Former Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui is one of the names for the AC Milan job according to a report from Spain.
This will be the last season of Stefano Pioli as AC Milan coach regardless of the Rossoneri’s final placement in Serie A or their path in Europa League. Despite the superficial words of support from president Scaroni, AC Milan will bring in a new coach for next season convinced that Stefano Pioli’s cycle is over and the squad needs a fresh face.
Antonio Conte has been rumored as the favorite name to lead the Rossoneri for next season with journalist Luca Momblano reporting that there is already a three-year contract agreed between the parties. However, other names circle around with Julen Lopetegui being the latest to be linked with the Italian club.
A report from Relevo in Spain claimed that Julen Lopetegui is a serious candidate to succeed Stefano Pioli at AC Milan. The Spanish coach is looking for his next job after terminating his contract with Wolverhampton during the summer by mutual consent. In fact, Lopetegui was in Italy one week ago and he had meeting with AC Milan head scout Geoffrey Moncada.
The meeting between the two took place in the city of Milan further amplifying the voices of his candidacy for the AC Milan job. However, despite the appreciation from Moncada, Lopetegui is just an alternative for the Rossoneri and not the main target. The Spanish coach lacks the necessary background to guide a big club like AC Milan to success. Lopetegui managed to win the Europa League at Sevilla but he failed to win any silverware with Porto, Real Madrid or the Spanish national team.
Furthermore, the decision regarding the new coach belongs to Zlatan Ibrahimovic who serves as Senior Advisor to Cardinale and RedBird. The only name that Ibrahimovic wants for next season is Antonio Conte. A coach that has won numerous trophies and is already familiar with Serie A. Important qualities that Julen Lopetegui obviously lacks.
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