Two factions, one club: the power struggle at AC Milan
At AC Milan, the conversation goes well beyond the pitch and the transfer market. Behind the scenes at Casa Milan, a power struggle is unfolding that could shape the club’s future for years to come. On one side stands Zlatan Ibrahimovic, on the other Gerry Cardinale, flanked by Massimo Calvelli: two visions, two philosophies, two different strategies to redesign the Milan of the future.
Ibrahimovic backs Glasner
The Swedish legend, who has become a key executive figure at the club in recent times, has very clear ideas about who should take charge on the Rossoneri bench. Ibrahimovic is pushing for Oliver Glasner, the Austrian coach with whom an exploratory meeting has already taken place to discuss Milan’s sporting project, short- and long-term objectives, and contractual terms. Glasner is a profile that Zlatan considers compatible with his own vision: a European-level coach who would leave those working alongside him with a reasonable degree of operational freedom.
Cardinale and Calvelli want Rangnick
On the opposite side stand the club’s owner and the increasingly influential Massimo Calvelli. Their preference lies with Ralf Rangnick, the current head coach of the Austrian national team and a widely respected figure in European football for his ability to build technical-tactical systems and develop talent. Rangnick is a total football man: if he were to accept the Rossoneri bench, he would do so entirely on his own terms, bringing a sizeable staff with him — reports suggest around twenty collaborators — and demanding full decision-making autonomy in sporting matters.
This prospect, however, creates friction with Ibrahimovic, who would find it difficult to take a step back. The relationship between the two has never been smooth: back in 2020, upon Zlatan’s return to the Rossoneri, a public verbal clash with Rangnick left a lasting mark.
The real question: who runs AC Milan?
The current impasse is about more than just choosing a head coach. This situation is a mirror of the real balance of power within the club. If Rangnick ultimately takes the Milan dugout, it will mean that Cardinale and Calvelli have prevailed over Ibrahimovic. If Glasner wins out, it will be clear that the Swedish icon still holds decisive influence over Rossoneri decisions.
One thing is certain: starting out with two such divergent lines of thinking is far from the ideal foundation for building a solid, cohesive project. Milan needs unity, a single voice, a clear sporting direction. The Rossoneri fanbase is waiting for concrete answers — and it wants them soon.
