AC Milan Makes Waves: Two Key Players Anger the Club Right Before the New Season

AC Milan is encountering unwelcome disputes right on the eve of the new campaign, with star duo Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot granted permission to prolong their break, returning to Milanello merely a week ahead of the Serie A kickoff.

Maignan and Rabiot Return Later Than Anticipated

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot will only rejoin AC Milan for training on August 16. Initially, the French duo were expected to report earlier, but the club agreed to give them a few extra days off following their extended journey at the 2026 World Cup.

Maignan and Rabiot advanced deep into the World Cup with the French national team, only finishing the tournament after the third-place match against England on July 18. Nevertheless, the decision to extend their vacation has sparked mixed reactions, as Milan will open their Serie A campaign with an away match against Torino on August 23. This means Maignan and Rabiot will have only about a week of training with the full squad before the season officially begins.

Notably, many other players who also went deep into the World Cup have returned to their clubs earlier. La Gazzetta dello Sport cites cases such as Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram, and Lautaro Martinez, while many of Maignan and Rabiot's teammates at Milan have also rejoined after about three weeks of rest.

AC Milan Fans Furious

The issue is not just about physical condition. According to Italian media, a portion of the Rossoneri fans are dissatisfied because both Maignan and Rabiot are influential figures in the dressing room. At a time when Milan is undergoing a rebuild under coach Ruben Amorim, these experienced players are expected to lead by example and guide the rest of the squad.

Maignan has become a particular focus of criticism. The French goalkeeper currently wears the captain's armband, but his future and mindset at San Siro have been constantly questioned this summer.

Football Italia reports that Maignan removed images and content related to Milan from his social media accounts. The 31-year-old's absence from the funeral of club legend Franco Baresi also displeased some fans. On social media, there have even been calls for Milan to give the captain's armband to Luka Modric.

Meanwhile, Rabiot had previously stated after the World Cup that he would return to Milan, talk with coach Amorim, and prepare for the new season. However, the French midfielder's late arrival at Milanello has still raised questions in Italian public opinion about his mindset after a disappointing season.

Amorim Faces Tough Challenge in Opening Match

Maignan and Rabiot have maintained their fitness through individual training programs sent by the Milan coaching staff during their break. However, the problem for coach Ruben Amorim is that both players have little time to adapt to the new tactical demands before the Serie A kickoff.

Maignan's case is particularly concerning for Milan, as backup goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano has also recently suffered a hip issue and has had limited playing time during the preseason. If Maignan is not in top form for the Torino match, Amorim may have to consider alternative options in goal.

However, veteran fitness expert Vincenzo Pincolini believes that players who have just been through the World Cup are fully capable of starting matches after a short break. According to him, modern professional players maintain their training routines, nutrition, and body care during holidays, so returning close to the opening day may not necessarily create major physical issues.

Both Maignan and Rabiot remain part of AC Milan's plans, and neither has requested a transfer. However, with the 2026/27 season just days away, the late return of two key players is inadvertently adding tension to the atmosphere at San Siro.