Longoni criticises Milan for hiring a cheaper coach than Pioli: 'So much for growth'

Paulo Fonseca appears to be just one step away from replacing Stefano Pioli at AC Milan, which has caused heavy debate among the fans. The journalist and pundit Andrea Longoni believes this would be taking a step back. 

Pioli coached his final game for Milan last night and spoke directly to the fans during the farewell ceremony afterwards. The Rossoneri have a friendly against Roma scheduled for next week but Daniele Bonera is expected to be the manager for that one.

In early June, Fonseca should be announced as the new manager of Milan and this decision has upset some of the fans. In his latest editorial for MilanNews, Longoni questioned the direction of the Rossoneri’s project by opting for a cheaper coach than Pioli.

“It’s sad to note that after four consecutive Champions League qualifications and a considerable increase in revenue, Milan will go from a coach with a salary of €4.5m to one who will get €3m, at most €3.5m. So much for the growth path and the much-vaunted desire to win,” he writes.

It remains to be seen if the Portuguese manager will indeed be the chosen one but it seems to be the case. Reinforcements will also be needed during the summer transfer window and the new manager will have to work closely with the management on that.