Expert explains why Iraola suits Milan but Xavi doesn’t: ‘Squad is more suitable’ | OneFootball

Spanish journalist Jorge Garcia has explained why he thinks that Andoni Iraola is a ‘better fit’ to replace Massimiliano Allegri as head coach of Milan compared to compatriot Xavi, who has also been linked with the vacant Rossoneri role.

Milan are on the lookout for an entire new senior management team after dismissing Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani on Monday, the day after the team failed to secure qualification to the 2026-27 edition of the Champions League.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is technically not employed by Milan directly, but is serving as an advisor to the club’s ownership, is now effectively the last man standing in San Siro, but many fans have called for him to be dismissed as well.

Does Iraola suit Milan better than Xavi?

Rumours regarding potential replacements for Allegri and Milan’s management team have already begun to circulate, and according to the initial reports in Italy, Iraola and Xavi are among the leading candidates to come in as the next head coach.

Speaking in an interview with TMW, Spanish expert Garcia explained why Bournemouth’s Iraola is the ‘better fit’ for Milan in its current state.

“Iraola has always had to adapt to what he’s had available when he’s arrived at clubs,” Garcia explained. “He did it in Cyprus, then at Mirandes and also at Rayo Vallecano before his jump to the Premier League.

“His is a very vertical game, wanting to get through on the opponent’s goal quickly with high pressure.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, talks to the supporters after the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

“I think it would be more complicated for Milan to adapt to Xavi than it would be with Iraola, considering the players they have in the squad today.”

Garcia feels that Iraola would bring a style of football that is much similar to what Allegri had tried to do.

“Iraola’s style is closer to Allegri’s, but there are some differences. Xavi would need central defenders capable of building from the back with quality. A Bonucci, for example, and to build the team from there. To me, it seems that Milan’s squad is more suitable for Iraola at the moment.”