GdS: Three key candidates as Milan make stance clear on manager profile

Taking on Inter in the derby tomorrow, AC Milan will be looking to spoil the Scudetto party and at least end Stefano Pioli’s era on some kind of positive note. Indeed, after almost five years at the club, the manager’s tenure is coming to an end. 

As reported by today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), a win would have no meaning for the standings, but it would prevent Inter from celebrating the Scudetto after the final whistle. After a disappointing season, with all trophies out of sight, Pioli will at least want to succeed tomorrow.

Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gerry Cardinale will sit down and decide the replacement together. The American will have the final word, while the Swede’s opinion will be very important, but the decision will be well thought through regardless of the outcome.

The current favourite

As has been widely reported in the last few days, Julen Lopetegui is the favourite to replace Stefano Pioli on the Milan bench. Talks with the Spaniard have been ongoing for quite some time and he’s considered the perfect profile.

Milan want a manager with international experience who knows how to make the most of the players with a modern playing style. Having managed several of Spain’s youth teams, Lopetegui certainly knows what it takes to work with talents and he now has a desire to prove himself.

His economic demands also correspond with Milan’s project, seeing as the Rossoneri don’t want to spend loads on a manager every year. Lospetegui is at the top, there is no doubt about it, and his agents are pushing for the move.

Milan are in no hurry, though, as they have no intention of rushing the decision. Lopetegui also isn’t the only candidate on the list.

Other options for Milan

The first ‘Plan B’ leads to Marcelo Gallardo, the Argentinian and current Al-Ittihad coach. He was very successful with River Plate, managing them for nine years, and he’s willing to listen to offers from Milan despite his current hefty contract.

The situation of Christophe Galtier is similar, currently coaching Al-Duhail in Qatar. He has worked with some of Milan’s players in the past, such as Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan, and he has achieved a lot in his managerial career.

In short, Milan are evaluating several options and Lopetegui’s arrival is not a certainty, even though he’s the favourite for now.