Paulo Fonseca arrived at Milan with great expectations in July, but he’s on the verge of dismissal just over a month into the new season. One last chance to salvage his faltering career at San Siro is to miraculously defeat Scudetto holders Inter in Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina.
Considering Milan’s form at the start of the season, a potential derby win borderlines a sci-fi genre. However, miracles are possible in football. Hope springs eternal, yet optimism has seemingly deserted the Milan fans following another painful European night.
Despite conceding early, Liverpool steamrolled to a 3-1 win at San Siro on Tuesday, leaving Milan in tatters ahead of the highly anticipated weekend. With only a few days to lick their wounds and regroup, Milan look destined for another big-game fiasco.
Sunday’s derby could be the final act of Fonseca as Milan manager. San Siro could wave goodbye to the Portuguese tactician as early as Sunday night unless his men suddenly discover much-needed team chemistry and fighting spirit, the two components they’ve lacked in all five competitive outings this season.
The only question is – who will take his place?
Ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic has emerged as a potential candidate. But Maurizio Sarri is arguably the best fit for the job. Gazzetta dello Sport took stock of the changes the former Juventus and Lazio boss could make if he replaces Fonseca in the Milan dugout.
According to the pink paper, Alvaro Morata, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tijjani Reijnders would benefit the most of all Milan players if Sarri assumes the reins.
Despite Morata’s scandalous stint at Chelsea during Sarri’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, the veteran coach holds the Spaniard in high regard. Sarri recently spoke highly of the 31-year-old’s quality, suggesting he could heavily rely on him at Milan.
As for Loftus-Cheek, his best-ever season in the Premier League came during Sarri’s time in West London. The versatile midfielder scored ten goals in 2018/19. Therefore, he’d probably look forward to reuniting with the 65-year-old at Milan.
On the other hand, Reijnders chose Milan over Lazio in the summer of 2023. Sarri was desperate to bring him to the Stadio Olimpico. However, the Dutchman only wanted the Rossoneri. Perhaps fate could unite them at San Siro.
But first things first. Milan must first lose the derby. Given the circumstances, it’s almost like a foregone conclusion.
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