Former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui in pole position to replace Stefano Pioli in Milan | OneFootball

Julen Lopetegui emerges as the favourite to become Milan’s head coach for next season.

According to a report by Marco Pasotto of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are expected to appoint former Spanish National Team coach Julen Lopetegui for next season. The club feels that Stefano Pioli has run his course and it is time for a change in the team’s managerial position.

Pioli’s fate was sealed in that 2-1 defeat to Roma in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals which saw the Rossoneri getting knocked out of the competition, also confirming a trophyless season. The Italian manager has won a Scudetto with the club but this season’s performances have not been up to the mark despite the signings.

Lopetegui last managed Wolves in the Premier League but left his role as the club could not approve his high-value transfers. He has coached Spain’s U19, U20 and U21 sides in addition to managing Real Madrid, Porto and Sevilla, where he lifted the Europa League title.

Having already qualified for the Champions League’s next edition and second-placed virtually secured, Milan have nothing to hope for this season and they can progress with next campaign’s team plans. There have been contacts between club owner Gerry Cardinale and the Spaniard recently but a final call is yet to be taken.

Paulo Fonseca, Christophe Galtier and Marcelo Gallardo are also on the Rossoneri’s shortlist for the managerial role.

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN