Steven Zhang Reveals His Weaknesses: How Inter Can Avoid the Pitfalls of AC Milan and Napoli

Following Inter Milan's crowning as Serie A champions, Steven Zhang participated in two livestreams on Western and Chinese social media platforms. During these sessions, he covered a wide range of topics, such as the possibility of Inter visiting Chengdu to see the giant pandas this summer, his collaboration with four different coaches who have all won Serie A titles, and the significance of Massimo Moratti. However, the most discussed topic in Italy is Zhang's self-admitted weakness regarding "rewarding the players."

A Lighthearted Start to a Serious Issue

Zhang's first livestream was organized by players like Marcus Thuram and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. The players joked with Zhang, pointing out that their transfer fees were so low they were worth less than a cup of coffee, suggesting that the boss should give them some gifts. Zhang responded, "To be honest, if they ask me for something, I usually give it to them. This is one of my weaknesses. I know other clubs definitely wouldn't give anything."

The notion of additional rewards for winning a title is indeed rare in Serie A. Most big clubs in Italy include clauses in their contracts specifying the bonuses players will receive if they win the championship. For example, Simone Inzaghi's contract stipulates that he will receive a post-tax bonus of 1 million euros for winning Serie A. These written clauses are automatically triggered upon winning, making additional rewards unnecessary.

However, the players were asking Zhang for gifts beyond these contractual bonuses, and Zhang mostly obliged, albeit to varying degrees. He stated that even though Inter is a loss-making club, "for the club, especially Inter, we have to put competitive success first, so we need to give everyone the confidence to strive in that direction." This approach reflects a certain tradition. During Moratti's era, Inter often gave extra rewards after winning titles. When asked about the Thohir era, the question was moot as Thohir never won even the smallest title.

Concrete Examples of Zhang's Generosity

Zhang's commitment to rewarding the team is not just empty rhetoric. For instance, in the season when Antonio Conte won the title, Inter was in such financial difficulty that they had to borrow at high interest rates to maintain operations. Yet, after winning, the club still handed out over 6.5 million euros in extra bonuses to the entire team (coaches and players included), with Conte also receiving a share. Similarly, after winning the Supercoppa Italiana this season, which is not the most prestigious trophy, Inter still gave out an additional 1.5 million euros in bonuses.

This perhaps illustrates the difference between Eastern and Western philosophies. The Eastern approach emphasizes "rewarding achievements and punishing failures," believing that extra rewards are justified when additional revenue is generated by winning titles. The Western approach often leans on "contractual spirit" to save money, arguing that if bonuses are already stipulated in the contracts, there is no need to spend more money to increase the financial burden.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, winning the second star will see Zhang give out at least 3 million euros in additional bonuses to the entire team as a gesture of goodwill. Calcio e Finanza reports that because many of Inter’s players, coaches, and staff already have performance-based bonuses in their contracts, the total amount could exceed 10 million euros. Adding the extra rewards, the total bonuses could surpass 15 million euros for the two trophies won this season, showing the club's generosity and sincerity towards its achievers.

Avoiding the Mistakes of AC Milan and Napoli

The emphasis on bonuses is not merely about minor details akin to giving red envelopes during the Chinese New Year. Commentator Altobelli pointed out that this issue has led to significant problems for the previous two Serie A champions over the past three seasons. Both AC Milan and Napoli made critical mistakes that Inter must avoid.

After winning the title, AC Milan faced a "bonus war" that they did not handle well. This led to high-profile players like Franck Kessié leaving over contract disputes and others like Rafael Leão being distracted by prolonged negotiations. Consequently, AC Milan dropped to fourth place in Serie A the following season. Many colleagues and Milan fans blamed Stefano Pioli, but the root cause was the mishandling of the post-championship salary structure, leading to a chain reaction.

Napoli's situation was even worse. After winning the title, club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis did not reward the team generously. Instead, he enacted a series of harsh measures that significantly weakened the team, resulting in a dramatic drop in performance. This led to widespread protests against De Laurentiis in Naples, with many fans considering him the root cause of the club's decline.

Inter's Strategic Balance

The phenomenon of "changing kings on the city wall" is neither accidental nor isolated. Football teams are also battlegrounds for labor-capital conflicts. Before achieving success, employees focus solely on their work. After achieving success, their primary concern becomes money. It is also a fact that companies that are continuously losing money, with owners facing significant difficulties, will focus on cost reduction. This conflict puts Inter at great risk despite winning the championship. How can the Nerazzurri avoid repeating the mistakes of AC Milan, Napoli, and even their own history?

The core concept is to find a balance between "cost reduction" and "winning." However, when forced to choose between the two, which should take precedence? De Laurentiis prioritized the former, leading to Napoli’s downfall. Zhang's self-admitted weakness of being "unable to refuse players' requests for rewards" stems from a "win-first" mentality, showing a fundamental difference from the Napoli owner. With this mindset, there is reason to believe that Inter will not follow Napoli's post-championship collapse.

Zhang’s Vision for Inter

Zhang's approach reflects a broader vision for the club. He understands the importance of maintaining morale and incentivizing the team. His willingness to provide additional rewards, even when not contractually obligated, underscores his commitment to putting competitive success at the forefront. This strategy not only fosters a positive environment but also strengthens the bond between the players and the management.

In summary, Steven Zhang's self-admitted weakness of rewarding players generously, even beyond contractual obligations, is a strategic move to prioritize winning and maintain team morale. By learning from the mistakes of AC Milan and Napoli, and balancing cost reduction with incentivizing performance, Inter Milan aims to avoid the pitfalls that have beset other clubs. Zhang's vision and approach offer hope for a sustainable and successful future for the Nerazzurri.