For a club that has lacked stability and continuity for several years now, the last thing that Milan arguably need to consider moving forward is another coaching change.
As noted by BBC Sport, current boss Stefano Pioli signed a two-year deal with us after replacing Marco Giampaolo last month, and so that would suggest that he’s seen as more than merely a short-term solution.
SEE MORE: Three key positives since Pioli stepped in at Milan despite poor form
Naturally though, results will dictate how long he gets despite the argument that our performances have certainly improved since he replaced Giampaolo, but with one win, a draw and three defeats since taking charge, the early signs aren’t particularly promising.
That in turn could raise a question mark over the sense behind handing him a two-year deal, as ultimately there are doubts over his ability to oversee the level of progression and improvement needed to ensure that we’re back in a position where we want to be and playing Champions League football in the more immediate future.
All connected to the club will no doubt hope that he succeeds and that we turn our campaign around this year and somehow break into the top four despite currently sitting down in 14th place in the Serie A table and 11 points adrift of fourth spot.
However, as far as long-term projects and visions go, the Milan hierarchy will perhaps have more ambitious plans moving forward, especially if we were to secure a place at Europe’s top table again, and so there are possible doubts over Pioli as a long-term option.
Pochettino would potentially be an ideal appointment
As confirmed by Tottenham this week in an official statement from the club, Mauricio Pochettino parted company with the Premier League side and is now a free agent.
Having recorded 159 wins in 293 games in charge, the Argentine tactician secured four top-four finishes for Spurs while reaching the Champions League final last season.
Admittedly, the fact that the 47-year-old couldn’t lead them to a trophy during his tenure is a significant disappointment, but there is little doubt that Tottenham were punching above their weight for years and with such limited spending, they were commendably still able to compete with their rivals to a point.
Further, Pochettino helped develop key young talent in the form of the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli, built a great culture and atmosphere at Tottenham to sustain their progress and implemented a positive style of play while having to deal with countless outside influences.
With the Daily Mail noting how we continue to consider a move to a new home, Pochettino has been through that experience this year with Spurs, and will know the implications both on and off the pitch.
He’d be inheriting a young squad that he can mould and help develop, using his ability to improve young players to his advantage, while also working with ownership that is perhaps against big spending and more focused on signing talented individuals with a lot of upside.
In addition, we simply have to face the facts that Milan are falling further behind Juventus and Inter, while Napoli, Roma and Lazio are in the same bracket in the ongoing scrap for Champions League qualification.
That challenge of competing against other sides more heavily favoured to achieve a shared objective is one that Pochettino will be very familiar with, and so when considered step by step, it arguably begins to make it a more sensible appointment, if he can be convinced to take the job and if the hierarchy decide to replace Pioli.
Perhaps it’s wishful thinking and maybe Pochettino has more ambitious plans for his next job depending on what offers come his way. However, it’s certainly something that has been speculated in the past, as noted by Calciomercato, while it has been repeated since Tottenham’s announcement arrived on Tuesday as Italian outlet Calciomercato.it suggest owners Elliott could consider Pochettino.
With that in mind, while it may seem far-fetched and unlikely at this early stage and much will depend on what Pioli is capable of achieving this season, Milan must surely at least take the possibility of bringing in Pochettino seriously now that he’s on the market, as he arguably ticks all the right boxes to bring some stability, ambition and much-needed experience in the position we’re currently in as he at least knows what it takes to establish a perennial Champions League side which is largely unfancied by many.
Don’t know how or when, but would love to see us try and get Pochettino. Such wishful thinking but I’d be all over that appointment.
— Milan Talk (@MilanTalk1) November 19, 2019