Stefano Pioli might not be the only head coach to depart AC Milan at the end of the season because Ignazio Abate’s contract is set to expire.
As Calciomercato.com recall, Abate has led the Primavera to the final four of the UEFA Youth League in each of the last two seasons, more specifically the semi-final last season and the final this season. The path in the league has become complicated after recent games but they can still get back into the play-off zone.
This is without forgetting the growth of many players who have made their debuts in the first team, from Jan-Carlo Simic to Davide Bartesaghi, from Chaka Traorè to Kevin Zeroli and also Francesco Camarda. The work done so far can only be judged positively.
Abate is a true Milanista and he knows the club inside out, both the PUMA House of Football and Milanello. He enjoys the great trust of Geoffrey Moncada and Antonio D’Ottavio, who were among the first to believe in his coaching abilities.
His players adore him and this bond that has been created may play a role in the choice to be made in a few weeks because Abate’s contract is expiring and he needs to understand what is best for his career and growth.
The former right-back is an ambitious professional who is reflecting on the opportunity to take the next step. The management’s priority is to meet Abate very soon and evaluate together whether the conditions exist to move forward and in what manner.
Abate feels ready to make a step up and there is certainly no shortage of possibilities. One that the club intends to give life to is that of the U23 side, but his former team-mate Daniele Bonera is ahead in the race at the moment.
This is why the summit with Moncada and D’Ottavio will be fundamental beyond the mere contractual discussion. Abate is attached to Milan and has been for his footballing career, yet ‘perhaps the time has come to go it alone’ as per the report.
Why do our worst defenders make the best coaches?
The likes of whom you are mentioning?
Keep him. There’s a high chance we will need someone to complete next season when we fire our next manager.
He needs to go coach a mid table team in Serie A to get that experience. Unless he waits for the certain doom of the new coach and then take his chance…hmmm 🤔