Kicker and Bild in Germany are reporting that Ralf Rangnick’s proposed move to take over at Milan next season has been abandoned, as Stefano Pioli will sign a new contract.
Milan had been in negotiations with Rangnick reportedly as long ago as November 2019, that was the version of events given by former director Zvonimir Boban.
After complaining publicly that he and Paolo Maldini had not been informed by CEO Ivan Gazidis that the talks were taking place, Boban was fired.
Kicker and Bild in Germany are reporting that Ralf Rangnick’s proposed move to take over at Milan next season has been abandoned, as Stefano Pioli will sign a new contract.
Milan had been in negotiations with Rangnick reportedly as long ago as November 2019, that was the version of events given by former director Zvonimir Boban.
After complaining publicly that he and Paolo Maldini had not been informed by CEO Ivan Gazidis that the talks were taking place, Boban was fired.
Negotiations became more open in recent weeks, with Rangnick discussing the termination of his contract with Red Bull, where he is head of sport and development over their various global football franchises.
Multiple Italian sources maintained the deal was done with Rangnick, who would take charge both as a coach and a director of sport, effectively removing Maldini from the equation.
However, the pressure had also been growing on the club to keep Pioli, who has made the Rossoneri practically unstoppable since the restart.
After numerous players, including Hakan Calhanoglu, urged the owners to stick with Pioli, it would appear as if they listened.
German site Kicker claims the negotiations are off with Rangnick, as instead Pioli will be offered a contract extension, a story then also confirmed by Bild.
His deal is already set to run until June 2021 and that was another reason to reconsider, because Milan would’ve had to pay to release Rangnick and continue paying Pioli for a year too.
It's also implied that Rangnick was not pleased with the suggestion he take a dual role with Pioli as the coach, something both men probably would not have accepted.
Milan are unbeaten in their last eight Serie A games, winning six of them, and remain in the hunt for fifth place.
Pioli had taken over when Marco Giampaolo was sacked in early October, so that former coach is still on the Milan wage bill too.