Fonseca: Milan's setback and Lyon's fresh chapter
21 February 2026
Fonseca's Milan chapter
Paulo Fonseca, the Portuguese coach who briefly led Milan, says he enjoyed the short spell last season and believes he deserved more time to push his project.
Appointed in the summer of 2024 to replace Stefano Pioli, he was dismissed after Milan's final game of the year against Roma. He contends he did not receive the chance to implement his plan, noting that the move to a more attacking style had been proposed by club executives but required time to take root.
“I deserved more time,” he told The Athletic. “Milan is an amazing club, and I enjoyed being there. The changes I was asked to pursue needed patience.” He argued that altering a long-standing approach is not easy, especially in Italy, where such shifts can feel almost impossible.
Despite the abrupt end in Milan, Fonseca has grown defensively and expanded his horizons. He recalled learning from his time in Ukraine, where he constantly faced the challenge of defending high up the pitch and then adapting to other leagues.
From Milan to Lyon: a new chapter in Ligue 1
Today Fonseca is in charge of Lyon in Ligue 1, where the team sits third, seven points behind leaders Lens. He praised the French league as exciting, with modern stadiums, quality players, and a freedom to play that suits his open style.
“In France I love being here. The league is amazing, with big crowds and top coaches,” he said. “Playing openly and enjoying the game is part of the magic.”
He also reflected on his broader coaching journey—from Milan to Lyon, and the lessons learned along the way—while insisting that a coach’s fate in Italy often depends on time and the willingness to implement a new identity. “I became better defensively and learned to balance risk with discipline.”
He added: “I learned a lot in Ukraine about defending the final 30 meters and adapting to different leagues.”
Humor time: Sniper quips to keep it light: Timing is everything in football; apparently Milan’s clock runs on a different time zone.
Patience is a virtue—especially in Italy, where the project sometimes needs a longer visa.
