AC Milan have parted ways with head coach Paulo Fonseca just six months into his tenure, following the team’s failure to mount a credible Serie A title challenge. The decision was announced on Monday, a day after Milan’s 1-1 draw with AS Roma left them in seventh place on the league table.
“AC Milan announces that Paulo Fonseca has been relieved from his duties as Head Coach of the Men’s First Team,” the club stated. “The Club extends its gratitude to Paulo for his great professionalism and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours.”
Fonseca, 51, appeared to confirm his dismissal after Sunday’s match, telling reporters he had been sacked as he exited the San Siro following the post-match press conference.
Milan’s struggles this season have been marked by inconsistent performances and growing discontent among fans. The draw against Roma was their sixth of the campaign, leaving them eight points adrift of fourth-placed Lazio, the final Champions League spot, and a daunting 12 points behind league leaders and city rivals Inter Milan.
Sergio Conceição Expected to Take Charge
Portuguese manager Sergio Conceição is widely tipped to replace Fonseca. The 50-year-old, who has Serie A experience as a player, is available after concluding a successful seven-year spell with FC Porto in June.
Internal Conflicts and Fan Backlash
Fonseca’s reign at Milan was marred by internal disputes and public criticism of key players. He notably clashed with star winger Rafael Leão and controversially dropped France international Theo Hernández in favour of a teenage academy player during a goalless draw with Genoa earlier this month.
Meanwhile, tensions between the club and its supporters have escalated. Fans voiced their frustration during Milan’s 125th-anniversary celebrations on December 21, where chants targeted the club’s US-based owners, RedBird Capital Partners. Supporters displayed banners reading, “A club with no ambition, you’re not worthy of our history,” and protested outside a private event marking the milestone.
As Milan prepare for a potential managerial transition, the focus will be on regaining stability and reigniting their push for European qualification in the second half of the season.
