Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Friday, June 12, 2026 22:38 / Updated Saturday, June 13, 2026 01:18
Ralf Ragnick (67), Austria's coach, has concluded negotiations on the appointment as technical director of AC Milan. The managerial chaos of the Rossoneri team made the German refuse a transfer to Serie A, so he will accept the extension of the contract with the Vienna federation.
The wait for an answer from AC Milan stretched beyond Rangnick's patience. Gazzetta dello Sport writes that the coach now intends to focus exclusively on his role with the Austrian national team, given that “the reconstruction of the Cardinale is becoming more and more complicated”.
Proll: “I am optimistic that Rangnick will choose Austria. We want him and he knows the key points of the contract extension offer”
Rangnick kicks off his World Cup campaign with Jordan on Tuesday night, and at the training camp in Santa Barbara, the German coach is finalizing the final details. From the very second day after the arrival of the team in the USA, the heads of the Austrian federation were confident that Ralf would stay and today the impression has turned into a certainty.
Chairman Josef Pröll explained: “I am very optimistic that he will choose Austria. We want him and he knows the key points of the contract extension offer. He and I know what we can expect from each other because we have very open communication.”
Josef Proll and Ralf Rangnick, in the training camp of the Austrian national team
Although Milan pressed him to discuss the terms of the appointment as technical director, alongside the one who will be chosen as Massimiliano Allegri's replacement, Rangnick assured Proll that his intention is to continue the project after WC 2026 and stay for another two years.
Rangnick demanded full control of the technical area without interference, citing the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic
“It doesn't really matter to him if he signs the contract before the Jordan match or at the end of the tournament. For Rangnick, it's a matter of choices and clarity.
Austria want him and make him feel important, while Milan have all but disappeared after talks two weeks ago. Ralf is not used to working like this and that's why he got angry.” specifies the pink daily.
Rangnick requested full control over the technical area, without interference, with particular reference to the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (advisor to patron Gerry Cardinale and shareholder in the club's owning company).
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is good friends and business partner with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale
Only that and the Swede wants autonomy in choosing the coach (suggesting Glasner or Jaissle), his collaborators, but also the scouts and technicians from the junior and youth teams.
“The Cardinale, who made a massive revolution after the Rossoneri missed out on Champions League qualification, have listened to Rangnick's terms and have yet to give their approval. The Austrian coach has been patiently waiting, but now appears to have given up interest in Milan's offer,” concluded Gazzetta dello Sport.
