After five years on the Milan bench, period Stefan Pioli can be described as an average Netflix series - the peak was in the middle of the series, after which the quality began to decline. And therefore also in the results.
When you look at the numbers, however, you can say that the results are great: in the 2023/24 season, he had a winning percentage of 57 percent. In total, since 2019, he has led 235 matches with a winning percentage of 54 percent and with a goal difference of +237. In comparison, Carlo Angelotti on the Milan bench had a winning percentage of 56 percent.
However, even though the numbers don't lie, Milan became an unrecognizable team after the Scudetto from the 2021/22 season. And in style of play, ambition, self-confidence. All this resulted in poor results and falling out of the race for any trophy too early. As the farewell is getting closer, let's see which are the candidates for the coach of Milan that "sneak" through the media the most.
ĐULEN LOPETEGUI
The Basque is mostly mentioned as Pioli's successor and according to some reports, there have already been talks with his team (whose manager is Georges Mendes). Although an experienced coach, his last couple of "trips" ended unsuccessfully (or semi-successfully, given that he won the Europa League with Sevilla).
The campaigns at Wolverhampton and Real Madrid were over before they started.
Considering that Milan needs a coach who is of the caliber to achieve the highest goals, Lopetegui does not seem like a coach who can immediately turn the situation around. And according to the mood in Milan, the owners from Red Bird give the impression of patience and risk with another average coach.
On the other hand, we should not forget the selling power that Mendes has, as well as the good approach that Lopetegui has with young players...
PAULO FONSECA
Coach Lila is mentioned as the other main candidate. If you take into account that Milan and Lil have an excellent relationship, this news is not surprising.
Fonseka is doing great things with the "mastiffs" (56% win) and is in fourth place in League 1. With his approach where he forces attacking football and possession, he also managed to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League with Roma and finish 5th in Serie A And in the 2000/21 season...
If he were to transfer a similar style to Milan, he would have to refresh the playing staff well, considering the previous practice with three defenders, a slower game and the pace forced by Pioli.
However, in a way, this name is also a "risk" - lack of experience with large teams and the pressure that comes with it...
DOMENICO TEDESCO (DOMENICO TEDESCO)
The Belgium coach is the latest name to be mentioned for a place on the Milan bench. Although he is young (38 years old), he has a lot of experience.
He managed Schalke, Spartak Moscow and Leipzig before taking over the Belgian national team.
In all teams he recorded solid numbers (50% + win) and attacking football with many goals. However, after any success he achieved (second place with Schalke, the Cup with Leipzig), he would begin a decline in the form and performance of the team.
Similar to Pioli. Which represents, however, a slightly greater risk than perhaps Milan's management would tolerate. There is also a totally different approach to leading the national team compared to the team, which Tadesco would probably have to get used to again.
SERGO CONCEISAO (SÉRGIO CONCEIÇÃO)
Perhaps a name that immediately creates a sense of nostalgia for everyone who follows the Italian league. A legend of the golden 2000s, he achieved the greatest success with Lazio (Serie A, UEFA Cup, Italian Cup...) and later played for Inter and Parma.
He has been leading Porto for seven years.
Under his leadership, the team became dominant again - it took the championship in the first year after a five-year post. After taking the title the following year as well, in the 2021/22 season he tied the record of Milan and Olympiacos of 58 games without defeat. We don't even need to talk much about the percentage of wins - 72%. However, the question is whether Milan can afford such a coach...
Although there are mentions of names like Xavi Hernandez, Thomas Tuchel and the like, it still seems like throwing in all the names of coaches who don't have a job. From Antonio Conte was probably given up (due to his difficult relationship with management and the desire for as much control as possible in decision-making, which management does not approve of - the Maldini case) while Unaji Emeri signed a new contract with Aston Villa.
THE TROUBLES OF MILAN
An interesting period is ahead of the leaders of the Rossoneri. Cardinal, Furlani i Ibrahimovic are in sweet trouble because they have a lot of choice, but budget constraints and preferences for a coach who wants to cooperate with the management (again read Maldini) will probably affect the choice.
Who knows, maybe Pioli will stay in the end...
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