AC Milan fans have a long history of staging protests to voice their opinions and concerns about the club. Most recently, fans protested online against the potential hiring of Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui to replace Stefano Pioli at the end of the season. Pioli has been with the club for four-and-a-half years and is the longest-serving manager since Carlo Ancelotti. However, fans believe it is time for a change and have been vocal in their opposition to Lopetegui and other potential candidates like Roberto De Zerbi, Mark van Bommel, and Paulo Fonseca.
Lopetegui’s rumored appointment sparked outrage among fans, leading to a petition with over 10,000 signatures in less than 48 hours and the trending hashtag ‘Nopetegui’ on social media. Fans cited Lopetegui’s short stint as Real Madrid coach and lack of experience in Serie A as reasons for their opposition. Milan owners RedBird were surprised by the backlash and have now returned to the drawing board to find a suitable replacement. De Zerbi, who previously played for Milan, is seen as a potential candidate due to his ability to develop young talent and play attractive football.
However, Milan’s strict financial model may hinder their ability to secure De Zerbi, as his release clause from Brighton is $16 million. Another option for Milan could be Vincenzo Italiano, the current Fiorentina boss known for his attacking style of play. Italiano has experience in Serie A and has achieved success in European competitions, making him a potentially more affordable and appealing choice for Milan. With city rivals Inter dominating the Serie A this season, Milan fans are aware that the club needs to make the right appointment to keep up with their neighbors and ensure continued success.
The club’s next move in terms of finding a new manager will be crucial in determining their future success and competitiveness in the league. With Inter securing the Scudetto and establishing their dominance in Milan, the pressure is on Milan to make a strong appointment this summer. The fans’ voices have been heard loud and clear, and it remains to be seen if the club will take their feedback into account when making their decision. Only time will tell if Milan can find a coach who can bring the club back to its former glory and compete at the highest level in Serie A.
