AC Milan are preparing for the end of the season. Two matches remain, but they are of low importance in terms of standings as Pioli's team already secured the second place. However, once the season is over, the club will be looking into hiring a new figure at Milanello to replace their Italian coach.
This morning, Gazzetta dello Sport emphasised that, at the moment, Paulo Fonseca is the frontrunner to become the next Milan coach. On one hand, the Rossoneri club is waiting. The Portuguese coach is about to play his last game in Ligue 1 with Lille, which will determine their qualification for the next Champions League in 90 minutes.
After the game, likely on Monday, Fonseca will meet with the French club's top officials – where he has coached for the past two seasons and whose contract expires at the end of this year – to express his intentions for the future. On the table, besides the interest from the Rossoneri, is a lucrative offer from Marseille as well as a desperate attempt by Lille to keep him, especially if their Champions League spot is secured.
On the other hand, Paulo Fonseca himself is also waiting. After the last league game, he expects to receive an official offer from Milan, which so far has only had contacts with the agents of the former Roma coach.
According to reports, Paulo Fonseca's profile seems to perfectly match the characteristics outlined by Milan for their next coach. He should be an offensive coach, skilled at developing young players, and capable of working harmoniously with the club. This last point is what sets (and makes preferable) Fonseca apart from Sergio Conceiçao, who has been Porto's coach for 7 years but might leave the club at the end of this season following a significant change in their presidency. In fact, Conceicao is also waiting for Porto's final matches of the season, including the Portuguese Cup final, but prioritizes Milan for his future. He wants to leave his home club and is not interested in Marseille's offer. Both Portuguese coaches earn less than Pioli: Conceiçao approximately 3.5 million, Fonseca around 2 million euros. However, the core issue at Casa Milan regarding this matter does not seem to be financial.
