Geoffrey Moncada, the 37-year-old technical director of AC Milan, recently shared insights into the club’s operations, scouting strategies, and player management in an extensive interview with Milannews.it. He discussed various topics, including the club’s approach to player renewals and the importance of maintaining a close-knit team environment.
Moncada described his typical day at Milanello, stating, “I immediately have a meeting with my team, both on the program for the day and the week. We talk with Zlatan and Kirovski about everything we need to do. It’s important to talk to them not only about football but also about what happens in their lives outside the field.” He emphasized the significance of fostering a supportive atmosphere for the young players, noting that “this is a young group that needs closeness and communication.”
Reflecting on the relatively young management team, which includes himself, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Giorgio Furlani, Moncada remarked, “There’s a nice mix. There are those like me who come from scouting and player relations, a finance expert like Giorgio, and Zlatan who has the perspective of a former great player.” He believes that collaboration is key: “Only by working together can we do well; an individual cannot succeed alone.”
Moncada highlighted his daily interactions with Ibrahimovic: “We talk every day. We meet at Casa Milan or Milanello and sometimes go out to eat together. We have a good, direct relationship.” They also discuss potential player acquisitions: “Yes, he likes it too. I’ve opened a profile for him on a professional platform for data analysis so he can also see players.”
On the topic of contract renewals for key players like Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez, Moncada stated, “We started discussions two months ago. I can say we are in a good place. Everyone is happy here at Milan.” He emphasized that creating a positive environment contributes significantly to these negotiations: “We need to put them in the best conditions possible to perform well while building a direct relationship with us.”
Despite his current role as technical director, Moncada retains his passion for scouting. “When I was head scout, I was out watching matches almost every weekend. Now I can’t be away that much due to my responsibilities,” he explained. He underscored the importance of live evaluations: “It’s impossible to close a deal without seeing a player live first.”
Moncada detailed their scouting process: “We start with analyzing our team’s needs and areas for improvement. We don’t just rely on algorithms as has often been said; we have a database that helps us identify players across different countries.” He emphasized that while data can highlight interesting prospects, it must be complemented by live observations.
Discussing specific players like Tijjani Reijnders and Rafael Leao, Moncada shared insights into their journeys. He noted that Reijnders had taken time to reach high levels but showed promise through consistent performances. Regarding Leao, he recalled first seeing him at 17 years old: “He was technically superb and scored with incredible confidence.”
Moncada also addressed the importance of supporting players through difficult times: “We accept that players may have moments of difficulty and support them as Zlatan and I did with Rafa.” He believes this nurturing approach is crucial for player development.
Looking ahead, Moncada expressed ambition for AC Milan to compete among Europe’s elite clubs: “We want to get closer to top clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool. It’s not easy; even Liverpool took eight years to reach this level.” He affirmed their commitment to developing a clear playing methodology under coach Paulo Fonseca.
