Despite facing fan criticism and requiring a police escort from San Siro, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly set to be the sole survivor of AC Milan’s impending shake-up under owner Gerry Cardinale. The club is said to be on the lookout for a coach with a profile similar to Cesc Fabregas.
The Rossoneri concluded their season with a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Cagliari, a result that saw them miss out on Champions League qualification. A draw would have been sufficient, given their superior head-to-head record against Como.
Pre-match tensions were already high, with fan protests outside the stadium and a statement from the Curva Sud fanzine demanding the departure of Ibrahimovic, CEO Giorgio Furlani, chief scout Geoffrey Moncada, and President Paolo Scaroni. This statement notably defended coach Max Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare, who both joined the club last summer.
Ibrahimovic Granted More Influence at Milan
Reports indicate that Ibrahimovic and owner Gerry Cardinale required a police escort as they departed San Siro, a measure taken due to concerns about potential fan unrest.
Multiple sources now suggest that RedBird Capital Partners’ chief intends to conduct a sweeping overhaul of the AC Milan hierarchy, with special advisor and former striker Ibrahimovic being the only figure retained.
Allegri, Tare, Furlani, and Moncada are all reportedly on their way out, and Ibrahimovic has been entrusted with the responsibility of selecting their new head coach.
Corriere dello Sport initially reported that Antonio Conte was approached for the role. However, following a conversation with Cardinale, the narrative has shifted. It is now believed that the club is actively seeking a coach with a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ profile, someone who can introduce fresh ideas to the team.
It is widely acknowledged that Ibrahimovic and Allegri had a strained relationship. With the Swedish legend now positioned to wield more decision-making power, their continued collaboration is unlikely.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Set to Oversee AC Milan’s Coaching Appointment, Seeking Innovative Manager
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly emerging as the sole remaining figure in a significant management reshuffle at AC Milan, with owner Gerry Cardinale initiating a club-wide cull. Ibrahimovic is rumored to be tasked with identifying a new head coach, specifically seeking a manager with qualities akin to Cesc Fabregas.
This development follows a calamitous end to the season for the Rossoneri, who suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Cagliari. This loss, coupled with other results, meant they narrowly missed out on securing a Champions League spot, a target that would have been achievable with even a draw given their advantage in head-to-head records against Como.
The atmosphere leading up to the match was fraught with tension. Protests from fans outside the stadium and a critical statement from the Curva Sud fanzine called for the dismissal of Ibrahimovic, CEO Giorgio Furlani, chief scout Geoffrey Moncada, and President Paolo Scaroni. The fanzine’s statement did, however, offer support to coach Max Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare, both of whom were appointed only last summer.
Ibrahimovic’s Enhanced Role at Milan
Reports have emerged that Ibrahimovic and owner Gerry Cardinale required a police escort when leaving San Siro after the match, a precaution taken amidst fears of escalating fan anger.
Current indications from multiple sources suggest that RedBird Capital Partners, the club’s owner, plans a complete overhaul of the AC Milan leadership structure. The only individual expected to retain their position is special advisor and former star striker, Ibrahimovic.
Allegri, Tare, Furlani, and Moncada are all believed to be departing, with Ibrahimovic now being handed the crucial responsibility of selecting the team’s next coach.
The Corriere dello Sport initially suggested that Antonio Conte had been approached for the managerial vacancy. However, this reporting has since been updated following a reported conversation between the publication and Cardinale. The focus is now said to be on finding a coach with a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ profile – someone who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the club.
It is no secret that Ibrahimovic and Allegri reportedly did not see eye-to-eye. With Ibrahimovic gaining increased influence in decision-making, the continuation of Allegri’s tenure was always improbable.
