far too tense.

“Matches are my cross to bear, and I usually do not watch them. Last season, however, when we won the league and the cup, I experienced the greatest moment of my footballing life.”

Winning the league and cup with Dinamo Zagreb meant even more to Boban than lifting the Champions League with AC Milan. His relationship with the Croatian club began during his childhood and grew even stronger when he became the team’s captain at only 18.

“Yes, Dinamo have always been in my heart. My father represented Dinamo, I attended matches at the stadium with my brother, and I became the team’s captain at the age of 18. For me, Dinamo come before everything except my family.”

A Father Pays for His Mistakes for the Rest of His Life

Asked whether being a president or a father is more difficult, Boban acknowledged that running a football club involves more daily responsibilities. However, the consequences of a mistake made as a parent can last a lifetime.

“What a question... A president has more things to do, and it is probably a more difficult job in itself. However, you pay for the mistakes you make as a father for the rest of your life. I hope I have not made any as serious as that.”

Boban’s Relationship With Aleksander Čeferin Remains Broken

Zvonimir Boban’s controversial departure from UEFA ended his relationship with Aleksander Čeferin. The 2 men have not resumed contact, with each living with his decisions and the consequences that followed.

“No, we no longer speak. Everyone has to live with their own decisions and the consequences.”

Boban Criticises FIFA’s Current Direction

The Croatian believes world football has moved away from its fundamental values and that respect for its institutions has declined. Boban acknowledges Gianni Infantino’s positive contribution during his early years as FIFA president but believes politics, power and commercial interests have become far too influential.

“Football has lost its way, and respect for its institutions has disappeared. During his early years, Gianni did a good job, and FIFA became cleaner under him. Now, however, politics, power and business have become too influential, overwhelming even the love that boy from Brig once had for football.

“I feel sorry for him, for FIFA and for football, but I do not dismiss everything Infantino has done.”

Boban does not wish to erase all of Infantino’s achievements, but regrets the direction taken by both FIFA and world football.

The 1994 AC Milan vs Barcelona Final Defined Football’s Golden Era

If he had to show a young person what football was like during Serie A’s golden age, Boban would choose the 1994 Champions League final. AC Milan defeated Barcelona 4-0 in one of the most remarkable matches in the competition’s history.

The Mistake Boban Will Never Forgive Himself For

The most painful mistake of the Croatian’s career came in the 1998 World Cup semi-final. Boban lost possession near his own penalty area against France, despite such an error being completely out of character for him.

“Losing the ball in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against France. I was the captain, and I had never lost the ball in front of my own penalty area. I will never forgive myself.”

Boban Would Not Trade the 1990s for the Money in Modern Football

The former midfielder is convinced that he played during the right era. He won the Under-20 World Cup and represented AC Milan when the club were dominating European football. Today’s salaries may be significantly higher, but that does not change his choice.

“I won an Under-20 World Cup and played for AC Milan, the best club. Players earn more money now, but... who cares? I would still choose the 1990s I experienced.”

Boban does not feel the need to make peace with any particular person from his past, although he insists he wishes the best even for those with whom he is no longer in contact.

“No, honestly. However, I still wish the best for the people I no longer speak to.”

Addressing his reputation as a difficult personality, the Croatian admits that he holds strong opinions and is not particularly skilled at promoting himself. Nevertheless, he does not believe he has a difficult character.

“Perhaps I am not very good at selling myself and I have strong opinions, but I do not have a difficult character, or at least I do not think so. Of course, I admit that I am no Saint Francis.”