With AC Milan's dugout hanging in the balance, every movement is enough to tug at the heartstrings of countless red and black fans. Initially, former Spain national team manager Julen Lopetegui was seen as the favourite to succeed Stefano Pioli, whose Spanish background and tactical philosophy seemed to coincide with Milan's future plans. However, this idea did not stir up the expected ripples in the hearts of fans, but instead attracted a wave of skepticism.
### Fan power: Julen Lopetegui's braking moment
The feedback from Milan fans was a force to be reckoned with, and their lukewarm attitude towards Julen Lopetegui quickly reached the club's hierarchy. According to Sport, the management is re-evaluating the position in response to the popular backlash, and Julen Lopetegui, although not completely ruled out, has quietly retreated to the background to wait for a more opportune moment.
### Opening up a new perspective: diversity in coaching
Milan's search for a coach has thus entered a new phase, with the club making it clear that new coaches need to be modern-minded, attack-minded and cost-effective. Key figures such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic have fueled the list of candidates to be more diverse and star-studded.
- Roberto De Zerbi, favored for his attacking football philosophy and status as a Milan veteran, although the high release fee (15 million) became an obstacle.
- Paulo Fonseca and Marc van Bommel, two young coaches on the international stage, are serious contenders thanks to their familiarity with Serie A.
- Marcelo Gallardo, Domenico Tedesco and Christopher Galtier are alternatives, each with their own unique football philosophies and successful coaching experiences.
### Who is in charge of the future of Milan?
Driven by the emotions of the fans, the battle for the position of AC Milan is becoming more and more confusing. Julen Lopetegui's temporary "cooling" has opened up a broader horizon for the managerial team, with each potential candidate carrying hopes for Milan's revival. In the end, which coach will take over the reins of the Rossoneri and lead the team to new glory?