AC Milan continue their frantic search for a new head coach, but the rejections keep piling up. Almost a week after Allegri’s dismissal, Ibrahimović, Cardinale and Calvelli have yet to reach an agreement with anyone. A casting process that grows more complicated by the day — but one that could also represent the perfect opportunity to build something truly ambitious.
Xavi Says No: The Timing Isn’t Right
Following the refusal of Iraola, the former Bournemouth manager who declined the Rossoneri’s approach after finding the project unconvincing at this stage, another high-profile rejection has arrived: that of Xavi Hernández. The former Barcelona superstar and coach — one of the most prestigious names in world football — has communicated that he does not feel ready to take on Milan’s bench at this particular moment. A delicate family situation is also said to have weighed heavily on the decision, preventing him from committing to a new professional challenge of this magnitude. According to reports, Xavi’s real ambition is to manage a national team after the next World Cup, and that remains his primary goal.
From the outside, the Milan project is being perceived as an «empty box»: a club that needs to be rebuilt from the ground up, with a squad to be reshaped and many players likely to depart. An enormous challenge — but one that, in the right hands, could become something truly extraordinary.
Glasner: The Name That Appeals Most to the Board
Among all the names in circulation, the one gathering the most support within the Rossoneri hierarchy appears to be that of Oliver Glasner. The Austrian coach proved his worth at Crystal Palace, where he delivered three trophies — a genuine historic achievement for a club that had never won anything at this level. The most recent success was the Conference League, sealed by a goal from Mateta, a striker who had been closely linked with Milan during the previous transfer windows. A small but intriguing twist of fate.
Before his time in London, Glasner had already demonstrated his quality in Germany at the helm of Eintracht Frankfurt, where he achieved remarkable results. He is a modern, motivating coach with a German football philosophy, and in the coming days a fresh and concrete contact between the parties could materialise. Milan want to understand whether there is room to open proper negotiations.
Rangnick: Strict Conditions, but a Clear Project
In parallel, the track leading to Ralf Rangnick remains very concrete and feasible. The current Austria national team manager and one of the most influential figures in European football has, however, set precise, non-negotiable conditions: he is willing to take on the role of Head of Football, but wants full authority over the choice of head coach, sporting director, and the entire scouting staff — a group of around twenty professionals. Above all, he demands complete autonomy, free from interference in technical matters.
The key question is: are Ibrahimović and Cardinale genuinely prepared to accept these terms? The demands are ambitious, but they also come with the promise of a structured, long-term plan for the club. Rangnick is an exceptionally strong personality — the kind of figure who built the entire Red Bull football system from scratch. If Milan truly want to restart with a solid foundation, this could be the boldest and most far-sighted choice available.
Also remaining in the frame is the name of Matthias Jäissle, currently coaching Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia — another figure from the Rangnick school of thought, who could represent either an alternative or a complementary solution.
The Milan of Tomorrow: A Challenge Worth Building
The current situation is undoubtedly complex, but it is far from devoid of opportunity. Milan have the chance to choose their next manager carefully, without rushing or settling for second best. Every rejection that comes in is one step closer to the right choice. The Rossoneri hierarchy is working intensively, and the objective is singular: to build a Milan that is competitive, ambitious and capable of returning to a leading role in Italy and across Europe.
