Turmoil at AC Milan: When the Leaders Put Themselves Above the Team

As their AC Milan teammates work hard in training to gear up for the upcoming campaign, goalkeepers Mike Maignan and midfielder Adrien Rabiot are still taking it easy on the beach. They will not rejoin the squad until August 16, arriving four days later than originally planned.

The delayed return of the French duo to Milanello is not exactly a scandal, as the decision was approved by coach Ruben Amorim and the Milan management, but it still raises major questions about the attitude and responsibility of those considered the team's leaders.

Questions About a Sense of Responsibility

Notably, they are reportedly the last players to return to their club after the 2026 World Cup break. In contrast, Lionel Messi, who played in the final on July 19, had already played for Inter Miami last week, highlighting the stark difference in the rest needs of Maignan and Rabiot.

Theoretically, Milan had every reason to grant them extra time off. Maignan and Rabiot had just endured a disappointing club season, followed by a long World Cup where they also fell short of expectations with the French national team. Amorim himself agreed to give them additional rest, citing the need to "release" the physical and mental pressure on the two players and help them return in better shape.

But the issue lies in the context, not just the four days off.

Maignan is not just a goalkeeper. He is the captain of Milan and one of the most influential figures in the dressing room. Rabiot is also a key professional pillar of the team, expected by Amorim to play a crucial role in midfield. When the leaders choose to return late while others are training, questions about responsibility and motivation are inevitable.

Former star Roberto Donadoni believes that if Maignan had returned earlier, especially in the context of Milan having a new coach, he would have sent a very positive signal to the entire team. As Milan is doing everything it can to bounce back from a forgettable season, the captain should have been the first to show up, lead his teammates, and send a message that the past is behind them. But the opposite happened.

Questions About the Future

The psychology of Maignan and Rabiot is understandable. The 1995-born goalkeeper is reportedly unhappy that Milan parted ways with coach Max Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, and goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi after last season. These were key figures who convinced him to sign a new contract with Milan until 2031. With their departure, Maignan may feel betrayed, and his relationship with the club may no longer be as strong as before.

Rabiot also has his own reasons for dissatisfaction. Allegri played a major role in bringing him to Milan and making him a key player. Therefore, the coach's removal from the new project undoubtedly affects how Rabiot views his future. After Napoli appointed Allegri to replace Antonio Conte, they also inquired about Rabiot, but Milan refused, which could be a reason for the midfielder's unhappiness.

But personal dissatisfaction, however understandable, should not turn into indifference toward the team. The delayed return of the two key French players creates a sense that they are prioritizing personal issues over the team's needs. The dangerous part is that a small spark now could ignite a fire in the future if things don't go as expected.

Still, all these doubts are just public opinion. The important thing is not when Maignan and Rabiot return, but the attitude with which they return. If they show up at Milanello, train seriously, accept Amorim's methods, and become the first to push their teammates forward, the story will quickly be forgotten. But if their dissatisfaction continues to manifest through indifference, then Milan will have to make a difficult decision: convince them to put the team's interests first, or consider parting ways. From Saudi Arabia, Al-Nassr is ready to make an offer for Maignan, while Rabiot is always welcome at Napoli under Allegri.

And if the second scenario happens, Milan could lose not only a great goalkeeper and an important midfielder but also two dressing-room icons at a time when the team needs leaders like them the most.