AC Milan are actively pursuing several managerial candidates as they seek to appoint a new head coach within the next 7-10 days, according to reports in Italy. The search is being led by Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with the appointment potentially linked to the future role of sporting director.
Mauricio Pochettino, currently the head coach of the United States national team, has emerged as a strong candidate. Cardinale is reportedly a significant admirer of the Argentine, and Pochettino met with Milan officials Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada last week, as initially reported by The Athletic. Pochettino’s contract with the US Soccer Federation expires after the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, leaving the door open for a potential move.
Ralf Rangnick, a preferred candidate for RedBird Capital – the ownership group of Milan – to lead the club’s sporting area, has put forward Matthias Jaissle as his preferred choice for the managerial position. Jaissle, 38, currently manages Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, where he has won back-to-back Asian Champions League titles and coaches former Milan midfielder Franck Kessie. He previously worked within the Red Bull system at Salzburg. Jaissle’s current contract with Al Ahli runs until 2027, and he is reportedly interested in a move to Milan, though securing his release would likely involve a transfer fee.
Other options being considered include Andoni Iraola, the current manager of Bournemouth, and Oliver Glasner, who recently left Crystal Palace after his contract expired. Iraola’s potential arrival has reportedly cooled due to a lack of enthusiasm from the Basque coach, with a move to Crystal Palace now a possibility. Glasner is currently evaluating his options after departing Palace, and Milan are known to be interested. A complicating factor is that both Pochettino and Rangnick are currently occupied with international duties at the World Cup, potentially impacting the timeline for a decision.
The club is aiming for a more attacking style of play going forward, and the managerial appointment will be crucial in shaping the team’s future direction.
