The main Milan figureheads left after the reset of hierarchy, Ibrahimovic and Cardinale, find themselves in disagreement.
With the June 16th FIGC deadline for Serie A registration, Milan are in quick need of a replacement for the recently fired CEO Giorgio Furlani. Without someone of that position, Milan doesn’t have someone of the legal authority to sign the several documents required for registration. Additionally, Milan is still lacking a sporting director and a head coach. Naturally, all of these positions require a lot of thought put into the best person to hire. In that regard, Cardinale is the main authority who will give the final decision, but under him are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Massimo Calvelli, advising and giving suggestions.
Calvelli has been somewhat reported to be pushing for Ralf Rangnick as a Director of Football-esque role where Rangnick would want to be in control of picking head coaches of senior and youth teams, the sporting director, and have a say in transfers. However, Ibrahimovic has been interested in holding some power himself, and is considering Kirovski as the sporting director. All of this has led to the tense discussions between the decision-makers.
Here is what transfer journalist Matteo Moretto had to say on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel:
On Milan’s management situation
“Let’s start with Milan, because the situation at the management and organizational levels is the most complex and complicated among all Serie A teams right now. At this point, the club is in a phase of intense evaluation, and there is still no clear path forward: Ibrahimovic and Cardinale are the ones making the decisions and must restructure the organizational chart.”
On the Rangnick issue
“In response to a fan on X, I pointed out that there is a problem: the rapport between Rangnick and Zlatan Ibrahimovic isn’t particularly strong. There are lingering issues from the past, but also current situations that need resolving. Rangnick is in talks with the Austrian Football Association regarding a potential contract extension, but he is demanding certain guarantees from Milan—not just regarding the budget and investments, but also regarding personnel. He’d like to bring in his own team and manage dual roles; it’s a structure and a mindset—perhaps a bit German—that feels rigid for Milan’s current context and the Italian mentality. Therefore, the Rangnick-Milan situation isn’t as advanced as is being reported.”
On Massimo Calvelli’s role
“At this moment, Calvelli has essentially taken over Giorgio Furlani’s role, especially regarding signings. We were among the first to report this news and explain this step forward—at least in bureaucratic terms—for Massimo Calvelli. We’ll see if this is an interim role or not.”
Tension Between Cardinale and Ibrahimovic
“During these hours of deep reflection, restructuring, and discussion, there have been some rather heated face-to-face exchanges between Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Although these exchanges are aimed at the club’s best interests to find useful solutions, tension is also rising in this moment of uncertainty.”
On Jovan Kirovski and Milan Futuro
“Jovan Kirovski, sporting director of Milan Futuro’s reserve team, remains firm in his position: as of now, I have heard no rumors of possible changes concerning him. Kirovski is very close to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and in fact, the idea had even crossed Ibra’s mind that he could see Kirovski as sporting director of the first team.”
On the meeting with Glasner
“Milan is continuing talks, and an important meeting with Glasner is scheduled for today to discuss future prospects.”
