Julen Lopetegui spoke of his talks to take over in Milan, admitting that he still did not know why the discussions ended if `abruptly ”, and gave his prediction before the next match of the eliminations of the League of Champions between the Rossoneri. and Feyenoord.
Lopetegui, who was recently in charge of West Ham United, had been in talks to replace Stefano Pioli in Milan at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Although an agreement was close, Milan finally decided to turn to Paulo Fonseca instead. The Portuguese was appointed on May 24, one day after Lopetegui’s announcement as the new West Ham head coach.
The two had lost their job in January 2025. Fonseca was the first to leave, put its walking orders on December 29, while Lopetegui left West Ham on January 8.
Lopetegui is still at the head of the Serie A despite Milan Fall-Through
Discussing his talks with Milan before his appointment of West Ham, Lopetegui said: “Milan presents himself and I am very happy. It is a historic and attractive team, and I have always liked the Italian league – I have always followed it and I was attracted by the way they understand football as a collective game.
“Arrigo (Sacchi) strongly encouraged my football curiosity. He inspired me. I studied him and I was lucky to know him.
“Negotiation has progressed well, then stopped suddenly. It is not for me to reveal or comment on the reasons why they stopped. »»
It was not the first time that Lopetegui was discussed with an opportunity in Serie A, however.
“It had also happened in the past, at times when I had other ideas. But the discussion with Serie A is not closed. Sooner or later, I would like to come and honestly, I think I would be able to measure myself in what I consider a stimulating league from a tactical point of view. »»
Lopetegui thinks that Milan always has what it takes to overthrow Feyenoord at their meeting of the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
“Feyenoord changed the coach and saw Gimenez moving to Milan, two serious strokes, but clearly the structure was solid. We saw it in the first step. But it is clear that Milan has the qualities necessary to retaliate. »»
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