Early departure looms: Fonseca's position under discussion with Milan management

Paulo Fonseca, who made the switch from OSC Lille to AC Milan this summer, is already facing significant pressure just a few weeks into the new Serie A season.

The Portuguese coach was brought in to rejuvenate Milan after a mixed season under his predecessor, Stefano Pioli. However, Fonseca's tenure has not started as hoped, with Milan struggling to find form in their opening matches.

The Rossoneri, featuring new signing Tijjani Reijnders in the starting lineup, have failed to secure a win in their first three league games. The most recent setback came on Saturday evening when Milan managed only a draw against Lazio, dropping two valuable points. This result followed a disappointing 2-2 draw with Torino and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Parma. Such a start has not met the expectations of the club's ambitious management or their passionate supporters, who had high hopes for the new season.

Italian media reports suggest that Milan's management is growing increasingly concerned about the team's direction under Fonseca. In response to the poor start, the club is reportedly planning to hold an 'evaluation meeting' with the coach at the end of this month. This meeting is expected to assess Fonseca's performance and discuss the immediate future of his role at the club. Given the timing, the upcoming matches could be pivotal in determining whether he continues in his position.

This situation places immense pressure on Fonseca, as the next three games following the international break could be decisive for his career at Milan. The first of these fixtures is a home match against Venezia on September 14, which Milan will be expected to win to regain some momentum. However, the challenge intensifies immediately afterward, with Milan set to face Liverpool in the Champions League a formidable opponent known for their attacking prowess and European pedigree. Following this, Fonseca's team will take on local rivals Inter Milan in what is always a highly charged and critical derby. The outcomes of these games will likely play a significant role in the club's assessment of Fonseca's capabilities and his potential to lead the team forward.

Fonseca's coaching career has seen him take charge of several notable clubs across Europe, including AS Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting Braga, and FC Porto. His appointment at Milan was seen as an opportunity for him to implement his attacking style and tactical flexibility at a top Italian club. However, adapting to Serie A's competitive environment and meeting the high expectations of a club like Milan is a considerable challenge.

Adding to the complexities of his situation is Milan's recent acquisition of Silvano Vos from Ajax, a move that reflects the club's ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad. This signing demonstrates the club's ambition to build a team capable of competing on multiple fronts. Still, it also adds pressure on Fonseca to integrate new players effectively and quickly produce results.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Fonseca as he navigates this period of uncertainty. His ability to rally the team and secure positive results against Venezia, Liverpool, and Inter Milan will be vital. For Milan, a club with a rich history and a desire to return to the top of Italian and European football, anything less than a significant turnaround could prompt a search for a new head coach.

For now, all eyes will be on Paulo Fonseca as he attempts to guide Milan through this challenging period and prove that he is the right man to lead them back to glory.