SM: ‘Friedkin model’ and contract details – why Sarri and Tare are favourites

As we approach the end of the season, AC Milan’s search for a new sporting director and a new head coach is intensifying.

Many names have been brought up by the media lately, with Fabio Paratici even mentioned as a done deal at one point, so it’s been difficult to follow everything. However, as we have learned, Igli Tare and Maurizio Sarri are the current favourites.

While it’s always been reported that Milan will choose the sporting director first, and then decide on the head coach with said director, it’s also true that the Rossoneri already have a clear identikit.

Indeed, they are looking for an Italian with experience in European competitions, though above all with a solid background in Serie A. As such, one name in particular has grown stronger: Maurizio Sarri.

Why Sarri is in pole position

Sarri has already held informal talks with Milan several times in the past, as we also spoke about last year, but a total agreement has never been found. As for his position on the Rossoneri’s radar today, we are talking about a completely different situation given the potential arrival of Tare as the new sporting director.

The Albanian director, now in pole position after the Paratici U-turn, is considered the ideal profile to relaunch Milan. For him, it will be enough to replicate the excellent work done at Lazio, where Sarri played a fundamental role. In the three years at the club, the manager allowed the Biancocelesti to reach new heights, finishing as high as second place in the 2022-23 season.

At the end of that season, Tare announced his farewell from Lazio after 18 years at the club. The void left by the Albanian director resulted in great friction between the ownership and Sarri, problems which were then followed by the resignation of the Tuscan coach the season after.

Today, Tare is ready to take on a new challenge after a long break and he would like to do it with Sarri. In his mind, the former Napoli and Juve manager fits the project perfectly: an Italian coach with previous experience in Serie A, with an international profile and the ability to enhance youngsters.

‘Friedkin model’ appeals to Milan

Although Sarri’s profile doesn’t excite the Milan owners in terms of age, there is one key reason behind his strengthened candidacy. In fact, the 66-year-old is willing to sign a one-year contract with the option for a second year, which is the formula that Milan would prefer. It means the Rossoneri would start again with a coach who is capable of building a project from scratch, though without a long-term commitment.

This would also give RedBird some breathing room in what will be a ‘transition year’ without Champions League football, leaving Tare and Sarri to build the foundation sporting-wise. Then, the options would be evaluated at the end of the 2025-26 season, with the option of renewing Sarri or building on his foundation with another manager (who perhaps suits the long-term view better).

It’s a method that we have seen at Roma this season, another club with an American ownership, as they hired Claudio Ranieri. The 73-year-old is an expert coach who can establish a technical project in a short period of time, before leaving room for others. It’s a strategy that seemingly has convinced Milan as well, even if they have to start the new era by appointing their new sporting director first.

Furlani schedules talks with Tare

The interrupted negotiations between Milan and Paratici have reopened the pursuit of a new sporting director. Not by much, however, as the Rossoneri have decided to focus firmly on one profile: Tare. He had already met Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in London a month ago, leaving a very positive impression, but Furlani first wanted to test the waters with Paratici.

Now, Tare is the most suitable candidate in terms of costs and profile. The project he presented during the aforementioned meeting was already very realistic and in line with RedBird’s philosophy, so it’s not like he would join and then suddenly have to make major changes to his plan. In fact, Furlani will have a meeting with Tare in the coming days and there are all the green lights to strike an agreement.

The likely arrival of Tare, as mentioned, will then also bring Sarri to Milan.

Allegri, Conte and Italiano: three difficult alternatives

After months of evaluations, the manager pursuit was seemingly narrowed down to four main candidates a few weeks back: Max Allegri, Antonio Conte, Vincenzo Italiano and then the favorite Maurizio Sarri. Three very different names in terms of philosophy and tactical approach, though united by one fundamental detail: all have left their mark on Italian football, with good results in Europe as well.

If we look at the three alternatives, Italiano is the most recent name. After building a brilliant Fiorentina, taking them to European finals twice, the current Bologna manager is having yet another great season. His proactive football, ability to enhance young players and to adapt to opponents make him an intriguing candidate. However, he’s likely to stay at Bologna beyond this season.

Allegri represents the guarantee, in a way. His return to Milan was, however, closely linked to the arrival of Paratici, which fell through. To date, the Rossoneri would hardly trust a high-cost coach like Allegri, also because he wouldn’t accept a one-year contract.

Antonio Conte is the most complicated to secure of the alternatives. He has a contract with Napoli until 2028, worth €8m per year, and he would surely attract interest from abroad if he decides to leave the Partenopei this summer. Not to mention that Aurelio De Laurentiis probably wouldn’t be too happy with the coach joining a direct rival.