AC Milan Is Going Through a Critical Moment in Their Season. Despite the change of coach just a month and a half ago, the results still aren't coming. The elimination in the Champions League at the hands of Feyenoord has ultimately unleashed chaos at San Siro.
The arrival of Sergio Conceição as a replacement for Paulo Fonseca initially caused excitement, especially after winning the Supercoppa Italiana, but it was just an illusion. Serie A remains a headache, and Milan is currently seventh in the standings. This means that if the season ends this way, they would be out of the Champions League spots.
This scenario has led the 'rossoneri' board to reconsider their bet on Conceição, and everything points to a new change on the bench this summer. The club needs a coach with clear ideas, capable of returning Milan to the European elite, and Xavi Hernández has become the main candidate for the position.
Xavi, the Big Bet for Next Season
Xavi Hernández is still without a team after his departure from FC Barcelona almost a year ago. Since then, many speculations have arisen about his future, but the Catalan coach has been selective with the offers he has received.
Unlike other options he has rejected in recent months, the possibility of managing Milan does appeal to him. The Italian club is a historic giant of European soccer and represents the perfect challenge for Xavi, who is looking for a competitive project where he can apply his playing philosophy.
Milan, meanwhile, believes that the former Barça coach could be the key to restructuring the team and returning it to the elite. The board especially values his ability to work with young talents, his experience in managing locker rooms, and his offensive vision of soccer.
Internal Problems and Tensions with Team Stars
Another reason that has led Milan to consider Xavi is the growing tension in the locker room. Sergio Conceição hasn't managed to connect with some of the team's big figures, which has caused internal problems that threaten to cause an exodus in the summer.
Rafael Leão and Theo Hernández, two of the team's pillars, have had disagreements with the Portuguese coach. This has led both to consider their departure at the end of the season.
In Leão's case, the situation is especially concerning. Since he is the most unbalancing player on the team and one of the great stars of Serie A.
If Milan loses Leão, their sports project would be greatly weakened, and FC Barcelona is lurking to take advantage of the situation. Laporta and Deco have been following the Portuguese winger for some time and see him as the ideal piece to strengthen their attack.
A Strategic Move to Block Barça
Behind Milan's interest in Xavi Hernández is a clear strategy: to prevent Rafael Leão from ending up signing for Barça.
The Italian club knows that the Portuguese has been one of Laporta and Deco's top priorities and that Barcelona will do everything possible to sign him in the summer. The best way to convince Leão to stay at San Siro is to bring in a coach who motivates him and gives him prominence.
Xavi's arrival could be key to achieving this. His offensive soccer perfectly matches Leão's style, and his experience in talent management makes him the ideal candidate to recover his best version.
At San Siro, they hope that the possible signing of Xavi will serve to convince Leão that the best place to continue his career is Milan. In other words, the Italian team not only wants to rebuild their project with Xavi but also seeks to secure their star and prevent Barça from achieving his signing.
The final decision is in the hands of the former Barça coach. If he accepts the challenge, his arrival could completely change the future of Milan... and also that of Barcelona.