The Search For Leonardo's Successor At AC Milan Begins

The search for Leonardo’s successor in the AC Milan hot seat will be one of the summer’s hottest topics in and around the peninsula after the Brazilian left the club by mutual consent following the clash with Juventus at the weekend.

But of the many big name mangers who is most likely to get the Rossoneri hot seat? We weigh up the leading candidates for the role.

Marco van Basten

Former player and legend at Milan, he is a favourite of Silvio Berlusconi and someone with experience of managing at the highest level. He coached the Dutch national side at Euro 2008 where they played some mesmerising football.

He has strong footballing principles and has had a number of spats with players most notably Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Coach at Ajax after the 2008 European Championship, he lasted one season and resigned after failing to gain Champions League qualification.

When asked about the link, he admitted, “Me at Milan? I've read it too and it surely would be a good idea, I'm really close with Milan, with the management and supporters." Though he has since ruled himself out the running, citing an injured ankle.

Mauro Tassotti

Another former player linked with the post. He was the number two, to both Leonardo and Carlo Ancelotti. Having spent 17 years at Milan as a player and having been part of the coaching team since 1997, Tassotti certainly has the experience.

He already has a relationship with the players and will know them well, he will also come relatively cheap, something that will no doubt be a factor in the decision making process.

When asked about his intentions, Tassotti said: “Who wouldn't like to train Milan? Trainers who don't have their coaching badges dream about it, as do those who have it and have been at this club for 30 years. I have been here for 30 years and my relationship with this club will not change.”

Fillippo Galli

We seem to have a recurring theme as yet another former Milan player is in contention for the top job. Not only is Galli a former player, he is the current director of the youth academy and technical assistant to the first team.

A favorite of Adriano Galliani he may not have the coaching experience but he is Milanista and like Tassotti, he will come cheap. A mooted duel role with Tassotti has also been mooted.

His response to the recent speculation is, “I am a professional and a Milanista,” Galli said,
“I live within the Milan environment every single day and I am at the club’s disposal. But this choice is down to the President or the Chief Executive Adriano Galliani.” He continued.

Massimiliano Allegri

The first candidate with no prior links to the club, Allegri worked wonders at provincial Cagliari, led them to a 9th place finish in his first season in charge, despite having limited funds and no truly top-class players.

Despite an indifferent campaign he was eventually given the boot due to ‘distractions’ off the field. Maybe he knew of Leo’s departure before we did.

The Serie A Coach of the Year was expected to leave the Sardinians this summer to further his career, Galliani hinted that Allegri has links with Milan: “He is a Milanista, because he went on tour with us.”

Galliani said, referring to when Allegri was invited to go on a tour of the United States with Milan while playing for Cagliari in the 1990s.

Who gets the job, you decide.