Milan Derby Could Determine the Fate of Two AC Milan Coaches as Tensions Rise Between Ibrahimović and Fonseca

The highly anticipated Milan Derby is set to take place this weekend, and the stakes have never been higher for both teams. While Inter Milan’s biggest challenge lies in overcoming fatigue after a grueling UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City, their city rivals AC Milan are grappling with their own internal struggles. Reports from Italian and European media outlets suggest that AC Milan’s greatest challenge is not on the pitch but rather the deepening rift between head coach Paulo Fonseca and club executive Zlatan Ibrahimović.

This derby could be decisive for Fonseca’s future at the club, with mounting speculation that a defeat could result in the Rossoneri initiating a search for a new coach. Remarkably, this would be the second such occurrence in recent months, as Stefano Pioli, Fonseca’s predecessor, was dismissed following a series of poor derby performances last season.

AC Milan’s Leadership Crisis: A Strained Relationship Between Fonseca and Ibrahimović

Zlatan Ibrahimović, who officially retired from football but remains a significant figure at AC Milan as a consultant for the club’s ownership group RedBird Capital, has increasingly clashed with Fonseca since the Portuguese manager’s appointment. Despite the legendary striker’s long-standing association with the club, his newfound role in the hierarchy has brought tension and conflict, particularly in his dealings with Fonseca.

Reports indicate that Fonseca’s authority has been undermined by Ibrahimović’s actions, creating an unhealthy power struggle within the club. According to a series of reports from respected Italian journalist Daniele Longo, Ibrahimović visited AC Milan’s training ground after the club’s recent Champions League loss to Liverpool. This visit was perceived by many as an attempt to exert pressure on Fonseca, especially considering that Ibrahimović has taken on a leadership role within the club’s management.

This situation is eerily similar to what happened to Pioli last season. After a string of disappointing derby defeats against Inter Milan, RedBird Capital made the decision to part ways with Pioli, unable to tolerate the humiliation of losing six consecutive derbies. Now, the focus has shifted to Fonseca, who finds himself in a similarly precarious position. If he fails to secure a result in the upcoming derby, his time as AC Milan’s head coach could come to an abrupt end.

Fonseca’s Struggles and the Pressure of the Derby

Paulo Fonseca’s tenure at AC Milan has been far from smooth. Despite arriving with a solid reputation after stints at clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk and AS Roma, Fonseca has struggled to implement his vision at Milan. Results have been mixed, and his relationship with key figures at the club, particularly Ibrahimović, has deteriorated rapidly.

The conflict between Fonseca and Ibrahimović has been simmering for some time, and according to reports, there have been three key incidents that have exacerbated the tension between the two.

1. Ibrahimović’s Pre-Season Team Talk Excludes Fonseca

Before the start of the Serie A season, Ibrahimović took it upon himself to deliver a motivational speech to the AC Milan squad. The speech, reminiscent of his playing days when he was a vocal leader on the pitch, was intended to rally the players ahead of the new campaign. However, the fact that Fonseca was not present during this team talk raised eyebrows. The exclusion of the head coach from such an important moment was seen by many as a direct challenge to his authority.

2. The Dispute Over the Transfer Market

The second incident occurred in mid-August, when Fonseca publicly declared that AC Milan’s transfer business had concluded for the summer. Just a day later, Ibrahimović contradicted this statement, asserting that "the coach is responsible for coaching, while the club is responsible for everything else." Ibrahimović went on to say that the transfer market would close when he decided it was time. This public disagreement over the club’s transfer policy only served to further strain their relationship, with Fonseca reportedly unhappy about being undermined in such a public manner.

Adding to the tension was the departure of Alexis Saelemaekers, a player whom Fonseca admired. The Belgian winger was sold against Fonseca’s wishes, further highlighting the disconnect between the coach and the club’s decision-makers.

3. Ibrahimović’s Closed-Door Meeting with Players

The third and perhaps most significant incident occurred before AC Milan’s Champions League match against Liverpool. Ibrahimović once again took matters into his own hands, holding a closed-door meeting with several players to discuss their relationship with the head coach. This action was seen by many as a direct challenge to Fonseca’s leadership, with Ibrahimović seemingly questioning whether the players were fully behind their manager.

These three incidents have led to an escalation in the conflict between Ibrahimović and Fonseca, with reports suggesting that Fonseca feels his authority has been severely eroded. While disagreements between coaches and executives are not uncommon in football, the highly public nature of this feud has only added to the scrutiny on Fonseca ahead of the Milan Derby.

Potential Replacements Loom as Fonseca Faces Uncertainty

As the pressure mounts on Fonseca, speculation about his potential replacement has been rife. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Germany have suggested that AC Milan’s hierarchy has already begun making contingency plans in case of a defeat in the derby. Among the names being discussed is Edin Terzić, the former Borussia Dortmund manager who led the German side to the UEFA Champions League final last season. Terzić was reportedly present at AC Milan’s match against Liverpool, fueling rumors that he is being lined up as Fonseca’s successor.

Notably, Terzić is not the only candidate being linked with the AC Milan job. Other high-profile names, such as Maurizio Sarri, Massimiliano Allegri, Thomas Tuchel, and even David Moyes, have been mentioned as possible replacements. While these rumors remain speculative, they highlight the extent to which Fonseca’s position is under threat.

Fonseca’s Fragile Situation: Results or Relations?

The question many are asking is whether Fonseca’s precarious situation is due to poor results or the growing rift with Ibrahimović. While AC Milan’s performance on the pitch has not been stellar, with a lackluster showing in Serie A and a recent defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, it seems that the tensions with Ibrahimović may be the primary reason for the coach’s uncertain future.

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin, the poor results are just one factor in Fonseca’s unstable position. The real issue appears to be the deteriorating relationship between Fonseca and Ibrahimović, with the Swedish icon’s influence within the club causing friction. Ibrahimović’s decision to take on a leadership role and publicly challenge Fonseca’s authority has created an untenable situation for the coach.

Several prominent figures in Italian football, including former AC Milan coach Fabio Capello, have weighed in on the situation, with many siding with Fonseca. Capello, for instance, criticized Ibrahimović’s actions, stating that while the Swede was a great leader on the pitch during his playing days, he needs to understand that his current role as a club executive requires a different approach. Even La Gazzetta dello Sport, a publication known for its admiration of Ibrahimović, acknowledged that his behavior may be counterproductive.

As the Milan Derby approaches, Fonseca faces an incredibly difficult challenge. Not only must he prepare his team for one of the most important fixtures of the season, but he must do so while dealing with the internal turmoil that has engulfed the club. Whether he can navigate these choppy waters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the outcome of the derby could very well determine his fate as AC Milan’s head coach.