Milan sought Champions League elimination amid Allegri-Ibrahimovic feud

AC Milan's hierarchy explored scenarios to miss the Champions League knockout stages as tensions escalated between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Massimiliano Allegri.

Club officials privately weighed the benefits of Champions League failure to reset the dressing room. The strategy aimed to disrupt the toxic environment fueled by Ibrahimovic's criticism of Allegri's tactics.

Ibrahimovic publicly questioned Allegri's decisions during Milan's Champions League campaign. The striker's remarks intensified internal divisions, prompting senior staff to consider drastic measures.

Allegri's position reportedly became untenable amid the power struggle. Sources suggested the coach faced pressure from Ibrahimovic-aligned figures within the club hierarchy.

Milan's Champions League exit at the group stage compounded the crisis. The early elimination removed any remaining pretense of progress, exposing deeper dysfunction.

A club statement denied any deliberate attempt to miss qualification. Officials reiterated commitment to Allegri despite Ibrahimovic's public dissent.