In a dramatic turn of events following the 1-1 draw between AC Milan and AS Roma in the recent Serie A match, manager Paulo Fonseca confirmed his own sacking during a live television interview. This unexpected announcement highlights the turmoil surrounding the Rossoneri as they grapple with performance issues and management decisions.

Just an hour prior to the match, reports surfaced from France indicating that Sergio Conceicao was being considered as a potential successor to Fonseca. Consequently, Italian media began speculating that the manager’s position was precarious, regardless of the match’s outcome. This indicates a troubling trend for Milan, where managerial stability seems elusive.

Following the match, Fonseca was directly questioned about the speculations regarding his future at the club, and he openly acknowledged that he would no longer serve as the club’s manager. This confirmation underlines the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the club and raises questions about the decision-making processes at the highest levels of management.

The manner in which Fonseca was dismissed is considered one of the most humiliating scenarios for a manager. Such a situation is reminiscent of lower league clubs and raises serious concerns about the underlying issues within Milan’s management structure. This is not the first time Fonseca has faced uncertainty regarding his role, which indicates a pattern of instability that is detrimental to the club’s overall performance.

For several months, rumors have circulated about Fonseca’s job security, suggesting that prominent players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic may have influenced the dressing room dynamics, potentially undermining Fonseca’s authority. Reports have suggested a contentious relationship between the manager and Ibrahimovic, with the club’s advisory team seemingly having more influence than the coach himself, further complicating the managerial landscape.

Currently positioned eighth in the Serie A standings, AC Milan has transitioned from former coach Stefano Pioli to Fonseca, who has implemented a more positional style of play. Unfortunately, this has proven challenging, as the squad largely comprises players who may not be suited to his tactical approach. The recent transfer window also fell short, failing to address the team’s defensive shortcomings, with new signings like Alvaro Morata and Tammy Abraham arriving only after the club missed out on their primary targets. Fonseca himself was brought in after a fan protest against previous coach Julen Lopetegui, which adds further context to this ongoing saga.

Once again, the right-wing position has emerged as a significant area of concern for the team. The club lacks depth in midfield beyond players like Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders, and their urgent focus for the upcoming January transfer window should be to strengthen all three positions. This situation reflects a broader issue of managerial support, as Milan has consistently failed to provide the necessary resources both on and off the pitch, which is detrimental to their success. Despite these challenges, the underlying performance metrics suggest that the team possesses the potential to compete within the top four of the league.

According to statistics from FBRef, AC Milan ranks fourth in terms of expected goals (xG) in Serie A and boasts the fifth-best expected goals conceded (xGC) in the league. Given the current squad’s limitations, these figures are quite encouraging and indicate that there is a foundation upon which to build for future success.

It has been suggested that incoming manager Sergio Conceicao is known for his uncompromising approach, which may indeed be effective. Fonseca also demonstrated a no-nonsense attitude, particularly in his treatment of players like Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao, both of whom were initially sidelined but later reintegrated into the squad. Fonseca was articulate in expressing his vision for the game, making his expectations clear during press conferences and interviews, which showcased his strong leadership style.

While there were certainly flaws in Fonseca’s management, many of the challenges stemmed from the inadequacies in squad construction. Dismissing a manager can be justified, but doing so within a mere 200 days, especially in the manner Milan has proceeded, raises serious ethical concerns. This reflects a deeper issue within the club’s hierarchy that could manifest into larger problems if not addressed promptly.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN