AC Milan increasingly shaped by German influence: Glasner waits, Rangnick remains the favourite

As reported by today’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan continue to move cautiously while reshaping the club’s technical and managerial structure ahead of next season. After the disappointment of missing out on Champions League qualification, the Rossoneri are working on several fronts simultaneously.

At the top of the shortlist for the managerial position remains Oliver Glasner, but the club’s ownership reportedly wants to define the leadership of the technical area before finalising the coaching appointment. In that context, the leading candidate continues to be Ralf Rangnick.

Oliver Glasner rejects Feyenoord and waits for AC Milan

The clearest signal arrived from abroad. According to reports, Oliver Glasner rejected approaches from Feyenoord, who were determined to convince the Austrian coach to take charge of the Dutch side.

The former Crystal Palace manager has instead decided to prioritise AC Milan, waiting for a definitive move from the Rossoneri hierarchy.

Glasner’s decision further strengthens the feeling that Milan are seriously considering him as the ideal profile to begin a new cycle after the failed Champions League qualification.

Ralf Rangnick remains favourite for AC Milan technical leadership

While the coaching situation appears increasingly defined, the most important decision is still being made behind the scenes. Gerry Cardinale reportedly wants to appoint the new head of the technical area before completing the rest of the sporting structure.

At the moment, Ralf Rangnick remains the clear favourite. The German executive and coach was already close to AC Milan in the past and continues to receive strong support internally due to his modern football philosophy and long-term organisational vision.

Rangnick and Glasner also know each other extremely well from their years within the Red Bull football system, one of the most influential development structures in modern European football.

Ramon Planes alternative could bring Mauricio Pochettino into the picture

AC Milan are nevertheless continuing to evaluate alternative options. The main alternative to Rangnick is Ramon Planes, the Spanish executive with previous experience at Espanyol, Tottenham and Barcelona.

Planes is reportedly close to leaving Al Ittihad and remains a concrete candidate for the role.

Should the Catalan director arrive, the possibility of Mauricio Pochettino becoming the next AC Milan coach would increase significantly. The Argentine manager and Planes have a strong professional relationship built over several years.

Rangnick’s philosophy convinces AC Milan ownership

One of the reasons why Rangnick continues to stand out is the breadth of his football vision.

The German does not simply focus on transfers or coaching appointments. His approach revolves around methodology, internal organisation, talent development and club culture.

During recent meetings with Gerry Cardinale and AC Milan executives, Rangnick reportedly reiterated his willingness to contribute to the reconstruction of the club, but only within a project fully aligned with his football ideas.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are expected to communicate their final decision to the German within the next two weeks.

Ibrahimovic in Los Angeles while AC Milan continue German search

Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is currently in Los Angeles alongside Gerry Cardinale. Although the Swedish legend does not officially hold a formal executive position within the club structure, his influence in internal discussions remains significant.

At the same time, AC Milan are also searching for a new sporting director. The profiles currently being evaluated mainly come from Germany and include names such as Devin Ozek, Johannes Spors and Marcel Schafer.

This growing German influence could ultimately define the next sporting identity of the Rossoneri.

AC Milan preparing a complete structural revolution

More than a simple managerial reshuffle, AC Milan are working toward defining an entirely new identity.

The appointment of the technical director will shape every subsequent decision, including the choice of the next head coach.

Oliver Glasner continues to wait for his opportunity. Ralf Rangnick remains the leading candidate to oversee the organisational revolution envisioned by Gerry Cardinale. And while supporters await concrete answers, the future of AC Milan increasingly appears to speak German.