AC Milan are actively searching for a new head coach following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri, who was relieved of his duties after the club failed to secure qualification for the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions League. As the Rossoneri begin a major rebuild, two prominent names have emerged as leading candidates: Andoni Iraola and Xavi Hernández.
Both coaches are highly regarded for their modern football philosophies, but opinions in Spain suggest that one may be better suited to Milan’s current situation than the other.
Spanish journalist Jorge García has weighed in on the debate, arguing that Andoni Iraola represents a more practical and realistic option for AC Milan compared to Xavi, given the current structure of the squad and the club’s transitional phase.
AC Milan Enter a New Era of Rebuild
The coaching change is only one part of a broader restructuring at the San Siro. Alongside Allegri’s departure, AC Milan have also undergone significant changes in their executive structure. Sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada, and CEO Giorgio Furlani have all exited the club following a disappointing season.
These sweeping changes indicate that Milan are not simply looking for a new manager, but are instead entering a full-scale rebuild involving both sporting and administrative levels.
With that in mind, selecting the right head coach has become a crucial decision that will shape the club’s long-term direction.
Why Andoni Iraola Is Seen as a More Flexible Option
According to Jorge García, one of Andoni Iraola’s biggest strengths is his tactical adaptability. The Bournemouth manager is known for adjusting his playing style based on the strengths and limitations of his squad rather than imposing a rigid system.
This flexibility has been evident throughout his coaching career, from his early days in Cyprus and at Mirandés, to his success with Rayo Vallecano, and more recently in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
García believes this ability to evolve makes Iraola particularly suitable for a club like AC Milan, which is currently undergoing a transitional phase and may not yet have a perfectly balanced squad.
“Iraola has always been able to adapt to the players he has available at each club,” García explained in an interview with TMW. “He did it in Cyprus, at Mirandés, at Rayo Vallecano, and now in the Premier League.”
Xavi’s Tactical Philosophy May Require Time and Specific Players
On the other hand, Xavi Hernández is widely known for his possession-based philosophy rooted in Barcelona’s traditional playing style. While highly respected, García believes that Xavi’s system requires a very specific type of squad in order to function effectively.
In particular, he highlights the need for technically strong ball-playing defenders who are comfortable initiating attacks from deep positions.
García suggests that AC Milan’s current squad may not yet possess the ideal profile to fully execute Xavi’s tactical demands, which could make the adaptation process more difficult and time-consuming.
“I think it would be more difficult for Milan to adapt to Xavi than to Iraola with the squad they currently have,” García said.
“Xavi needs centre-backs who can build play from the back at a very high level, like Bonucci in his prime,” he added.
Why Iraola Fits Milan’s Current Squad Profile
García further emphasized that Iraola’s tactical approach is more aligned with Milan’s existing strengths. While not identical to Allegri’s system, there are certain structural similarities in terms of discipline, intensity, and transitional play.
Iraola is known for implementing a vertical, high-intensity style of football that focuses on quick transitions and aggressive pressing. His teams aim to recover the ball quickly and attack directly, often catching opponents off guard.
This style is considered more compatible with Milan’s current squad composition, which includes players who thrive in fast-paced and physically demanding systems.
“Iraola’s football is very vertical,” García noted. “He wants his team to attack quickly and press high up the pitch.”
“For me, the current AC Milan squad fits Iraola better,” he concluded.
AC Milan Continue Evaluating Options
Despite the growing discussion around both candidates, AC Milan have not yet made a final decision regarding their next head coach. The club is reportedly taking its time to carefully evaluate all options before committing to a long-term project.
With a full rebuild underway, the choice between a tactically flexible manager like Iraola or a philosophy-driven coach like Xavi could play a decisive role in shaping Milan’s future direction in both Serie A and European competitions.
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