Zlatan Ibrahimovic has yet to secure a new head coach for AC Milan after the club’s approach was turned down by two managerial targets.

AC Milan’s attempt to appoint a new coach remains unsuccessful after their second target rejected the offer to take charge of the team.

The Rossoneri have been searching for a replacement since the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the 2025–2026 season.

Although Milan wanted to act swiftly, their plan to appoint a new manager quickly has not materialised.

The club’s first approach to Andoni Iraola, who was reported to be their primary target, was turned down.

The former Bournemouth manager is said to prefer waiting for opportunities with clubs such as Crystal Palace, Liverpool, or Bayer Leverkusen.

According to several Italian media outlets, Iraola rejected Milan due to differing footballing philosophies, doubts about the project, and concerns over stability.

In simpler terms, Iraola reportedly doubts whether Milan would provide him with sufficient transfer funds and full backing from the management to complete his contract.

Following Iraola’s rejection, AC Milan shifted focus to their second target, believed to be former Barcelona player and coach Xavi Hernandez.

Xavi is known to share a good relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

After Allegri’s departure and the dismissals of Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada, and Igli Tare, technical responsibilities at Milan have reportedly been handed over to Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic has been leveraging his network to help the Rossoneri quickly appoint a new coach.

However, Milan faced another setback when their offer was turned down again.

As reported by Milannews, Xavi declined Milan’s invitation even though he has been unemployed for two years since being dismissed by Barcelona in 2024.

It is reported that Xavi prefers to wait for an opportunity to manage a national team.

His ambition, however, remains uncertain for now.

Top national teams are currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup, and Xavi may have to wait until after the tournament to see if any opportunities arise.

There is also no guarantee that nations failing at the World Cup will immediately replace their coaches.

Xavi’s decision to wait for an uncertain national team role highlights the growing difficulties facing AC Milan ahead of the 2026–2027 season.

The positions left vacant by Allegri, Furlani, Moncada, and Tare remain unfilled, leaving Milan in a transitional phase.

Meanwhile, other Serie A clubs have already moved forward with clearer plans.

For instance, Napoli responded swiftly to Antonio Conte’s departure by preparing to appoint Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach.

Juventus have confirmed their commitment under Luciano Spalletti, who has already held meetings with club management to discuss their upcoming transfer strategy.

Inter Milan have chosen to continue with Cristian Chivu, AS Roma have replaced Claudio Ranieri and Ricky Massara to show full confidence in Gianpiero Gasperini, while Atalanta acted quickly to bring in Maurizio Sarri from Lazio.