Aston Villa director Monchi explains why Milan should hire Lopetegui

Aston Villa director Monchi believes Julen Lopetegui would be an ideal coach for Milan because of his tactical knowledge and how he manages the group.

Lopetegui is Milan’s leading candidate to replace Stefano Pioli next season despite resistance from most Rossoneri fans.

Monchi, a former Roma director currently working for Aston Villa, explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport why the Rossoneri should hire his compatriot this summer. Monchi appointed Lopetegui as Sevilla’s head coach in 2019.

“Julen has three virtues that I find fundamental for any coach: great professional qualities, competitiveness, and group management,” Monchi said.

“I immediately felt these qualities when I started talking to him about the Sevilla job. You don’t lose these characteristics with time; on the contrary, you consolidate them with experience.”

Monchi explains why Milan should hire Lopetegui

Would Lopetegui fit in well at Milan?

“Yes, he’d have no problems because he is accustomed to working in top clubs, so with great expectations and pressure,” Monchi replied.

“Think about Porto, Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. For this reason, I am convinced Julen is the ideal candidate to take charge of a club like Milan, one of the biggest in Europe.

“Julen perfectly understands what a big club needs, he has his requests, but it’s normal, and he always works in sync with the club,” continued Monchi.

“He is demanding but only for the good of those who appointed him and never out of selfishness.”

Milan’s playing style under Lopetegui

What would Milan’s playing style be under the Spaniard?

“Today’s football is becoming increasingly globalised, but the tactical aspect is very important in Italy, and Julen is a coach who works really well in this area. I think he can perfectly adapt,” noted Monchi.

“He is a coach who wants high pressing and little space between the lines. He likes to keep the ball and dominate possession in the build-up. Inside the dressing room, he manages the group well and he can convince players about their qualities. For all these reasons, he is an ideal coach for Milan.”

Milan won the Serie A title in 2022 but finished the last two seasons empty-handed and Monchi feels Lopetegui won’t struggle to cope with pressure.

“Given what happened in the last few months, it could be difficult to take charge of Milan, but Julen has great experience in this aspect. When he joined Sevilla, the club had had two difficult seasons, and the same happened at Wolverhampton, who were in deep crisis before he arrived. When he was appointed by Spain, he revived a struggling environment. These three examples show he could be very useful to this Milan side.”

Pioli’s contract expires in June 2025, but more and more sources report the Rossoneri will sack the Parma-born coach at the end of the season.

Gazzetta even reported on Sunday the draft contract Milan are ready to offer to Lopetegui, but the Rossoneri will make a final decision on Pioli’s successor over the next few days.