Two Leading Candidates That Can Possibly Replace Paulo Fonseca At Milan

Written By Onyeka Daniel

Despite failing to get a positive result against Genoa in their last Serie A match, AC Milan manager, Paulo Fonseca is set to continue to snub Theo Hernandez for a starting spot in the team, as he is set to receive the same treatment as Rafa Leao, so the coachbis set to keep him on the bench for a second consecutive match in Milan’s trip away to Verona.

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After keeping the left-back out of his side’s 0-0 draw last Sunday for the full 90 minutes, the former Lille coach is reportedly willing to do the same in the following game to trigger a reaction from the player after a slow start to the season. Fonseca’s decision to bench Leao in multiple matches between October and November seemed to pay off.

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The Portuguese forward is starting to deliver some strong displays, which is why the coach is adamant about standing his ground, although the outcome could be different. According to a report from Calciomercato, the French defender will start once again on the bench at the Stadio Bentegodi against Verona, with 19-year-old Alex Jimenez set to replace him.

It will be the second game in a row after a convincing display against Genoa. However, the player was reportedly very disappointed after being targeted by fans’ criticism during Milan’s Christmas party on Monday, which could also end up affecting negotiations with the club about a new deal at the San Siro.The 27-year-old has been in discussions with the Rossoneri about extending his contract.

But additional meetings will be necessary to reach an agreement, which could become especially difficult if his relationship with Fonseca does not improve. There could be another solution, which is the option of replacing their manager and so far, two names have been linked with the club, Xavi Hernandez and Roberto Mancini, both directly and indirectly.

According to a report from El Nacional, former Barcelona coach, Xavi is in advanced talks with Milan to replace Fonseca. The former Spain international left Barcelona last summer and is currently without a club. According to the report, Rossoneri directors aim to change the team’s philosophy and have identified Xavi as an ideal replacement for Fonseca if and whenever they decide to change things at the club.

Nevertheless, Italian sources insist the rumours are ‘unconfirmed’ and highlight that it’s unclear whether Milan are looking for an immediate replacement for Fonseca or a new coach for 2024-25. Surely, club directors expect better results in the coming months as Milan sit 8th in the Serie A table with a game in hand and are already 14 points below leaders Atalanta.

Fonseca was appointed by Milan to replace Stefano Pioli last summer, signing a two-year contract with an option for a further campaign. For Mancini, he has gotten a shout out to become the next coach of the Rossoneri by the club’s former midfielder Alberico Evani, who also served as an assistant to Mancini while he was with the Azzurri.

He believes that his partner in crime would be an ideal fit for the Rossoneri as a potential successor to Fonseca, as he ‘would manage to smooth things out’ at San Siro. Reports over the last few days have linked Mancini with a move to Milan as a potential successor to Fonseca later down the line. Though Fonseca’s future is not under any immediate threat.

But outlets in Italy continue to suggest potential replacements. Before Mancini, there was also Maurizio Sarri, and also former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has been described as a less likely option. Though Fonseca is still in his job, Evani believes that Mancini would be a great fit for the Milan dressing room. “Mancini’s CV speaks for itself, he has coached some great teams.

“He has plenty of experience,” Evani said on a recent radio appearance on Rai Sport 1. “I played with him and even back then he had a certain type of character. As a coach, he would manage to smooth things out: He would bring back that team spirit that Milan seem to be missing at the moment.” Mancini and Evani worked closely together in the Italy national team set-up.

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Evani progressed through the youth ranks as a coach, before eventually being promoted to the senior team in 2018, serving as assistant coach. He was part of the coaching staff when Italy won EURO 2020 at Wembley and also followed him to Saudi Arabia. Before that, he was a pillar of the Milan midfield between 1980 and 1993, making 296 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri.

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