Milan Shortlists Ralf Rangnick in Search for New Manager

AC Milan has placed Ralf Rangnick, the Austria national team coach, on its shortlist to replace Allegri as head coach. The club intends to make a final appointment within the next seven to ten days. Other names under consideration include Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace, and former Barcelona manager Xavi. A meeting in Vienna was reported as part of the selection process.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.

Rangnick first entered Milan’s managerial radar in 2020 when club director Ivan Gazidis advocated his recruitment. At that time, former players Zvonimir Boban and Paolo Maldini publicly opposed the move, and Milan retained Stefano Pioli as head coach. Six years later, the club revisits Rangnick’s candidacy, now coupling the role with broader market-operation responsibilities. The Vienna meeting was reported as part of the selection process.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.

• Ralf Rangnick – 67-year-old German, former Red Bull Leipzig architect, brief Manchester United stint in 2022, now Austria’s coach.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.

• Andoni Iraola – Bournemouth manager who led the club to a sixth-place Premier League finish; Milan calls him young, brave, proactive.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.

• Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace head coach, known for tactical acumen.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.

• Xavi – Ex-Barcelona manager, listed as a high-profile candidate.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.

Since assuming the Austria job in April 2022, Rangnick has led the side to a group-stage victory at Euro 2024, topping a group that included France and the Netherlands before a last-16 loss to Turkey. He also secured Austria’s World Cup qualifying group, finishing ahead of Bosnia and Romania, thereby returning the nation to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Austria will compete in Group J with Argentina, Algeria and Jordan.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.

Milan’s official communications emphasize a rapid decision process, aiming to appoint a new manager within a ten-day window. The club’s statement underscores the desire to integrate the head coach role with strategic market functions, reflecting a broader organizational shift. Milan’s timeline of 7-10 days reflects a rapid selection after the Vienna discussions.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.

Boban and Maldini’s earlier resistance to Rangnick’s appointment highlighted concerns about his fit within Milan’s culture. Additionally, Rangnick’s stint at Manchester United is frequently cited as a “negative spell,” contrasting with his successes in the Red Bull system. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also considering Rangnick.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.

Choosing Rangnick will set Milan’s on-field tactics toward a data-driven, high-pressing style and give the coach authority over player recruitment and commercial strategy, reflecting the manager-coach role that includes market operations. Appointing Iraola would bring a manager described as young, brave and proactive. The appointment will determine the club’s tactical direction and market approach for the upcoming season.

Milan: Rangnick also on the shortlist for the manager's job. The Rossoneri had already considered him in 2020.