AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale wasn’t joking. At the end of a 2025/2026 season marked by a fifth place in the standings synonymous with an absence from the Champions League for a second consecutive year, RedBird fired no less than four managers, including coach Max Allegri. “The time has now come for change and a complete reorganization of football operations. With immediate effect, we part ways with CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, coach Massimiliano Allegri and technical director Geoffrey Moncada. »
An expeditious sweep which was resisted (for the moment) by one of Milan’s strong men, Zlatan Ibrahimović. Advisor to the owner, the former striker is not free from all reproaches and many Rossoneri fans are calling for his departure. But for now, the Italian press agrees that the former resident of PSG, Manchester United and Los Angeles Galaxy must find Massimiliano Allegri’s replacement. And obviously, the list of potential candidates is already long. In today’s edition, the Gazzetta dello Sport evokes at least four names.
Xavi the favorite, but…
The first is that of Xavi. Aged 46, the Spaniard is an old acquaintance of Ibrahimović since the two men played together at FC Barcelona. Free from any contract since his departure from the Catalan club in 2024, the 2010 world champion is even announced as the Swede’s preferred choice according to the Corriere dello Sport. However, another candidate is cited as the second credible alternative: Andoni Iraola. Having moved from Rayo Vallecano to Bournemouth, the 43-year-old Spaniard formalized his departure from the Cherries after three years of loyal service and a sixth place achieved this season. A great career in the Premier League which has made him one of the most sought-after free coaches since his name has been mentioned at Real Madrid, Crystal Palace, Liverpool and even Napoli.
Also free from any contract since his departure from Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner has an interesting profile for Milan. The Austrian has proven himself at Eintracht Frankfurt and with the Eagles despite squads without real stars. An asset for the Rossoneri undoubtedly obliged to offload several big names. Finally, the last name mentioned is that of the future free coach: Mauricio Pochettino. United States coach until the end of the World Cup, the Argentinian is likely not to continue his mission. Once cited as a possible successor to Alvaro Arbeloa in Madrid, the ex-defender has his supporters in Lombardy. And some say that Ibra will take advantage of his presence this summer in the United States for his role as consultant for Fox Sports to have time to speak with Pochettino…
