Milan have decided to part ways with Stefano Pioli, and Julen Lopetegui and Paulo Fonseca are currently the top candidates to replace him. However, it’s still early in the process. It wouldn’t be surprising if new options, perhaps sponsored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, emerged, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs (via FootballNews24).
The Rossoneri aim to hire an ambitious coach who’s willing to work with youngsters and in unison with the officials. They don’t want gaffers who make €8/10M per year. They consider the Basque the most interesting one currently without a team.
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale already had a positive meeting with Lopetegui and might have talked with Fonseca directly too. Their salaries wouldn’t be a problem. They believe the former will wait for their decision despite West Ham’s courtship. The former Roma boss is currently managing Lille. They finished fifth last season and are fourth in Ligue 1 presently. His two-year spell in the Italian capital was fine but not superb.
The Rossoneri are also potentially interested in Christophe Galtier and Marcelo Gallardo. However, they are currently tied to Al Duhail and Al-Ittihad. Freeing them up won’t be easy.
Our Take on Milan, Lopetegui, and Fonseca
The profile outlined basically takes Antonio Conte out of contention, which is weird but somewhat understandable, as he’s very expensive, demanding, and cumbersome. The only juicy Serie A option is Thiago Motta, but Juventus appear in pole position; plus, there’s still a chance he stays at Bologna.
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