Longari: Conte ‘willing to build a wide-ranging project’ for Milan and cannot be ruled out

Sportitalia journalist Gianluigi Longari believes that Antonio Conte cannot be ruled out as a managerial candidate for AC Milan just yet.

As we proceed towards the end of the 2023-24 season there are far more uncertainties surrounding Milan than certainties, but one of the things we do know is that a new head coach will arrive to replace Stefano Pioli.

Although Pioli still has a year left on his contract, the results in big games this season have left a lot to be desired and the ownership seem to feel that now is the time to move on and start a new era with someone else.

Numerous coaches have been mentioned such as Julen Lopetegui – which ignited a fan protest and eventually pushed him to West Ham – as well as Sergio Conceicao and Paulo Fonseca.

Longari spoke on Radio Rossonera this afternoon about the various profiles that have been linked with Milan and he revealed some interesting insight on Conte.

“From what I know, the main tracks examined are the two Portuguese ones of Conceicao and Fonseca, but everything can change,” he said.

“The fact that the fan evaluation gave more positive feedback for Conceicao compared to Fonseca could have an impact, in my opinion. Especially given what happened with Lopetegui.

“I would tend not to rule out any kind of lead. Not even Conte. From what I know, what is said about him in the popular imagination is not true . He would be very open to a different conversation from the Conte we have always known: a big salary and top signings.

“In my opinion, Conte would be willing to build a wide-ranging project for Milan as long as there is clarity also at a communication level.

“And that is that he doesn’t come to win immediately but to build something. There needs to be a further step or for someone to find out if there has been one.”