AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani says he and vice president Barbara Berlusconi are working "in perfect harmony" to bring the good times back to the Serie A club after overcoming some initial difficulties.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Galliani admits it took time to get used to sharing his duties with the daughter of president Silvio Berlusconi, although he insists there are no longer any problems between the two.
Galliani tendered his resignation shortly after Barbara was given more of an active role in the club as the pair struggled to see eye to eye, though Silvio mediated and Galliani believes the club is moving in the right direction again.
"Absolutely, that was [my most difficult time at the club], but you've got to look forwards in life and not think of the past," Galliani said. "It was quite normal really. Silvio Berlusconi chose the new structure and we accepted it and shared it.
"As far as I am concerned, yes, it was difficult to accept. But now we are in perfect harmony. There's something strange about me also -- when I read things about me, I just treat them as if it is somebody else. Rumours and speculation don't affect me; they don't hurt.
"My relationship with the president dates back to before he got involved in football, back to Nov. 1, 1979. From that day forward, we've always been on the same wavelength.
"We talk a lot and often and in the end, we're always in agreement. The president is democratic. He doesn't use his position for his own good, but tries to convince me by reasoning."
Galliani needed no convincing to get on a plane to Madrid this summer to try and hire Carlo Ancelotti. It proved to be in vain with the former Real Madrid coach turning down Galliani's offer, but Milan's CEO insists he was not wasting his time.
"It wasn't a hopeless cause," he said. "Ancelotti was very tempted to return to Milan. The main reason for him to say no was the operation that he has now had and which is keeping him out of action for two months. Besides, we had already identified Mihajlovic [as an alternative].
"Appointing Mihajlovic is a break with our recent past. He's got all the characteristics we need now at Milanello. He reminds me of [Fabio] Capello."
Galliani, 71, is therefore satisfied with his club's choice of the former Sampdoria coach.
"I believe this could be a Milan side capable of competing with the other big clubs for a top-three finish," he said. "It's a radically changed Milan with new coach, staff, tactics, 10 new players considering new signings and returning players and those promoted from the youth team."
It is a side that Galliani believes can end the Rossoneri's two-year absence from the European stage, adding: "It wouldn't be the end if we didn't [qualify], but it certainly would be a sporting failure."
