In the past few days rumours have arisen stating that Ralf Rangnick would like to lead Milan next year.
Red Bull’s current Head of Sport and Development Soccer could revolutionise the entire management system.
The Rangnick model – a cross between Sacchi and Klopp
As a coach Ralf Rangnick has achieved excellent results, firstly taking charge of Hannover 96 where he won promotion from the second division in his debut season. That was in 2003, and the following year he finished second in the Bundesliga with Schalke 04, second only to the usual Bayern Munich.
He would leave the following year, as had happened at Hannover. In 2006, he brought Hoffenheim into the Bundesliga for the first time after obtaining back-to-back promotions. He would later resign.
Rangnick was in charge of the Schalke side that demolished Inter 5-2 at San Siro give years later, but in 2012 his career – so far rather modest – underwent a change as he took up the role of sporting director of the Red Bull group, achieving amazing results at Salzburg.
Subsequently, he returned to the bench to guide Leipzig to promotion to the Bundesliga and then to bring the same club into the Champions League. As if to say when Ralf is needed he always finds himself ready, and the desired goal is always achieved. His last spell as a coach was in 2019, again earning Champions League qualification, and now he works from behind a desk once again rather than the bench
Rangnick’s methods: Individual tests and personalised work
Rangnick is a complete coach, a concept that CEO Ivan Gazidis would like to bring to Milan to revolutionise everything: starting with Milanello.
It is the training facility that is the starting point of Rangnick, who built a real modern training headquarters in Leipzig, where each player is tested daily in a an almost manic way to secure improvement day by day. Ask Timo Werner or the new star of Leipzig, Patrick Schick.
Each player is subjected to specific tests to evaluate their performance. From these tests, each player then has his own personalised training program, aimed at strengthening the relative weak points.
Rangnick to Milan – the truth
German outlet Bild broke the news that Rangnick is in advanced talks with Milan, and L’Equipe went one further by claiming he has even signed with Milan already. The club have already unofficially denied the same news.
The truth is that the Rossoneri, through Gazidis, carried out a 360 degree survey and Rangnick’s candidacy was presented to Elliott. The Ralf plan however, at least from what is perceived around the Milan environment, would be Plan B, more costly and more risky. This is precisely because it would mean revolution, with Elliott still in command.
Plan A, supported by Boban and Maldini, would see an Italian on the Rossoneri bench with the names of Massimiliano Allegri and Gian Piero Gasperini in the front row. What is certain, to date, is that Stefano Pioli will not remain on the Milan bench unless he manages a sensational result such as that of qualifying for the Champions League.
