Tonight is the derby between AC Milan and Inter, a game in which the latter can win the league, and yet a lot of the attention at the moment concerns the season ahead for the red and black half of the city.
Calciomercato.com talks about how a derby win can help rescue at least a bit of pride for Stefano Pioli given that the decision has already been made to replace him at the end of the season after too many defeats in big games and too many missed targets.
The profile that Milan would like, more or less, is now known: a coach who is familiar with developing young players, who offers a clear style of play and attacking football but also does not have huge demands in terms of salary and squad investment.
We must also pay attention to the tactical factor, because the management do not want to carry out a total revolution, so the research is oriented towards solutions that allow maintaining a line-up with two pure wingers and three in midfield (ideally with one a playmaker).
No decision has yet been made, not even on who the number one candidate could be, but Paulo Fonseca and Julen Lopetegui seem to be ahead of the others at the moment. There are possible surprises though as well.
The name of Xavi, a Barcelona legend who is leaving his role as coach of the Blaugrana at the end of the season, must also be included on the list. Here the role of senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic is fundamental, with his appeal and his contacts.
He played together with Xavi at the Nou Camp in the 2009-10 season. The rest of next season’s programming depends on the coach choice, so there will be days and weeks of deep evaluations and reflections to come.
Thiago Motta meanwhile is in talks with Juventus. Milan know this and have taken note of it, yet the mercato – even when it comes to managers – is an extremely fluid matter, so the Rossoneri could keep the door open for the Bologna boss too.
I can’t stand Barcelona but the idea of Xavi’s growing on me – for the style of football and the fact he gives young players a shot. It would of course mean an exit for Pobega who has about as much ball control as an intoxicated donkey. Too bad.
“I can’t stand Barcelona but the idea of Xavi’s growing on me – for the style of football and the fact he gives young players a shot.”
My thoughts exactly. I can forgive (or at least forget about) his past in the Barca if we could get us at least a trophy per year. 🙂
*if he could
hahahahaha poor Pobega. We all like him, because you know, he’s one of us, but yea the kid cant dribble to save his life. If he could learn to be a DM, he’ll be useful; like a Gatusso player. I mean, Pobega cant dribble but he is a tank.
“Pobega who has about as much ball control as an intoxicated donkey” This made me laugh. Thanks!
I’m game for him. Wonder if he even wants a job or will take a year
Have y’all seen the possible lineup for tonites match? lol stupid pioli benched chukwueze again for musah as right winger …that man is so stupid ,daft and never learns from his mistake ..so fed up of him and I wish he could be sacked after tonite match than till end of season ..such an annoying mediocre no tactics coach
Agree, we can sack him tonight and give Abate a few games, if he does well maybe we can continue with him next season
Stop….
Well, if they are looking for a coach that will incorporate young players into the first team, Xavi certainly isn’t scared to play the youth players. Pedri, Gavi, Cubarsi, Yamal, all are first team players as early as 16. Just this season he started a 16 and a 17 year olds even ij UCL quarterfinals. Meanwhile at Milan we had to watch finished Kjaer, while Simic is playing for the Primavera.
Speaking of the Primavera, their game is the most important game today.
Barca has to incorporate youth into their team because there is no other talent there….
We have some interesting youth players who’re playing in the Youth League Final and it would be quite a waste if we don’t maximize their potential with coaches who could probably see what they have and NOT afraid to field them.
Xavi, probably influenced by the famed La Masia’s philosophy, is noted to be fielding quite a number of youngsters himself (Lamine Yamal, Gavi, etc). And he might just do that here in Milan – considering Italian based coaches usually aren’t that brave to take the risk. Who knows, some legit stars who would fly our flags for a long time might be born. That might be a boon for the club looking for extra revenues too – in the event of the managements selling them.
I really could see that. He’s possibly in line with what the management are looking for. And I do believe that he’s actually a promising coach too, so that’s another plus. One of the best midfielder to ever grace the field would also automatically earned a lot of respects in the dressing room. He’s really one of the most intriguing option and I really don’t mind seeing this scenario unfolds.
You’ve said it all. Anybody who can’t see the qualities Xavi possesses is a total daft. Even last night, his Barcelona team gave Real Madrid that has many top quality players a tough time during the El-Classico.
Imagine Xavi coaching our present squad. He will bring out the best in them and make us top contenders titles next season.
Zlatan should go all out for Xavi to be named our next manager.
No thanks, too much of a cry baby.
Your disapproval is the best endorsement…
It’s just an opinion Nancy, hold your tits.
Not a bad option
if you replaced pioli Xavi is better & best coach for My Milan . He can play offensively &defensively . For me he is the best of young coach. 2nd option Fonseca porchugise coach 3rd dezerbi 4th T.Mota 5. Stefano pioli
You want Pioli sacked yesterday if possible, but are looking at managers that wouldn’t start negotiations before end of season out of courtesy and respect to their current teams.
We should have a little patience and respect as well. He was the right man at the right time, built a team that outgrew his own potential. He is still a great coach for an upper-table team, we just need an upgrade for the bigger matches. There is no need to sack him now for publicity and the public shaming. The season is basically over for us, and I dare most of the haters here to check their “summer predictions” – we all expected significantly worse season that the one we have. No one expected a fight for the scudetto with 11 new players and we didn’t really anticipate much in Europe even before the draws. Now everyone complains what a terrible season we are having…
Again random names just stop
Except this “random” guy could be perfect for us.
Xavi is the ideal profile for Milan. He has the philosophy down right and his reputation as a player will mean that every star on the team respects him. Xavi is also someone who would convince Theo to stay at Milan most likely
I doubt Xavi will coach another team in Spain at least. The Premier league is always a posibility and now Saudi of course. But Milan shouldn’t be too far of. Would be interesting to see what he could do.
With Xavi perhaps we can complain to the refs a bit better. Instead on one or two guys, we’ll have like 7 players swarm the ref to put pressure on him in classic Uefalona style.
Or any Mourinho team.
Lol that’s why Classicos back in the day were hilarious…poor ref though
I don’t know how much LaLiga you guys watch.
From the comments here, prob not that much
Since I have watched most Barcelona games this and last season, I will tell you that Xavi is quite mediocre as a coach to say the least.
Nothing like what he was as a player
The football Barcelona played the last two years has been very very meh at best case.
Meanwhile, he spent 200m on levers, and still whines that he needs more transfers and players, while Barca squad is excellent
If we want a top prospect, stay away from Xavi