The AC Milan managerial situation involving Stefano Pioli appears to be heading towards its conclusion, with little hope of rescue for the 58-year-old. The focus now shifts to identifying his potential successor for the upcoming season.
According to insights from SempreMilan.it, the separation of Pioli and the Rossoneri seems inevitable, unless unexpected triumphs, including securing the first Europa League trophy, occur. In the event of parting ways with Pioli, the club faces the financial commitment of paying his salary until 2025, the end of his contract. This constraint steers AC Milan towards considering Thiago Motta as a replacement, rather than other candidates like Antonio Conte.
Motta, currently under contract with Bologna until the summer of 2024, aligns well with Milan’s timeline. His refusal of Napoli’s recent advances indicates a commitment to finishing the season with his current team. Milan sees concluding their association with Pioli at the season’s end as a respectful course of action.
One compelling factor in favor of Motta is his tactical system at Bologna, a 4-2-3-1, which corresponds with the current squad at Milan. This alignment minimizes the need for a major player overhaul and reduces the time required for adapting to a new system. Additionally, Motta’s emphasis on youth, reflected in Bologna’s average starting XI age of 24.8, aligns with Milan’s vision. The prospect of acquiring talents like Joshua Zirkzee and Lewis Ferguson, who are currently under Motta’s tutelage, adds to the appeal.
Crucially, Motta’s current salary at Bologna is around €2.5 million, presenting a more financially feasible option compared to Conte, who demands at least €7 million annually.
Should the pursuit of Motta prove unsuccessful, Roberto De Zerbi emerges as the primary alternative. His successful implementation of a 4-2-3-1 system at Brighton, coupled with an admired playing style, makes him an attractive option. However, challenges arise due to his higher release clause, costing between €8-€10 million, and his expressed preference for continuing his career in England.
While Rafael Palladino remains on the radar, his preferred 3-5-2 system poses a hurdle, necessitating a squad overhaul incompatible with recent summer investments. This consideration makes the prospect of Palladino, the current Monza manager, less appealing to AC Milan.
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