If you think that looking for a new Bayern coach is the most fun, you are wrong. Milan does it no less epically. More than three dozen candidates, fan protests, leadership vacillations: all this in the Milan series.
At the end of April 2024, the world’s leading insider, Fabrizio Romano, reported that Milan would dismiss Stefano Pioli as head coach. Together with the 58-year-old coach, the club won Serie A in 2022. But this season Milan was eliminated from the Champions League (and then from the Europa League), did not achieve victory in the Italian Cup and the team They sit second in Serie A. All in all, it’s time for a change. For Milan they will be an expensive pleasure. Corriere della Sera reports that the early termination of Pioli’s contract and his staff will cost the club €10 million.
Stefano Pioli
Photo: Getty Images
The news about Milan’s potential new coach covered the media like an avalanche. Who did the European media write about? Sky Sport has published a list of 34 (!) coaches linked with an appointment in Milan. The list includes, for example, Jurgen Klopp, Xavi, Gian Piero Gasperini, Maurizio Sarri, Domenico Tedesco, Thomas Tuchel, Unai Emery and Julian Nagelsmann.
But the main circle of applicants consisted of other specialists. At different times Antonio Conte, Roberto De Zerbi, Paulo Fonseca, Julen Lopetegui, Sergio Conceicao, Mark van Bommel were candidates. The list was eventually narrowed down to the final four candidates. De Zerbi said in a press conference at the beginning of May that he wanted to stay at Brighton. And with Conte, according to Calciomercato, negotiations stopped in winter. Antonio has too high demands: a salary of 9 million euros plus bonuses. Conte would also require large investments in the squad, which does not correspond to Milan’s economic strategy.
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Surprisingly, the Rossoneri’s main candidate was Lopetegui. At the end of April, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that negotiations with the Spaniard had been ongoing for some time. The management was attracted by Julen’s ability to work without large investments in the workforce and develop youth. And Lopetegui’s record is not the most modest: Porto, Spanish team, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolverhampton.
However, Milan fans reacted angrily to this information. They created a petition against the Spanish arrival and organized protests. And Milan owner Jerry Cardinale received a message on his phone with the following text: “Half of the San Siro will be empty if you keep looking at Lopetegui.” As a result, the Rossoneri bosses rejected Julen’s invitation, listening to the fans.
Julen Lopetegui
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
Milan then left two candidates: Sergio Conceicao and Paulo Fonseca. Information also appeared about the signing of Mark van Bommel. The former Milan player coaches Belgian side Antwerp, but decided to leave the club at the end of the season. And Milanese advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic considers Van Bommel to be an excellent choice. But the options with Conceicao and Fonseca are the most realistic. Sergio has the support of Milan’s general director, Giorgio Furlani, and sporting director, Geoffrey Moncada, of Paula.
And, judging by the latest reports from the Italian media, Furlani has the advantage in this fight. According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan contacted Conceicao after studying Fonseca’s profile. Sergio himself is determined to leave Porto, although a couple of weeks ago he extended his contract with the club until the summer of 2028. But it was approved by the former president of the “dragons” Jorge Nuno Pinta da Costa. There is also a one-way clause in the contract that allows him to terminate the agreement in the summer.
Sergio Conceicao
Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin said Conceicao will meet Porto’s new president André Villas-Boas to discuss his future. The coach’s agent, the legendary Jorge Mendes, insists that the client move to Italy. Sergio’s financial request from Milan for a salary is 4 million euros per year, which meets the Club’s standards. The Rossoneri like Sergio’s resume, which won 10 trophies in seven seasons with Porto, his experience in the Champions League, his talent for gaining authority among players and his ability to handle pressure. . A curiosity: as a footballer, Conceicao played for Inter from 2001 to 2003. But now Simone Inzaghi feels very good there. So we will probably see Conceição’s battle with his former club soon.
At the same time, Pioli will not leave Milan life forever. La Repubblica reports that Stefano will lead Napoli signing a 2+1 contract with the Club. We look forward to important meetings! And Milan will begin a new era with Conceicao. Although… let’s not rush. Suddenly, the opinion of the Milanese leaders about the new coach will change again.
Will Conceicao take his son to Milan?
The Porto coach’s son plays on his own team. And they constantly have to make excuses.
