AC Milan have 4-name list or replace Pioli
AC Milan and Stefano Pioli will part ways at the end of the season. The Rossoneri will appoint a new coach to succeed Pioli.
Another painful defeat like the last one against Roma in Europa League has brought back Stefano Pioli at the center of the attention. As reported by acmilaninfo.com on numerous occasions this would always be the last season of Pioli as AC Milan coach. Even if he ended up winning the Europa League, the Rossoneri had already decided to part ways at the end of the season. The fact that Milan lost against Roma, a team that has been revamped since Daniele De Rossi took over, just highlights even more the importance and impact a change in direction can have.
The only question is who will succeed Stefano Pioli at San Siro. The favorite choice of the fans is without a doubt Antonio Conte. The Italian coach has proven himself highly successful in Italy and England. Conte would love to join Milan but rightly requires a significant investment that Cardinale doesn’t seem willing to grant. At the moment the most likely choice seems a foreign coach and Julen Lopetegui is the man leading the race.
AC Milan have had two meetings with Lopetegui so far. Journalist Matteo Moretto reports that contacts between Lopetegui and Milan have intensified in recent days. The club is focused on Monday’s derby against Inter but choosing the new coach will be the priority of the Rossoneri immediately after. The club president is in Italy to take care of this matter.
Julen Lopetegui is considered the right name to work and improve a squad of young players without significant investments. The management of the club appreciates the work done by the Spanish coach during his two-year tenure with the Spanish national team. Another highly rated coach is Paulo Fonseca. Both Fonseca and Lopetegui are represented by agent Jorge Mendes.
Unlike Lopetegui who is a free agent, Paulo Fonseca coaches Lille and is fighting for a spot in the Champions League for next season. A commendable work from the Portuguese coach. The contract of Fonseca with Lille expires at the end of the season. He has taken time to decide his future and already has offers on the table from Lyon and Marseille.
Another option is Marco Rose. The 47-year-old has done a good job in Germany at the helm of Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Leipzig. Milan have reportedly inquired also about Unai Emery who is doing a fantastic job with Aston Villa and has achieved great success with Villarreal and Sevilla. However, he has a contract with Aston Villa until 2027 and beating the competition of the Premier League heavyweights for his signature looks unrealistic.
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