Former Roma director Tiago Pinto believes that incoming Milan coach Paulo Fonseca is a perfect fit for the Rossoneri, and has explained why his style of play should suit the team following news of Stefano Pioli’s departure.
Fonseca and Pinto briefly overlapped at Roma in the first portion of 2021. The former was in the final months of his tenure at the Stadio Olimpico at that point, while the latter had just begun in his post, which he left earlier this year.
The coach and director are clearly still on good terms, as Pinto believes that Fonseca has ‘a very strong impact on the game’.
Reports in Italy earlier this week suggest that Milan have reached an agreement with Fonseca to take charge ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Pinto backs Fonseca for success with Milan
“I see his move to Italy as a well-deserved opportunity,” Pinto said in an interview given to Gianluca Di Marzio. “Paulo Fonseca has done an incredible job with Lille, in a period of change for the team, which, upon his arrival, had lost half its players.
“He managed to put in two spectacular years with great results and a great campaign in Europe. But most importantly, they played with a very attractive game plan that was praised by everyone. That’s why coming to a club like Milan is something that he properly deserves.”
Pinto believes that it will not take a long time for the Rossoneri supporters to recognise the strengths that Fonseca will bring to the club.
“The fans will see straight away that he has a strong impact on the game that he wants to play. And I am absolutely certain that things will go well. It’s a great club, organised, with lots of competent people and a great team in place. Great fans too and I think everything can work out.
Pinto also put in a glowing character reference for Fonseca, who he believes is a ‘genuine human being with great values’.
“The teams coached by Paulo Fonseca have always had a strong identity – attacking and dynamic football. He is also a coach who is known for his ability to help the players grow, particularly the young ones. The players have improved, grown and matured with his method of work.
“He is also a genuine human being, with great values and human qualities. This makes him someone who is relatively easy to work with for a director or a President, depending on the structure that the clubs have in place.”