AC Milan announced on Monday, December 30, that they have parted ways with head coach Paulo Fonseca after just six months in charge. His tenure was marked by underwhelming performances, leaving the team struggling to maintain their Serie A title ambitions.
Fonseca’s dismissal followed a 1-1 draw against AS Roma, which was Milan’s sixth draw of the season. The result left them in seventh place, trailing Lazio by eight points for the fourth and final Champions League spot, and 12 points behind Inter Milan, who are in the title race.
In a surprising move, Fonseca appeared to acknowledge his impending departure as he exited the San Siro following his post-match press conference, reflecting the growing pressure surrounding his management.
AC Milan released a statement thanking Fonseca for his professionalism and wishing him well in his future endeavors. “AC Milan announces that Paulo Fonseca has been relieved from his duties as Head Coach of the Men’s First Team. The Club extends its gratitude to Paulo for his great professionalism and wishes him the very best in his future endeavors.”
As the club seeks a replacement, reports suggest that Sergio Conceicao could be the leading candidate. The experienced manager recently completed a successful seven-year stint at FC Porto, and his arrival could help reignite Milan’s aspirations.
Under Fonseca, Milan struggled with inconsistent form, which created tension within the fanbase and led to fractured relationships with key players. His public criticisms of star winger Rafael Leao and his controversial decision to bench France international Theo Hernandez in favor of a younger academy player during a goalless draw against Genoa drew significant backlash.
Supporters’ discontent grew as they directed their frustration at both Fonseca and the ownership. On December 21, during the club’s 125th-anniversary celebrations, fans chanted anti-ownership slogans aimed at US investment fund RedBird, demanding they sell the club. The unrest continued when fans confronted players at a private party, holding banners that read, “A club with no ambition, you’re not worthy of our history,” highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with the club’s current direction.
