Fonseca, Lopetegui and ‘Mr. X’ – Milan working through list of coaches

If Stefano Pioli was to continue as AC Milan manager next season, it was pivotal that the games against AS Roma ended with qualification into the final four of the Europa League, and the Derby della Madonnina didn’t end with Inter raising their 20th Scudetti. However, neither scenario played out that way.

You could argue that the writing has been on the wall since the early stages of the season for Pioli, as even through the recent upturn in form, there were rumblings about his future and reports that Milan were looking at replacements.

However, now, the writing is very much on the wall, and it reads bleakly for the 58-year-old. For the club, though, perhaps, it reads as a new lease of life and a chance to move forward on the foundations that Pioli has to be credited for building.

Currently, as revealed by Gazzetta dello Sport, there are two frontrunners for the job: Paulo Fonseca – who could lead LOSC Lille to a Champions League place this season, and Julen Lopetegui, who is currently unemployed after a brief stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Additionally, Christophe Galtier and Marcelo Gallardo are named as alternate candidates.

The Spaniard has met with the club recently, with reports suggesting that he had a positive meeting with Gerry Cardinale, but there remains some convincing to do before an appointment is made. However, he has waited for Milan so far, the report suggests.

The other option remains unknown, hence the ‘Mr. X’ codename. It is believed that there is a possibility that an alternate candidate could be approached, maybe pushed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.