AC Milan has reportedly met with Mauricio Pochettino regarding its vacant head coach position, according to a tweet from The Athletic | Football. The meeting took place last week, ahead of the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) World Cup camp in Georgia. This development comes as the club seeks a successor to Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked on May 25, 2026, after the team failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Pochettino, 54, is currently under contract with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) until after this summer's World Cup, which will be held on home soil. His potential move to the Italian giants would mark a significant shift in his coaching career, having previously managed top European clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain. The Athletic's James Horncastle reported on the meeting, indicating Milan's serious interest in the Argentine coach.
The decision to part ways with Allegri followed a season described by the club's hierarchy as an "unequivocal failure," as AC Milan finished fifth in Serie A. The club's American investment group, RedBird Capital, initiated a comprehensive overhaul, also dismissing CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada. This widespread change signals a desire for a complete cultural reset at San Siro.
While Pochettino emerges as a strong candidate, Spanish coach Andoni Iraola is also reportedly a leading contender for the AC Milan job. Iraola, known for his tactical prowess, has garnered attention for his work in European football. The club's swift action in overhauling its leadership and actively pursuing new coaching talent underscores its ambition to quickly return to the top tier of European football.
AC Milan's search for a new head coach is part of a broader strategy to regain its competitive edge and ensure Champions League qualification in the upcoming seasons. The appointment of a new coach will be pivotal in shaping the team's future direction and rebuilding efforts. The club aims to make further announcements regarding new appointments in due course, preparing for the next season.
