Ralf Rangnick Meets AC Milan Officials in Vienna Amid Managerial Speculation

Rangnick is reportedly being considered for a powerful dual role as both coach and manager. This position would give him significant influence over the club's transfer decisions.

The Candidates

The Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) coach is not the only candidate. Gazzetta reports that AC Milan has also contacted Andoni Iraola, the Spanish coach currently at Premier League side Bournemouth.

Rangnick's current contract with the ÖFB runs until after the World Cup in North America. Despite reports of positive talks in recent months, he has not yet signed an extension.

This is not the first time AC Milan has pursued Rangnick. The Italian club previously tried to hire him in 2020, but that attempt was ultimately unsuccessful.

Rangnick's Recent Path

Rangnick joined the ÖFB in May 2022, taking over the Austrian national team. Immediately before that role, he worked in England as an advisor and interim coach at Manchester United.

AC Milan has been under the majority ownership of RedBird Capital Partners, the US investment firm owned by Gerry Cardinale, since the summer of 2022. Cardinale's personal trip to Vienna with Ibrahimovic underscores the importance of the meeting.

The Gazzetta dello Sport report describes Rangnick as an alternative candidate to Iraola. Milan's leadership is evaluating its options carefully after a season that fell short of expectations.

Rangnick has built a reputation for his tactical acumen and club-building philosophy, most notably during his tenures at RB Leipzig and the Red Bull football group. His potential appointment would represent a significant structural change for the seven-time European champions.

The ÖFB has not yet issued an official comment on the reported meeting. Rangnick's future with the Austrian national team remains a key question as the World Cup approaches.