Technical director Geoffrey Moncada has had a phone call with the Italian coach to offer him the AC Milan job.
This will surely be the last season of Stefano Pioli as AC Milan coach. The Italian has obviously lost the confidence of the squad and now he no longer has the backing of the ownership for the long term as well. The management hope he will be able to turn things around and end the season in charge. Otherwise, he will be sacked earlier if the situation does not change.
If Stefano Pioli ends up being fired in the coming weeks it will be very likely Ignazio Abate to take his place as AC Milan coach until the end of the season. Then a permanent coach will be appointed. Thiago Motta, Antonio Conte and Raffaele Palladino have been mentioned as possible successors among others.
However, if Gerry Cardinale ends up staying and he does not sell the club, there is apparently a frontrunner for the job. Journalist Andrea Longoni reports that Geoffrey Moncada has recently had a direct phone call with Monza coach Raffaele Palladino. The Rossoneri technical director has informed Palladino that he is his number one pick to become AC Milan coach for next season.
It was a direct conversation to explain to Palladino that he is highly regarded by the Red and Blacks and also to try to avoid potential suitors. The great work of the 39-year-old former striker in charge of Monza has not gone unnoticed. Palladino was also wanted by a number of clubs last summer but he refused such advanced and extended his contract with Berlusconi’s club until 2024.
Palladino was promoted to Monza head coach only last year. During that time Monza were at the bottom of Serie A standings and destined for relegation. However, they ended the season in totally unexpected eleventh spot. Monza are swimming in similar waters this season. It is not yet clear what is the input of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the coaching matter and what name he will suggest for the job to Gerry Cardinale.
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