Milan No Longe Have Doubt Who’ll Replace Pioli Next Term

As we approach the summer, Milan are not getting any closer to finding a sustainable replacement for the outgoing Stefano Pioli. Per Calciomercato, Lille boss Paulo Fonseca is the frontrunner to take the job after his talks with Marseille came a cropper.

Porto manager Sergio Conceicao has long been the leading candidate to take over the reins. Backed by super-agent Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese has been flirting with Milan as his time at the Estadio do Dragao is nearing its end. However, there’s been a U-turn in recent days.

Fonseca has leapfrogged Conceicao and is now the most realistic candidate to coach Milan next term. His experience in Serie A with Roma is a factor. Rossoneri technical director Geoffrey Moncada is the Portuguese’s admirer and wants him to replace Pioli.

Marseille nearly spoiled his plans. But the French outfit recently pulled the plug on negotiations with the 51-year-old after failing to move from the starting point. As a result, the road is clear for Milan to jump in and convince the Portuguese tactician to touch down at San Siro. 

Among several appealing attributes, Fonseca’s attacking-minded style of play and propensity to work with young talents best qualify him for the Milan job. He’ll have to be patient and wait until the end of the 2023/24 campaign before being officially approached by Rossoneri. 

In the meantime, the Antonio Conte hypothesis has faded away, with Milan seemingly financially not stable enough to lure the former Tottenham manager back to Serie A.