AC Milan fans changed directors’ minds over Lopetegui

It seems Julen Lopetegui’s potential appointment as the head coach of AC Milan won’t be happening after all. Despite being the preferred candidate and discussions over a three-season contract with club owner Gerry Cardinale, the deal has fallen through due to opposition from the club’s fans.

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Milan abandoned the option of hiring Lopetegui following protests from the fans, with a petition titled “Nopetegui” garnering over 10,000 signatures within just 48 hours.

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As a result, Milan’s management is now expected to resume their search for a new coach. The ideal candidate would need to possess qualities such as the ability to develop young players, international experience, and a willingness to collaborate with the club’s management on important decisions. Brighton’s manager Roberto De Zerbi is among the favorites, but he has a 15 million euros release clause, which could make a possible deal very difficult.

Bologna’s head coach Thiago Motta is also on Milan’s list, although he has a verbal agreement to take over Juventus from next season.