It is just two games in, but Paulo Fonseca is starting to feel the pressure at AC Milan. The Rossoneri salvaged an opportunistic draw against Torino in the opening round before losing to Parma this weekend. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is now working as the club’s senior advisor, further escalated the situation. He went into the dressing room in the wake of defeat to the newly promoted side.



As per Gazzetta dello Sport, the Swede wanted to <a href="https://sempremilan.com/gds-ibra-scolds-milan-dressing-room-parma-defeat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spark motivation and self-belief</a> instead of venting his frustration. It is not a new thing for higher officials to get in the way of the coach’s responsibilities. However, this intervention only fueled more pressure on the Portuguese tactician.



<h2>Pre-season form disappeared with games of significance</h2>



Fonseca started his Milan reign with plenty of promises from the US preseason tour. A comeback win against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City preceded a convincing victory over Champions League kings Real Madrid.



Milan also comfortably beat Monza, a side that defeated Milan 4-2 last season, in its final friendly game. The early signs had Milan fans dreaming of beating their city rivals for the Scudetto, the Serie A title.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240826_WST_524748_Fonseca-Parma-1200x675_1c9a3b08.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-524778" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Fonseca-Parma-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Fonseca-Parma-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Fonseca-Parma-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Fonseca-Parma-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Fonseca-Parma.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



But the lackluster performance against Torino served as the first reality check. USMNT international <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/subs-saved-the-day-for-milan-in-paulo-fonsecas-debut/">Yunus Musah and fellow supersubs</a> saved the day as Milan secured a late draw coming back from a two-goal deficit.&nbsp;



There was a similar feeling when <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pulisic-on-target-in-a-historic-serie-a-game-for-us-television-despite-defeat-to-parma/">Christian Pulisic leveled the score</a> against Parma. Still, Milan succumbed to its first defeat of the season at Stadio Ennio Tardini.



<h2>Pioli and Allegri are still available to replace Paulo Fonseca at Milan</h2>



Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao – supposedly Milan’s strongest link in the left wing – were at fault for Parma’s winner on Saturday. The defensive issues were also quite visible with Milan conceding multiple goals in Serie A’s first two games.



After two games, it seems Fonseca has yet to decide on his starting lineup. While Alvaro Morata could lead the forward line once he returns to full fitness, decisions have to be made for a stable environment.



Speaking of decisions, Milan could pull the plug if things don’t improve before the first international break of the season. Fonseca will only have a single game to correct matters to not give his employers ample time to replace him.



Saturday’s visit to Italy’s capital will also be a crucial game for Lazio in the wake of Marco Baroni’s side’s defeat at Udinese. Stefano Pioli’s team beat Roma at Stadio Olimpico on their way to starting last season with three wins from as many matches.



As he failed to reach an agreement with Saudi’s Al-Ittihad, Pioli is still available on the market if Milan wants to bring back the coach who won them the league back in the 2021-22 season. And they can take inspiration from SC Braga. The Portuguese club fired Ricardo Sossa after a single league game to rehire Carlos Carvalhal for the third time.



Pioli is not the only Scudetto-winning coach that under Milan’s consideration if the club sacks the former AS Roma coach. Massimiliano Allegri won his first Serie A title with Milan in 2010-11. He then repeated that feat five times with Juventus. He could be the <a href="https://sempremilan.com/corsera-allegri-pioli-fonseca-doubts-present" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first option</a>. To avoid all of that, Fonseca has to pick up his first three points against Lazio.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Paulo Fonseca already in danger of losing his Milan job

It is just two games in, but Paulo Fonseca is starting to feel the pressure at AC Milan after a recent loss against Parma.

Milan is embarking on a new chapter under the leadership of Paulo Fonseca, a coach with a clear vision for transforming the team. In his quest to get the Rossoneri back into the European elite, Fonseca is looking to a modern example of soccer greatness. He will use Spain, the victors of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">Euro 2024</a>, as inspiration. With Christian Pulisic as a potential centerpiece, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/third-year-in-row-sees-pulisics-milan-crowned-fastest-growing/">Milan</a> could undergo an evolution under Fonseca. Their play might take cues from the offensive fluidity that helped La Roja win in Germany.



Intricate passing, fluid movement, and a knack for dominating games via possession and inventiveness were hallmarks of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a>‘s Euro win. These qualities have caught the eye of Fonseca, who is reportedly keen on implementing a similar approach at Milan. Now according to <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Milan/19-08-2024/fonseca-cambia-il-milan-almeno-sei-uomini-diversi-per-il-vero-diavolo.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Gazzetta dello Sport</a>, Fonseca wants to make his side play as Spain did during the tournament. They need to be technical and energetic.



To take a page out of Luis de la Fuente’s playbook is to embrace an ideology that prioritizes spontaneity and innovation above defensiveness and rigidity. Importantly, Spain used <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/laliga-president-says-barcelona-should-sell-key-stars-for-money-20240301-WST-492408.html">Pedri</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-la-liga-woes-dani-olmo-valencia/">Dani Olmo</a>, two center offensive midfielders who played behind the striker. These players provided a blend of creativity, goal-scoring threat, and assist potential without being overly burdened by defensive responsibilities. It is a role that Fonseca reportedly believes Christian Pulisic could excel in at San Siro.



<h2>Pulisic to play a major role</h2>



Christian Pulisic is entering his second season with AC Milan after an impressive debut campaign. He contributed 15 goals and 11 assists in the Italian top flight. His performances last season established him as one of Milan’s key attacking players. Thus, under Fonseca’s new system, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> star could become even more central to the team’s success.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240821_WST_523921_Pulisic-Fonseca-Milan-1200x675_53ead719.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-523968" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-Fonseca-Milan-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-Fonseca-Milan-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-Fonseca-Milan-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-Fonseca-Milan-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-Fonseca-Milan.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



After seeing how Spain uses creative midfielders like Pedri, Fonseca is considering <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pulisic-could-switch-to-new-position-in-milan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">using Pulisic in a similar role, behind the striker</a>. His versatility and attacking instincts make him an ideal candidate for this role. That way, he can orchestrate play, create chances, and score goals. The manager’s faith in the American as a central figure reflects his broader tactical vision for Milan.



During the club’s preseason tour of the United States, the 25-year-old was frequently deployed in this central role. The Portuguese boss intends to integrate him into the heart of the attack. If this experiment continues into the regular season, Pulisic’s influence on the team could grow significantly. The American’s ability to thrive in this role could be pivotal to Milan’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.



<h2>Team in transition</h2>



Milan’s journey under Fonseca is still in its early stages. The team’s opening match of the season, a 2-2 draw against Torino, highlighted the work that lies ahead. Despite having to come back from two goals down, the match demonstrated that Milan is still adjusting to the new ideas and systems under the new coach. The 51-year-old himself acknowledged that the team is a work in progress, stating, “I don’t expect to be perfect in August… We have to keep working, there is a lot to improve.”



Fonseca’s plans for Milan also involve making tactical adjustments and personnel changes as the season progresses. The starting lineup that faced Torino is likely to evolve. Fonseca must refine his approach to integrate new signings and tactical innovations. The aim is to develop a well-oiled 4-2-3-1 formation that can dominate opponents with the same efficiency and flair that Spain showcased at Euro 2024.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Pulisic key to Fonseca's aim of recreating Spain tactics at Milan

Milan are embarking on a new chapter under the leadership of Paulo Fonseca, a coach with a clear vision inspired by Spain.

In terms of results, AC Milan’s U.S. tour was impeccable. They beat English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City before doing the same against LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. But, with a minute remaining from the regular 90, Milan was in danger of losing to Torino in the Serie A opener.&nbsp;



A win for the Turin side would’ve been their first in San Siro against AC Milan in league play since 1985, but Paulo Fonseca’s timely substitutions secured a point for last season’s runners-up.



<h2>Supersubs for Milan against Torino</h2>



In hindsight, the game’s two biggest turning points involved European champion Alvaro Morata. On his return to Serie A soccer, the Spaniard nearly leveled the score before a late intervention by Torino’s heroic debutant Saul Coco.



Duvan Zapata doubled the lead for the visitors moments later, but Morata, one of Fonseca’s first three substitutes, had a second bite of the cherry before Noah Okafor salvaged the point with a 95th-minute strike. As expected, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pulisic-could-switch-to-new-position-in-milan/">Christian Pulisic</a> played in an attacking midfield role.



Curiously, all five changes by the former LOSC Lille coach impacted the late foray. Tijani Reijnders and Yunus Musah assisted the goals for the striking duo. It’d have been quite sensational had Theo Hernandez, who dropped to the bench in favor of Alexis Saelemaekers, grabbed a winner with a powerful hit. Ali Dembele prevented further damage for Torino.



For comparison, Milan only avoided defeat in half of the games they went behind last season under Stefano Pioli. Swiss international Okafor also had five goals off the bench in the 2023/24 campaign, which was only one short of the league’s best and Empoli’s lifesaver, M’Baye Niang.



<h2>Memorable Musah cameo</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240817_WST_523371_Milan-Torino-1-1-1200x675_3c2e0cf9.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-523394" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Milan-Torino-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Special appreciation will also be reserved for a USMNT midfielder. But not for the usual suspect. Pulisic had a couple of great chances to open his tally before exiting the pitch by a fellow American. Musah’s entrance galvanized Milan’s attempt at getting back into the game.



Musah involved himself in <a href="https://x.com/OptaJack/status/1824918199940337675" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seven shots</a> playing only for 35 minutes. With Youssouf Fofana joining Milan’s midfield, Musah has to prove his worth to the new coach.



Musah dominantly played from the right flank, a position he had to fill on a few occasions last season. Earlier in the summer, Milan declined offers for their midfielder. Musah tied with Milan until 2028 and this appearance could be a springboard.&nbsp;



<h2>What’s next for the teams?</h2>



AC Milan’s next Serie A fixture is expected to write a new chapter. Their game against Parma, who drew with Fiorentina on Saturday, will be the first Serie A fixture on CBS television. It could prompt a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/cbs-primed-to-break-serie-a-tv-ratings-record-for-parma-milan/">potential record audience</a> for the league in this region.&nbsp;



Torino’s next game will see Zapata reunited with his former Atalanta teammates. The last time the two clubs met, the Colombian striker received a wine as a gift from the fans of the Europa League champions.



Earlier in the day, both teams completed transfers. Milan’s new midfielder Fofana and Borna Sosa, who replaced Ricardo Rodriguez at Torino, will likely debut against Parma and Atalanta, respectively.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Subs saved the day for Milan in Paulo Fonseca's debut

Paulo Fonseca's Milan side drew 2-2 against mid-table Torino. Here's what happened in the Rossoneri's opener.

Subs saved the day for Milan in Paulo Fonseca's debut - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

Christian Pulisic’s journey at AC Milan has been marked by adaptability, impact, and potential for even greater heights. As the United States international enters a new phase in his career, the Rossoneri are contemplating a strategic shift that could see <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/neither-epl-nor-bundesliga-san-siro-best-crowd-per-pulisic-20240209-WST-488763.html/">Pulisic</a> take on a central attacking midfielder role. This possible repositioning aims to harness his versatility and enhance his contributions on the field.



In the 2023-24 season, Pulisic demonstrated his prowess by scoring 15 goals across 50 appearances in all competitions. Primarily deployed as a right winger, his stats reflect his effectiveness: 38 games, 11 goals, and 6 assists. He feels most comfortable in this position, delivering consistently strong performances.



But the American’s ability to play multiple positions has been crucial for the Rossoneri. On the left wing, where he has often filled in for Rafael Leao, the 25-year-old has also shown his capabilities. In just five games last season, he contributed one goal and two assists, underlining his reliability as a versatile attacker.



<h2>Nothing new for Pulisic to play as attacking midfielder</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240802_WST_519999_Pulisic-2-1200x675_30d62f35.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-520088" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The idea of <a href="https://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/un-futuro-da-10-per-pulisic-fonseca-ci-pensa-anche-leao-lo-preferisce-trequartista-e-se-il-milan-sta-cercando-samardzic-544233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifting Pulisic to an attacking midfielder role</a> has long been gaining traction. During a match against Lecce on April 6, ex-Rossoneir coach Stefano Pioli positioned him behind striker Olivier Giroud, flanked by Leao and Samuel Chukwueze. This strategic move paid off immediately; the USMNT captain scored within six minutes, showcasing his potential in a central role.



This performance has led to increased discussions about his future position. Thus, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/third-year-in-row-sees-pulisics-milan-crowned-fastest-growing/">Milan</a>’s new manager Paulo Fonseca recently acknowledged Pulisic’s adaptability and the possibility of utilizing him as a central playmaker. <a href="https://www.milannews.it/news/fonseca-pulisic-e-fantastico-la-sua-qualita-e-incredibile-musah-sono-sicuro-al-200-che-sara-un-giocatore-di-peso-per-noi-544175" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fonseca stated</a> during a tour of the US, “I don’t know if in our structure we can speak about a No. 10, but [Pulisic] can play in that position. We have other players who can play, [Ruben Loftus-Cheek] can play in that position. But yes, Christian has characteristics to play in this part of the pitch.”



<h2>Benefits of playing as No.10 at Milan</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240802_WST_519999_Pulisic-1-1200x675_cddbb3cc.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-520087" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Pulisic-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Playing as a central attacking midfielder would require Pulisic to adjust his defensive responsibilities and coordination with midfielders like Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, the benefits are clear. His ability to occupy central spaces allows him to be a dual threat; creating opportunities both on the left and right. This versatility makes him a valuable asset, capable of linking play and providing assists from the heart of the pitch.



Rafael Leao, a key teammate, has expressed his preference for Pulisic in a central role. <a href="https://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/leao-a-espn-pulisic-puo-cambiare-la-partita-in-un-secondo-lo-preferisco-quando-gioca-da-trequartista-544054" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leao told ESPN</a>, “I am not a coach, but I prefer Christian when he plays as number 10. From the center, he has the possibility of occupying space both on the left and on the right. I think he can be very dangerous in that position, but in general, he does very well both as an attacking midfielder and on the right. As a 10 he would give me some assists, we could play fast, with one-twos or with a touch in the middle of the pitch… he can do everything.”



Under new manager Paulo Fonseca, AC Milan is expected to continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to the previous season under <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/milan-coach-pioli-passes-up-premier-league-despite-ambitions/">Stefano Pioli</a>. In this setup, the No. 10 role has traditionally belonged to Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/loftus-cheek-talks-pulisic-musah-and-milan-friendlies-in-usa/">recent preseason games</a> have seen Pulisic excel in this position, particularly in a match against Real Madrid where Loftus-Cheek played a deeper role, allowing Pulisic to shine as the central attacking midfielder.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Pulisic could switch to new position in Milan

Manager Paulo Fonseca has hinted at moving star attacker Christian Pulisic from his regular right-wing slot.

Pulisic could switch to new position in Milan - World Soccer Talk

It has been decided that AC Milan will split company with head coach Stefano Pioli after the season. Reports from Italy suggest that the Rossoneri met with Pioli’s representatives to inform him of the decision. This move comes after weeks of speculation about his future with the team.



After the San Siro giants fired Marco Giampaolo in October 2019, they named Stefano Pioli as his replacement. The forthcoming encounter against Salernitana will be his last with the Rossoneri. In any case, with second place already secured, the players and supporters can bid him a dignified farewell in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/argentinas-scaloni-could-take-over-milan-but-huge-hurdle-in-way/">last match of the season at San Siro</a>.



<h2>Still no agreement on severance pay</h2>



The Italian boss’ five-year tenure in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ac-milan-tv-schedule/">Milan</a> saw significant achievements. Their incredible 2021-22 Scudetto title and last season’s Champions League semi-final appearance were not enough for the club to keep him after a lackluster campaign.



Also, the inability to sustain success this season and the ongoing struggles in the Champions League were critical factors in the club’s decision. His contract runs until June 2025, so negotiations regarding his severance pay are still ongoing, <a href="https://sport.sky.it/calciomercato/2024/05/22/fonseca-milan-calciomercato-news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Italia</a> claims.



“Milan are currently negotiating the termination of the contract with Pioli and his agents, also to avoid having two coaches on the payroll,” journalist Manuele Baiocchini says. Until an agreement is reached or Pioli secures a new position, Milan will continue to pay his salary.



Previously Baiocchini revealed that the club’s total payroll expenditures include the coach and his staff’s contracts, amounting to $12.4 million. As a result, the upper management should initiate negotiations for severance compensation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240523_WST_508676_Pulisic-Pioli-1200x670_ba46efab.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-508731" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pulisic-Pioli-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pulisic-Pioli-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pulisic-Pioli-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Pulisic-Pioli.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Who will replace Pioli at Milan?</h2>



Reports indicate that Paulo Fonseca is allegedly close to succeeding Pioli, having verbally agreed to a deal. As per <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-fonseca-e-la-scelta-definitiva-cosa-manca-per-arrivare-all-56230">Calciomercato</a>, he will ink a three-year deal with Milan, with a net annual salary of about $3.2 million.



After turning down contract extension offers from Lille and Marseille, Fonseca has decided to join Milan instead; all because of the ambitious and medium-term strategy that the Rossoneri have presented. The opportunity to return to Italy and the assurance of a competitive squad is allegedly enough to persuade him.



A good contender to become Pulisic’s manager, Fonseca had managerial experience in Serie A with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/roma-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers">Roma</a>; in addition, he has also just had success with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/lille-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers">Lille</a>. After considering Julen Lopetegui, Sergio Conceicao, and Mark van Bommel, the club finally decided on the Portuguese.



The American owners anticipate an infusion of new ideas and a shift in focus from the newly formed leadership team under the 51-year-old. To strengthen the team, Fonseca could make several additions during the summer transfer window; in fact, it appears that he has already started planning them.



He may be looking to add a right back and a striker to his roster, Sky’s report adds. According to <a href="https://sempremilan.com/sm-exclusive-milan-12m-lille-tiago-santos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sempre Milan</a>, the coach could likely have his eyes on Lille’s Tiago Santos, who may replace captain Davide Calabria in the lineup. The rumor mill is also still running at full steam ahead over Jonathan David’s potential transfer to the San Siro after his sensational start to 2024.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Milan tell Pioli decision on future: What now for Pulisic's team?

It has been decided that Pulisic and Musah's AC Milan will split company with head coach Stefano Pioli after the season.

Fellow Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and West Ham could soon battle for the same manager. Paulo Fonseca is reportedly a summer target for both London-based teams. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/19/west-ham-paulo-fonseca-possible-david-moyes-replacement-manager-potter-rodgers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Guardian</a> and <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-crystal-palace-paulo-fonseca-manager-b1075446.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evening Standard</a> are both claiming that the clubs are interested in the coach. The Portuguese coach is currently managing French side Lille at the moment. Fonseca has the team sitting fifth in the <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ligue 1</a> table, up from 10th before joining the club last summer.



<h5>Subpar seasons could mean new managers for Palace, West Ham</h5>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/crystal-palace-sack-vieira-after-12-match-winless-run-20230317-WST-423618.html">Crystal Palace previously fired Patrick Vieira</a> following a disappointing current campaign. The former Arsenal legend finished a fairly respectable 12th in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier League</a> during his freshman season at Palace. However, the Frenchman found his club in a relegation the club sacked him in March. 



Veteran coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/hodgson-returns-to-crystal-palace-as-manager-20230321-WST-423889.html">Roy Hodgson came back</a> on March 21 and he hasn’t lost a game since. The south London team is now sitting 12th in the league, nine points from the drop zone. Appointing Hodgson was a temporary fix by club officials. Nevertheless, things may change if the 75-year-old coach keeps winning.



West Ham is in a bit of a different situation in comparison to their English counterparts. They have not yet sacked their manager. David Moyes is still currently at the helm with the Hammers. However, there is a growing likelihood that the Scot will not return for the 2023/24 campaign. 



Typically a top-half team, West Ham is right in the middle of the Premier League relegation battle. The Hammers currently sit 15th in the table, just four points from a potential place in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Championship</a>.



<h2>Paulo Fonseca almost landed at West Ham in 2018</h2>



Fonseca does have a little history with Premier League clubs. The coach previously interviewed for West Ham and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> managerial vacancies in recent years. He nearly received the Hammers job in 2018, but club brass opted to choose Manuel Pellegrini instead. Spurs similarly picked Nuno Espirito Santo over Fonseca in 2021 as well.



The Portuguese coach has brought an attractive attacking style to Lille. In fact, the club has the fourth-most goals in the French top flight (56) and averages 60.2% possession in league play. This is only a fraction lower than powerhouse <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a>.



PHOTO: IMAGO / sportphoto24

Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and West Ham could be set to battle it out for Paulo Fonseca, the current manager of Lille, this summer.

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