SV Wallern · Landesliga - Burgenland · Attacker · #0 · Bosnia and Herzegovina · 32 yrs
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has delivered a typically unfiltered verdict on the difference between American and European football culture, speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live ahead of his debut as a Fox Sports pundi...
After the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan seem to be giving powers to Zlatan Ibrahimović to redirect the sporting project. While Ralf Rangnick was gaining strength as sporting director, Arne Slot has supposedly emerged as the new head coach, leaving the German executive out. AC Milan had a rather unstable 2025-26 season, finishing outside the UEFA Champions League places. As a result, Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed, giving more power to Zlatan Ibrahimović to reorganize the sporting structure. While Ralf Rangnick seemed to be emerging as the sporting director, the Swedish executive is reportedly targeting Arne Slot as the new head coach. With this, the German executive appears to be ruled out. With his contract with Austria set to expire in July 2026, Ralf Rangnick had reportedly emerged as one of the leading options to become sporting director of the Rossoneri. However, he is said to have set certain conditions in order to join the Italian side, seeking significant decision-making power over sporting matters. As a result, Zlatan Ibrahimović does not appear convinced by the German, instead turning toward an alternative duo: Ramon Planes and Arne Slot. According to Corriere della Sera, Zlatan Ibrahimović prefers to bet on the duo of Ramon Planes and Arne Slot, as it could allow him to maintain some control over the sporting management. While the Spanish executive is under contract with Al Ittihad, the Dutch coach would arrive as a free agent after being dismissed by Liverpool FC. Despite this, the Rossoneri have not yet reached an agreement with either of them. Both Ramon Planes and Arne Slot have shown a special talent for succeeding at soccer Elite. Ramon enjoyed great success at Barcelona, completing signings such as Pedri and Ronald Araújo, which proved to be major successes. Likewise, Arne managed to make the Reds shine in the Premier League, winning the title and establishing a winning style of play. Despite this, neither of them is coming off their best season, which could raise certain doubts. Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match. Oliver Glasner reportedly challenges Arne Slot’s AC Milan arrival With only a few weeks remaining until the 2026 World Cup, AC Milan appear to have very little time to define their new sporting structure. Although Arne Slot is the latest name to emerge following his spell at Liverpool, he is not the only favorite for the role. With uncertainty surrounding Ralf Rangnick or Ramon Planes as sporting director, Oliver Glasner appears to be the ideal coach, complicating the Dutchman’s arrival. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rangnick continues to view Oliver as one of his ideal candidates for the project, alongside Matthias Jaissle. However, Glasner would have a major advantage: he would become a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace after a historic legacy. His impact in the Premier League and Ralf’s approval would give him a significant edge. In addition, he is reportedly set to meet with Ibrahimović next week to clarify his position. As a candidate who could fit alongside either Ramon Planes or Ralf Rangnick, Oliver Glasner has emerged as the leading option to take charge of AC Milan. However, he would need to present a strong sporting proposal to Zlatan Ibrahimović, who is expected to decide on his potential arrival as soon as possible. If a deal cannot be reached, Arne Slot and the other candidates would gain even more momentum.
Christian Pulisic now finds himself at the center of a dramatic summer rebuild after Milan’s painful collapse at the end of the Serie A season. Christian Pulisic now finds himself at the center of a dramatic summer rebuild after Milan’s painful collapse at the end of the Serie A season. The Rossoneri failed to secure a UEFA Champions League place in the final round, triggering one of the biggest internal shake-ups the club has seen in years. The fallout arrived almost immediately after Milan’s 2-1 defeat against Cagliari, a result that transformed what once looked like a promising campaign into a disaster. Ownership reacted with extraordinary force, removing head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, CEO Giorgio Furlani, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada in a single sweeping decision. The Serie A outfit entered the final weekend needing only a point to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Instead, the club surrendered a lead at San Siro and watched its entire project unravel in front of its own supporters. In an official statement, ownership described the season as an “unequivocal failure.” The statement added: “It is now time for change and a comprehensive reorganization of football operations.” The decision marked the beginning of what many in Italy expect to be a massive rebuild across every level of the club. Owner Gerry Cardinale and advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic are now leading the restructuring process as Milan searches for a new coach, sporting director, and executive leadership team. 🚨 OFFICIAL: Milan owners RedBird Capital Partners announce the departures of CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri and technical director Geoffrey Moncada with immediate effect pic.twitter.com/ZLUFrPUdjF— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) May 25, 2026 The club’s instability has already created uncertainty around several important players. Rafael Leao, Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, and others have all been linked with possible exits as Milan attempts to recover financially and competitively after missing out on Europe’s biggest competition. Christian Pulisic’s difficult season under the spotlight Pulisic’s own campaign reflected Milan’s wider struggles during the second half of the season. After starting brilliantly with eight goals and two assists in his first 11 matches, the American forward suffered a dramatic drop in production. The 27-year-old finished a staggering 21 matches without scoring, the longest drought of his professional career. His last goal reportedly came against Verona in December 2025, and questions quickly emerged regarding his long-term role at San Siro. Despite the difficult stretch, the American ace remained one of the most important figures in the squad. The United States captain continued to attract attention because of his commercial value, leadership role, and importance ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The uncertainty surrounding the team’s tactical direction also affected him heavily. Apparently, the club’s attacking structure failed to complement his strengths, especially after Milan moved away from using a traditional center-forward system. Milan’s real stance on Pulisic finally emerges While several major names could leave Milan this summer, Christian Pulisic is reportedly viewed as untouchable by owner Gerry Cardinale. That revelation has now become one of the clearest signals about the club’s plans for the future. According to Calciomercato, Cardinale privately told selected journalists that Pulisic was among the few players who “gave everything” during the failed season. The report also claimed the ownership sees the American international as central to the next project. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan warms up before the Serie A match. The situation reportedly created internal tension earlier in the season. Calciomercato stated that Zlatan Ibrahimovic personally reassured Pulisic about his future after disagreements rep
After the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan appeared determined to appoint Andoni Iraola as their new head coach. However, the Spaniard has reportedly rejected the Rossoneri’s offer due to a low transfer budget in the Zlatan Ibrahimović-led project. AC Milan had a disappointing end to the season, missing out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League. As a result, Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed, along with other officials, signaling a clear shift in the project. As the new leader of the team, the Rossoneri appeared to be targeting Andoni Iraola as their preferred option, as he would arrive as a free agent. However, the Spanish coach has reportedly rejected the Rossoneri due to the low transfer budget. The Rossoneri have offered Andoni Iraola a contract until 2029, earning €4 million per season. After impressing at AFC Bournemouth, the Spaniard is considered one of the most promising coaches in Europe, seen as an ideal candidate for the sporting project. However, he also has strong offers from Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Bayer Leverkusen. Despite AC Milan’s project being quite attractive, Iraola has reportedly decided to reject Zlatan Ibrahimović’s offer. According to Bilbao Hiria, a Spanish media outlet, Andoni is surprised that such a historic club has a transfer budget only a third of what is offered by Crystal Palace, leading him to turn down the Italian side’s proposal. However, they are still attempting to reach an agreement, but are not in front race to secure his arrival. Without access to the UEFA Champions League, AC Milan will be forced to reduce their transfer budget in the summer of 2026. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, they would have only $117 million, needing to reinforce several areas such as right-back, forwards, and even wingers. With this in mind, Andoni Iraola would have very limited room for manoeuvre, making his squad transformation significantly more difficult. Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, shakes hands with James Hill. AC Milan may need major roster changes in the 2026-27 season Throughout the 2025–26 season, AC Milan showed severe issues in their squad, with very limited rotation in several areas of the pitch. Unlike Massimiliano Allegri, head coach Andoni Iraola has consistently relied on a back four, a major shift that leaves the team without natural right-backs. In addition, the attack remains highly unproductive, with several players not at full fitness. For that reason, they may need a major overhaul for the 2026-27 season. Both Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic have shown themselves to be difference-making wingers, offering dribbling and explosive pace changes. However, they lack reliable backups, as Christopher Nkunku failed to impress and Alexis Saelemaekers played more as a wing-back than a winger. In addition, Santiago Giménez did not provide enough guarantees, meaning a quality striker signing could be needed. With this in mind, a $117 million budget could prove quite limited.
With AC Milan missing out on Champions League qualification, Luka Modric is reportedly weighing the possibility of hanging up his boots after the 2026 World Cup. Missing out on Champions League qualification has thrown Luka Modric‘s future into sharp relief, with his contract at AC Milan expiring in June 2026. Facing that uncertain landscape, the Croatian legend is reportedly weighing retirement after the 2026 World Cup. In what Modric has described as his childhood club, the 40-year-old made an immediate impact in his debut season, revitalizing Milan’s midfield in a way that surprised many who had doubted his ability to perform at that level. However, the 2-1 defeat to Cagliari on the final day cost the Rossoneri their Champions League qualification spot, and with the veteran set to turn 41 in September, speculation about his next move is already swirling. According to transfer insider Nicolo Schira, Modric is “oriented to announce” his retirement from professional soccer once his participation in the 2026 World Cup concludes. The immediate priority remains representing Croatia at what would be his fifth World Cup, with a formal announcement expected to follow. La Gazzetta dello Sport‘s Marco Guidi has also reported that Modric could have played his final game for AC Milan, grouping him alongside Rafael Leao among players whose futures at the club are genuinely uncertain. Had Milan secured Champions League play, a contract extension would have been almost a foregone conclusion, but without it, the Croatian veteran will carefully consider his options. Luka #Modric is oriented to announce his retirement from football as player after the World Cup. #transfers 🇭🇷— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) May 26, 2026 The broader situation at the club adds further complexity. Milan have gone through a sweeping overhaul in the front office and coaching setup, with head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who had a close relationship with Modric, among those departing. Starting over from scratch under a new structure holds little appeal for a player who arrived in Milan driven by competitive ambition. In his debut season, Modric made 37 appearances, contributing two goals and three assists, and remarkably returned for the final game against Cagliari even after suffering a cheekbone fracture, donning a protective mask to show his commitment to the club. Yet that cameo, as symbolic as it was, could prove to have been the final act of his club career. Arguments in favor of Modric staying at AC Milan With virtually the entire executive structure at Milan set for a reset and only Zlatan Ibrahimovic remaining as a familiar face, the absence of Champions League revenue will further constrain the club’s financial flexibility. On the surface, that environment would seem unattractive for a player of Modric’s ambition, but several personal factors could still tip the balance toward one final season in Italy. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Modric has settled happily into life in Milan, where the unwavering affection of the supporters has meant a great deal to him, and his daughter has even joined the club’s youth setup. The 2026-27 season in the Europa League could be framed as a “redemption year” at the club of his idol Zvonimir Boban, and the dream of winning a trophy with Milan, something he has spoken about repeatedly since his arrival, has not yet been realized.
Following a disappointing end to the season, AC Milan have decided to shake things up, firing Massimiliano Allegri and giving Zlatan Ibrahimović more authority. As a result, Rafael Leão is reportedly set to leave the team, while Christian Pulisic will remain a key player. AC Milan started the 2025–26 season in great form, but suffered a drop in performances that left them out of the UEFA Champions League. Following this, Massimiliano Allegri and other key figures were dismissed, causing a revolution within the team. Far from ending there, Zlatan Ibrahimović appears set to make changes to the roster, reportedly leaving Rafael Leão out of the team, while Christian Pulisic would continue with the Rossoneri. According to Pietro Mazzara, via MilanNews.it, Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović reportedly believe that Rafael Leão’s time at AC Milan has reached its end. With this in mind, they are open to letting him leave, valuing him at around €40 million. With only two years remaining on his contract and a strained relationship with the fanbase, both sides could look to secure a swift exit before the situation becomes more complicated in 2027. Unlike the Portuguese winger, Christian Pulisic appears increasingly likely to remain with AC Milan. As per multiple Italian outlets reports, Gerry Cardinale is keen for the USMNT star to continue at the club despite a dip in form during the second half of the season. They reportedly value his adaptability and ability to fit into different tactical systems, viewing him as an important piece of the project. As a result, a contract renewal may reportedly take place in the near future. Despite Zlatan Ibrahimović appearing to have a very clear vision for AC Milan’s sporting project, he may avoid making immediate decisions. With they still needing to appoint both a sporting director and a head coach, Pulisic and Leão’s futures could be shaped once the club’s staff structure is fully in place. In addition, strong performances from either player at the 2026 World Cup may attract renewed interest from several European clubs. Rafael Leao of AC Milan interacts with Christian Pulisic Iraola’s possible arrival would give Rafael Leão a boost at AC Milan Looking ahead to next season, Zlatan Ibrahimović and AC Milan appear to be targeting Andoni Iraola as the next head coach. Set to leave AFC Bournemouth, the Spanish manager could prove to be an ideal appointment thanks to his dynamic playing style and ability to bring consistency to the team. In addition, Iraola could push for the continuity of Rafael Leão, potentially helping him rediscover his best form on the left wing. Under Massimiliano Allegri, Rafael Leão did not have chances to shine as a left winger, as his formation only had two forwards. Nevertheless, Andoni Iraola always relied on two fast wingers in the Premier League, something he could repeat at AC Milan. Being one of the most skillful dribblers and differential players in the world, Rafael could be seen by Andoni as a key piece to boost the team’s offense. Despite his possible continuity, AC Milan would have to negotiate a contract renewal, as they would seek to avoid him entering his final contract year in 2027. In case of not accepting a new contract, Rafael Leão could be sold without question, having several approaches from the Premier League, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe.
Despite a solid start to the season, AC Milan failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, triggering a major shakeup at the club. The Rossoneri have decided to part ways with Massimiliano Allegri along with several other key figures, while reportedly giving Zlatan Ibrahimović a larger role. AC Milan have missed out on a place in the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League, capping off a disappointing season. As a result, the club are preparing for a major overhaul of the sporting project. After failing to meet the season’s objectives, Massimiliano Allegri has been dismissed alongside other key figures within the club’s structure. In response, Zlatan Ibrahimović is reportedly poised to take on a more prominent role with the Rossoneri. The Rossoneri have decided to part ways with Massimiliano Allegri, as the team’s performances have failed to meet the standards of the sporting project. Alongside him, Igli Tare, Giorgio Furlani, and Geoffrey Moncada have been dismissed with immediate effect as an emergency measure following the club’s failure to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League. In response, AC Milan are now preparing for a major overhaul ahead of the 2026–27 season. “After the disappointment of last season, the mandate defined by the Club’s ownership was clear: to return to the Champions League… The time has come for change and a profound reorganization of the Club’s sporting structure. Effective immediately, the careers of CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada at AC Milan have come to an end,” posted AC Milan on their website. According to Sky Sports Italia, Massimo Calvelli will be tasked with finding AC Milan’s new CEO, while Ibrahimović will be responsible for deciding who becomes the next sporting director and next head coach. With this change, the Swedish executive is set to take on a far more influential role, emerging as the leader of the Rossoneri’s long-term sporting vision and placing the development of young players at the center of the strategy, as he has stated on several occasions. AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match. AC Milan shake-up sparks doubt over Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic Throughout the 2025–26 season, the Rossoneri appeared to have Christian Pulisic’s continuity firmly planned, while Rafael Leão seemed destined to leave in the summer of 2026. However, the departures of Igli Tare and Massimiliano Allegri have put all major decisions on hold. As a result, Zlatan Ibrahimović’s choices regarding the new sporting director and head coach will shape the futures of both the Portuguese star and the USMNT standout. While Ibrahimović reportedly wants both Pulisic and Leão to remain at the club, either player could still be sold to generate funds. In addition, the USMNT star could be motivated to leave due to their absence from the UEFA Champions League, a move that could provide the Rossoneri with key financial resources. Nevertheless, they may define the new leaders of the sporting project before the 2026 World Cup, decisions that could ultimately shape the futures of both stars.
