Ralf Rangnick has rejected an offer to become the new manager of AC Milan after negotiations stalled over his demands for control of the club, according to reports from Italy. The German tactician reportedly sought complete authority over the sporting area at Milanello, including the ability to bring in a team of ten trusted colleagues.
Rangnick’s vision involved full autonomy in decision-making, resisting any interference in his project. While these requests were considered ambitious, they stemmed from initial overtures made by Milan owner Gerry Cardinale. However, the pursuit of complete control clashed with the ambitions of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who serves as a senior advisor to the ownership.
Ibrahimovic, despite not holding a formal position on the organizational chart, is reportedly keen to influence decisions regarding the club’s direction. To address the perceived stagnation in the transfer market – with clubs like Atalanta and Lazio awaiting responses on potential targets Jashari and Gimenez – Ibrahimovic is reportedly backing the appointment of Geoffrey Kirovski as the new sporting director. Kirovski currently oversees “Milan Futuro” and has been involved in some minor transfer activity, and Ibrahimovic views his promotion as a way to revitalize the club’s operations following the departures of Tare and Moncada.
The situation has been further complicated by the managerial search, which has become increasingly convoluted. Oliver Glasner, previously considered the leading candidate, is reportedly seeking clarity from the club while keeping his options open with Feyenoord. The shift in focus towards Matthias Jaissle, 38, aligns with owner Cardinale’s preference for a younger coach, drawing comparisons to Cesc Fabregas. Securing Jaissle would require Milan to pay compensation to his current club, Al-Ahli, a cost Cardinale appears willing to absorb. Rúben Amorim, previously linked to Manchester United, remains a potential candidate.
This complex situation highlights the power dynamics at play within Milan, with Ibrahimovic seemingly exerting significant influence over the club’s strategic decisions.
