The drums are beating in Milan. Mauricio Pochettino, the current head coach of the United States men's national soccer team, has officially entered negotiations to take the helm at AC Milan. He stands as the primary candidate to succeed Massimiliano Allegri, whose tenure has come to an abrupt end. The Rossoneri's board made sweeping changes on Tuesday, dismissing Allegri alongside three directors, signaling a desperate need for a fresh vision.

A Familiar Face Returns

Pochettino is expected to step down from his international duties following the upcoming World Cup. While his name has surfaced in links with former clubs Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, Milan appears to be his next destination. His most recent managerial stint was with Chelsea during the 2023/2024 season, where he guided the side to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and a defeat in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. Before that, he enjoyed domestic success with Paris Saint-Germain, securing both the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France.

Chasing Glory Again

Yet, it is his time at Tottenham that defines his legacy. During a five-and-a-half-year spell, he led the Spurs to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, a heartbreakingly close 2-0 loss to Liverpool. Now, he faces a new challenge in Italy. Milan, featuring Croatian captain Luka Modrić, failed to secure Champions League football for the next season, a failure that triggered the management overhaul. Despite competing for the Serie A title for most of the campaign, the club slipped to fifth place. They will now enter the Europa League, a step up from their European absence this year, but the ambition remains clear: return to the elite.