A new name has emerged in the search for Massimiliano Allegri’s successor as AC Milan’s head coach, with reports suggesting Ralf Rangnick’s primary choice is the 38-year-old Matthias Jaissle.
Report: Rangnick’s First Pick for Milan Head Coach is Jaissle
Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, a season in which AC Milan failed to secure Champions League qualification, the club has made a clean sweep of its senior management. Head coach Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada, and CEO Giorgio Furlani have all departed.
Recent indications point to Rangnick as a leading contender for a technical leadership role at San Siro. However, the current head coach of the Austrian national team has stipulated certain conditions for joining the Milan setup.
Reports suggest that Rangnick desires complete autonomy in assembling his scouting team and in selecting the next head coach. He has explicitly stated his preference to join the Rossoneri only after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
According to the latest information from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rangnick’s preferred candidate for the head coach position is 38-year-old Jaissle, who is currently managing Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. A former defender for Hoffenheim, Jaissle also held coaching positions with FC Liefering and RB Salzburg before his move to Saudi Arabia in 2023.
During his first season at RB Salzburg, Jaissle secured the Austrian domestic double and led the club to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in its history. He followed this success with another league title in the 2022-23 season.
Jaissle also guided Al-Ahli, featuring prominent players such as Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney, to victory in the 2025 AFC Champions League.
Jaissle is not the only individual linked with a move to Milan in recent days. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly favored by Gerry Cardinale, and Oliver Glasner is also considered a potential option. Andoni Iraola has also been mentioned, but recent reports suggest he is more likely to replace Glasner at Crystal Palace.
