As we move towards the end of the season there continues to be doubts regarding the position of head coach Stefano Pioli, and it is possible his replacement is being looked at.
Sportitalia write how the season has not been entirely positive on the domestic front for Milan with the Scudetto defence basically never starting plus defeats in the Supercoppa and Coppa Italia, though there was an excellent run in the Champions League.
A few months ago, the club chose to renew Pioli’s contract until June 2025 but the source claims that it will ‘probably be goodbye at the end of the season’ as Gerry Cardinale is ‘not satisfied with his work’.
The results are a concern in themselves, but the ‘performance and squad management’ has also caused some anxiety as the signings from the last summer transfer window have not been properly integrated and the rotation poorly managed.
Cardinale ‘would like to change the coach and the chosen one seems to be Antonio Conte’ as per Sportitalia. He is currently free after leaving Spurs, and the owner of RedBird greatly appreciates the qualities of the former Inter and Juventus boss.
Conte for his part can’t wait to return to Italy and coach in Serie A again, while the idea of winning with each of the ‘big three’ – after Juventus and Inter – is something that appeals to him.
Regarding the system, the Rossoneri have already shown this season that they can play with a three-man defence, with the use of Malick Thiaw and Pierre Kalulu as central defenders. However, investment would also be needed.
Update: We received correspondence from a source close to Cardinale, stating that ‘any reports doubting or contradicting Mr Cardinale expressions of esteem and appreciation for coach Pioli are totally groundless’.
