Milan fans have started a campaign on social media against potential new coach Julen Lopetegui – called #Nopetegui – and the ultras warn ‘our patience has run out.’
The Rossoneri are already looking to next season for their reconstruction after crashing out of the Champions League and then the Europa League, while handing the Scudetto to rivals Inter in a Derby della Madonnina defeat.
Stefano Pioli is widely expected to be sacked, but the favourite to replace him in the Italian media is former Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Wolverhampton Wanderers coach Lopetegui.
It is safe to say the name is not getting Milan fans excited, as they see him as not much of an upgrade on Pioli.
The hashtag #Nopetegui was trending on X, formerly known as Twitter, in Italy today along with a petition launched by Milan Zone.
Some even compared him to the disastrous and brief reign of Marco Giampaolo, calling Lopetegui’s arrival “the final nail in the coffin of Milan’s ambition.”
Milan ultras post warning
Meanwhile, the Curva Sud ultras also released a statement via Instagram blasting club owner Gerry Cardinale that, although not naming Lopetegui, certainly hinted at him.
“The season comes to an end and the mediocrity that characterised almost all of it has now made way for a disastrous finale that was amplified by some shocking statements from certain directors, not to mention rumours about the future coach that make us realise once again how the ambition of reliving the past glories is not the prerogative for this club.
“It has been nearly 2 years since the arrival of Mr Cardinale, a transitory phase was more than legitimate, but now the time has come to prove if the club wants to form a genuinely ambitious team or just be content to potter about year on year in the places that guarantee Champions League qualification and nothing more.”
The statement goes on to warn that if the latter is the case, then they “will not stand for it” and see “total chaos” within the club since Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara were sacked.
“Gentlemen, our patience has run out! Milan is not just a product and Milano is not a city that is content just to participate. Milan have a history and tradition making it accustomed to being in the pantheon of world football.
“If these owners think they are at the level of these prerogatives, then prove it with concrete action (and the choice of new coach would be a big sign), so they can continue to enjoy the tireless support of a fanbase that is madly in love with the club.
“If this is not the case, then forget the idea of experiencing Milan as a happy place, the way you have done so far.”
Lopetegui = stadio vuoto / no abbonamenti#Nopetegui pic.twitter.com/SFyrTantqZ
— Rossonerosemper (@Rossonerosemper) April 27, 2024