The Milan derby ended in a resounding victory for the Rossoneri, bringing joy to the club’s hierarchy and fans alike. La Gazzetta dello Sport report how Gerry Cardinale, the RedBird chief, watched the match from his home in the United States. Although he had considered attending in person, he opted to view it from afar. Nevertheless, his excitement was palpable as he congratulated the team’s managers and coach on this “special” win.
This victory held particular significance for Cardinale, as it marked his first derby success since September 3, 2022, the inaugural triumph of his era. The result has undoubtedly eased tensions and boosted morale within the club.
At San Siro, club executives sat side by side, celebrating enthusiastically in the locker room with the players after the match. The team’s performance marked a dramatic turnaround from their midweek struggles against Liverpool, which had drawn criticism from ultras. Last night, however, they were showered with applause and chants from the Curva Sud, potentially signaling a turning point in their season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, experiencing his first derby win as a director, was particularly pleased. Before the match, he addressed his role and the recent criticisms, stating, “Criticism is part of the job and responsibilities. I’m used to it from my playing days, for 25 years now, and it’s not a problem for me: it motivates me and gives me energy.”
In the locker room, Ibrahimovic congratulated everyone, including coach Fonseca, whom he had reassured during a visit to Milanello on Thursday. His words seem to have sparked the desired reaction, lifting the team’s spirits.
Reijnders, named man of the match, echoed the positive sentiment: “We played very well and we’re happy because we wanted to win at all costs. We had to do it after the very difficult last week. Thanks to the fans who were extraordinary.”
