AC Milan Sacks Coach, Paulo Fonseca After Six Months

AC Milan has parted ways with coach Paulo Fonseca just six months into his tenure, marking yet another chapter of instability for the storied Italian club. The decision comes after a lackluster campaign in Serie A, with Milan failing to challenge for the title or secure a foothold in the top four, leaving fans and management deeply frustrated.

The official announcement was made on Monday, a day after Milan’s 1-1 draw with AS Roma, their sixth stalemate of the season. The result left the Rossoneri languishing in seventh place, eight points away from the coveted Champions League spots and a staggering 12 points behind city rivals Inter, who are vying for the league title.

“AC Milan announces that Paulo Fonseca has been relieved from his duties as Head Coach of the Men’s First Team,” the club stated. “The Club extends its gratitude to Paulo for his great professionalism and wishes him the very best in his future endeavors.”

Fonseca, who had previously managed Shakhtar Donetsk, AS Roma, and Lille, had already hinted at his departure during his post-match press conference on Sunday, suggesting he had been informed of his dismissal.

Milan’s season has been marred by erratic performances, fan discontent, and internal discord. The team’s inability to string together consistent results has been a recurring theme, as has Fonseca’s tense relationship with some of the squad’s key players.

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Notably, Fonseca openly criticized star winger Rafael Leão, a fellow Portuguese, questioning his commitment and form. He also controversially dropped France international full-back Theo Hernández in favor of a teenage academy player during a goalless draw with Genoa earlier this month, a decision that drew widespread criticism.

The coaching change comes amid a backdrop of growing dissatisfaction among Milan’s fanbase. Supporters have been vocal in their discontent with the club’s current trajectory, particularly under the ownership of U.S.-based investment fund RedBird.

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This frustration reached a boiling point during Milan’s 125th anniversary celebrations on December 21. Fans expressed their anger through chants demanding that RedBird sell the club, while the absence of iconic figure Paolo Maldini from the festivities further fueled the discontent.

Outside a private party held for the anniversary, fans displayed banners reading, “A club with no ambition, you’re not worthy of our history,” underscoring their dissatisfaction with the management.

As Milan looks to stabilize, reports suggest that Portuguese manager Sérgio Conceição is the frontrunner to replace Fonseca. Conceição, 50, brings a wealth of experience, having managed FC Porto for seven years and led them to multiple domestic titles. He also has Serie A experience as a player, which could prove invaluable in understanding the league’s unique challenges.

Conceição’s arrival would mark yet another attempt by Milan to restore their former glory. The seven-time European champions have struggled in recent years to reclaim their dominance, both domestically and internationally.