Paulo Fonseca’s position has come under scrutiny once again, following the defeat to Atalanta, and fans are debating which manager could replace him. Based on previous events, there are a few obvious candidates.
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It should be noted that Milan have reiterated their faith in Fonseca and currently have no intention of parting ways with him. Everything said below, therefore, will be in hypothetical terms and will also include quite a lot of speculation.
The realistic one: Maurizio Sarri
He has been linked with Milan before, plenty of times actually, and we exclusively revealed at the end of last year that the Rossoneri were keeping a close eye on him. His ability to work with young players is crucial, as well as his tendency to get everyone in line.
He seems eager to get back on the bench and Milan would be the perfect opportunity for him, even if not having a pre-season wouldn’t be ideal. Still, he’s probably the most realistic choice as the Rossoneri wouldn’t want to make gambles.
The futuristic one: Edin Terzic
Terzic was mentioned quite a lot before Milan hired Fonseca, and at one point earlier this season it was even reported that Zlatan Ibrahimovic had spoken to him personally. In other words, at least if that is true, he has already been considered as an emergency replacement.
The German has been without a club since the end of last season and although he doesn’t have an extensive track record, the feeling is that he would be a more ‘futuristic’ choice. Then again, this was the type Milan opted for – at least according to them – with Fonseca as well.
The surprising one: Roberto Mancini
The former Italy manager has left his role as the coach of Saudi Arabia and has already made it clear that he would like a return to Italy. He’s a name that many of you readers have mentioned in the comments, though maybe he’s not the right fit for the club.
The fact that he hasn’t been in club football for quite some time now is also a worry, so it would certainly be a surprise choice by the Rossoneri. It seems very unlikely, to be honest, but he’s Italian and would like to return – which could matter.
The ironic one: Sergio Conceicao
At the end of Milan’s managerial pursuit, before they went with Fonseca, it was the battle of the two Portuguese managers. Conceicao was clearly favoured among the fans and for him to be considered a potential replacement would certainly be ironic.
He has also been without a club since the end of last season and sooner rather than later, he will want to get back on the horse. Marco Baroni is also doing well at the club of his heart, Lazio, so there doesn’t seem to be an opening there either.
The crazy one: Carlo Ancelotti
Okay, hear us out, Real Madrid haven’t exactly been brilliant this season and a potential departure for Ancelotti cannot be completely ruled out. The feeling is that he might decide to retire if that were to materialise, but maybe he would be up for one last ride at Milan.
It would certainly be a crazy choice, and we don’t mean in a negative way here. On the other hand, Milan need something that will last for at least a few seasons and Ancelotti perhaps isn’t the best choice in that sense. But we would all like to see it, of course.