Ralf Rangnick has reportedly given Milan a deadline of early next week to accept his conditions for taking over as the club’s manager, according to reports in Italy. The current Austria national team manager is seeking significant control over the sporting area, including the appointment of Johannes Spors as director of sport and Christopher Vivell as head of scouting.
Rangnick departed for the United States without a definitive agreement with Milan, but has communicated to those around him that he requires a decision by the start of next week. Austria have expressed their desire to renew Rangnick’s contract before their World Cup campaign begins on June 17th against Jordan, but the manager is awaiting a call from the Rossoneri.
Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner, after a six-hour meeting with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and club legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is considered the frontrunner for the managerial position, even independently of Rangnick’s potential arrival. Christian Pulisic has publicly praised Glasner, describing him as a coach who brings a great deal of energy. Rangnick himself has reportedly recommended Glasner as his preferred technical director.
Rangnick is insistent on bringing in a team he trusts, with Spors, currently at Southampton, identified as his top choice for the director of sport role. Spors previously worked at Genoa during the ownership of 777 Partners. The plan involves Spors leading transfer negotiations while Rangnick is occupied with the World Cup. Vivell, currently at Manchester United, has a long-standing relationship with Rangnick, having worked with him at Hoffenheim, Red Bull Salzburg, and RB Leipzig, starting as a video analyst.
Cardinale is currently weighing the significant investment required to assemble Rangnick’s desired team, considering existing plans for the youth academy and Under 23 setup led by Vergine and Kirovski. Glasner, having recently won the Europa Conference League with Crystal Palace, is also keen on the Milan opportunity, especially with Bayer Leverkusen appointing a different manager and limited top-tier vacancies available in England. He is seeking a new challenge at a high level.
