Xavi Hernandez Emerges as Candidate for AC Milan Managerial Role
Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona head coach, is now being considered for the vacant managerial position at Italian side AC Milan. Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who serves as an advisor to the Rossoneri's shareholders, is actively lobbying for the Spaniard's appointment. Following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri, the club's leadership is determined to bring in a modern coach with an attacking philosophy.
Xavi's Career and Achievements
The 46-year-old tactician has been without a job since the summer of 2024, when he left his boyhood club Barcelona after two and a half seasons in charge. Prior to that, he managed Qatari side Al-Sadd, where he secured the Qatar Stars League title. Born in Terrassa, Xavi joined Barcelona's youth academy at the age of eleven.
He made his first-team debut for the Blaugrana during the 1998/99 season and spent 16 years at the club, amassing an impressive trophy haul:
- eight La Liga titles,
- three Copa del Rey trophies,
- six Spanish Super Cups,
- four UEFA Champions League triumphs.
On the international stage with Spain, Xavi won two European Championships and one World Cup.
In November 2021, Xavi took over a struggling Barcelona side and led them to the La Liga title in 2022/23, also winning the Spanish Super Cup. However, he left the club in the summer of 2024 after a trophyless campaign.
AC Milan during the 2025/26 season competed only domestically. After the first half of the campaign, they sat second in the standings, but a slowdown in the second half saw them finish fifth with 70 points, earning only a spot in the Europa League.
In the Coppa Italia, Milan defeated Bari (2-0) and Lecce (3-0) before falling to Lazio (0-1) in the round of 16. The team also lost to Napoli (0-2) in the Italian Super Cup semifinals. Now, following Allegri's exit, Milan is searching for a new head coach, and Xavi could become a central figure in this process if his candidacy is approved.
Appointing Xavi as Milan's head coach could be a pivotal move for a club eager to reclaim its status in Italian and European football. His experience and knowledge of attacking football might help the team get back on a winning track after a disappointing season. Given his past success with Barcelona, Milan's leadership hopes Xavi can implement his football philosophy in his new squad.
As AC Milan looks to revitalize their coaching strategy following the recent departure of Allegri, understanding the circumstances that led to his sacking is crucial. The team’s disappointing performance in the Serie A has raised questions about their direction. For a deeper insight into the factors behind Allegri's dismissal and the club's current challenges, read more about the events that unfolded during the last season here.