AC Milan is going through a deep transition, facing organisational challenges that demand swift answers and bold decisions. The failure to confirm Markus Krösche as Head of Football — the new executive model chosen by the ownership — opens an unexpected scenario, but also a significant opportunity to build something solid and lasting.
A Two-Sided Problem: Structure and Reputation
By mid-June 2026, Milan find themselves in a situation that calls for serious reflection. On the organisational side, the Rossoneri still lack a fully structured sporting leadership. Giorgio Calvelli, who has taken on part of the operational delegations, can sign contracts — such as the expected buy-back of Francesco Camarda from Lecce — but cannot fully replace a dedicated sporting figure in charge of squad planning and transfer strategy.
On the international reputation side, the Krösche affair carries weight. The Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director was considered the ideal profile: a modern executive with a track record built on smart profit transfers and talent development. The German club, however, blocked the move, firmly exercising their right not to release their key man ahead of his natural contract expiry.
German Whispers: The Ibrahimović Factor
Sources close to the Bundesliga suggest an alternative version of events: it may have been Krösche himself who put the brakes on the move, fully aware of the potential overlaps with Zlatan Ibrahimović, Milan’s Senior Advisor. A director used to full decision-making autonomy would naturally hesitate to enter an environment where that autonomy could be compromised. This remains an unconfirmed report and should be treated as such — but it points to a structural issue Milan must resolve internally: a clear, unambiguous chain of command.
There is also a purely contractual dimension: Krösche is tied to Eintracht by a deal reportedly worth around €10 million. Resigning unilaterally would not be viable, as he would remain bound by the contract and left without a club for a considerable period — a scenario that, combined with the Frankfurt board’s firm stance, effectively closed this avenue.
The Governance Short Circuit: Coach Before Director
The Krösche saga sheds light on a deeper issue: the order of decisions. In a well-structured club, the chain of command follows a clear logic — first a CEO or sporting director is appointed, then the head coach is chosen. At Milan, the process has worked in reverse: Rúben Amorim is already confirmed as head coach, selected after an extensive process that reportedly included names such as Iraola, Xavi, Pochettino and Glasner. Krösche himself had been in contact with Amorim and played a role in his selection. Now that the German executive is no longer coming, the next Head of Football may have a different view on the coach — a real risk that the club must manage wisely.
Yet it is precisely in moments like these that great clubs find their best solutions. Milan’s leadership has both the responsibility and the capability to quickly identify the right profile — someone who shares Amorim’s vision and is ready to build the future of the club together. The direction is set: now it’s time to accelerate.
