Xavi Approaches Coaching Milan

Italian press reports have revealed movements within AC Milan regarding the identity of the new head coach, with the name of Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez emerging as a preferred option for former Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He is considered the leading candidate to succeed Massimiliano Allegri, alongside coach Andoni Iraola, who is also on the list of proposed alternatives.

According to the Italian newspaper "Corriere dello Sport," the management of AC Milan, led by the RedBird group and overseen by Gerry Cardinale, is inclined to choose a coach who aligns with a modern football project based on attacking play and innovative tactical ideas. This aligns with the vision of Ibrahimović, who plays an influential advisory role in technical recruitment matters.

Club officials believe that Xavi Hernandez is the closest model to this approach, given that he has been available since leaving his position as Barcelona's coach in May 2024, after a three-season stint that ended with his dismissal, despite his notable successes, including winning the Spanish League and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2022-2023 season.

During his coaching career with the Catalan team, Xavi led the team in 143 matches, achieving 91 victories, 23 draws, and 29 defeats, with a clear focus on offensive play, as the team maintained a high scoring rate that reflects his tactical philosophy.

On the other hand, Andoni Iraola emerges as a strong alternative option, following his remarkable success with Bournemouth in the English Premier League. He is seen as a more tactically balanced coach, capable of presenting a modern model that aligns with AC Milan's future project.

According to the report, the Italian club is moving towards adopting the Spanish model in selecting coaches, similar to Como's experience with Cesc Fabregas, which relies on young coaches who possess offensive ideas and are skilled in dealing with emerging players.

Despite the clarity of the proposed names, the biggest issue within AC Milan remains the absence of a stable technical administrative structure, raising questions about who will provide full support to the new coach to ensure the project's long-term success.