Football is known for its lack of patience, and AC Milan is no exception. The 'Rossoneri' entered the season with high hopes following the appointment of Paulo Fonseca as their new manager for three years. The club's board was confident that the former Lille and Roma coach was the right man to restore Milan to its former glory. However, the results have not lived up to expectations so far.

After the first four matches in Serie A, Milan sits tenth in the table, with only five points from one win, two draws, and one loss. Fonseca has struggled to implement his signature style of play—an offensive, possession-based game that he showcased during his previous stints at Lille and Roma. Instead, Milan has been inconsistent, lacking the dominance expected from a top-tier club.

Fonseca's challenge was never going to be easy, especially given the legacy left behind by Stefano Pioli. During his five-year tenure, Pioli secured Milan’s first Serie A title in a decade during the 2021/22 season and left an indelible mark on the club. Pioli oversaw 239 matches, achieving 132 wins, 55 draws, and 52 losses. His departure marked the end of an era, and Fonseca's arrival was meant to herald a new beginning, but the results have yet to reflect that promise.

Fonseca’s position at Milan has come under increasing scrutiny following a tough 1-3 defeat at home against Liverpool in the Champions League. According to reports from ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport,’ the Portuguese manager could be shown the door if Milan fails to win the upcoming derby against Inter this Sunday. A loss in that match could spell the end of his tenure at San Siro.

Sarri as Fonseca’s Potential Replacement

Milan has already begun looking at potential replacements, with Maurizio Sarri emerging as the frontrunner. The Italian coach, who has managed prominent clubs like Chelsea, Napoli, and Lazio, is seen as the ideal candidate to take over if Fonseca is dismissed.

However, Sarri’s arrival could have implications for some players, particularly striker Álvaro Morata. The relationship between Sarri and Morata soured during their time together at Chelsea, where the Spanish forward lost his starting spot under Sarri’s management. Morata joined Milan this summer with the goal of being a key figure in the team, but Sarri's arrival could disrupt those plans.

Tensions between the two began during a Champions League match when Sarri controversially left Morata out of the squad, stating that the striker was "unnecessary." This decision strained their relationship, and now, with Sarri potentially arriving at Milan, there are concerns that Morata might once again find himself on the sidelines.

The upcoming Milan derby on Sunday promises to be intense, not just because of the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, but because it could determine Paulo Fonseca’s fate as Milan's head coach. All eyes will be on the Portuguese manager as he fights to keep his job in what could be a career-defining match.