Milan Blasted for Sacking Pioli to Hire Downgrade

It’s only a matter of time before Milan announce the arrival of Lille manager Paulo Fonseca as Stefano Pioli’s replacement. However, the club’s decision to hire the Portuguese tactician has sparked controversy, causing unrest among a large chunk of the Rossoneri fanbase.

An opinion-dividing choice hasn’t gone under the radar of Andrea Longoni. In his latest column for MilanNews, he questioned Fonseca’s impending appointment, accusing Milan powerbrokers of being cheap while insisting it’s a step back for the club. 

“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,” Longoni’s editorial read. 

Many Milan supporters share Longoni’s stance. It’s somewhat unfathomable to sack a manager who has done so many great things for the club only to appoint a serial loser. In addition to making the Rossoneri a permanent top-four fixture in Serie A again, Pioli won the Scudetto in 2021/22. 

Changes are sometimes necessary, but only for the better. This decision doesn’t seem wise, especially considering Fonseca’s underwhelming track record in Europe’s top-five leagues. Milan fans can only hope he could defy expectations and defy his tag as ‘a serial bottler.’ 

But even if he does, that wouldn’t change the fact the Milan chiefs have fired a proven coach for a ‘could-be’ only to save some money.