‘Managerial changes cost us the season’ – Nigeria’s Chukwueze on AC Milan’s struggles

AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze has opened up about the instability that plagued the Rossoneri’s disappointing 2024/25 campaign, attributing their underwhelming performances to managerial changes and the tactical upheaval that followed.

The Italian giants endured a torrid domestic season, finishing a distant eighth in Serie A—well outside the European qualification places.

Their Champions League and Coppa Italia pursuits also ended in early exits, with the Supercoppa Italiana being the only piece of silverware to show for their efforts.

Reflecting on Milan’s turbulent season, Chukwueze pointed to the disruption caused by the club’s decision to change managers partway through the campaign.

“Starting the season with one manager and completing pre-season under him, then switching manager midway was quite difficult,” he told SportsBoom.

The Nigerian winger, who joined Milan from Villarreal in 2023, noted that the transition created a sharp learning curve.

“When a new manager arrived, everything changed from tactics, formations, and playing style. The players were eager and hungry, but adapting quickly to new ideas and systems wasn’t easy.”

That adjustment period, he explained, derailed their campaign at a critical point, with the team losing rhythm and confidence as they struggled to respond to shifting demands.

“This affected our performance, costing us a spot in the Champions League,” Chukwueze said.

Despite the disappointment, the 26-year-old stressed the importance of resilience and collective effort.

“Football doesn’t always go as planned… in those moments, the key is to fight for every ball and put in your best effort individually and as a team.”