Former AS Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini believes that AC Milan could target ex-Giallorossi coach Luis Enrique this summer if they choose to dismiss Stefano Pioli, although it is expected that they would face competition from Tottenham Hotspur.
Milan have struggled in their efforts to retain the Serie A title won under Pioli last season, languishing in fourth place and trailing league leaders Napoli by a monumental 23 points with 11 games left of the season.
The Rossoneri are woefully out of form and have failed to win any of their last four matches, whilst they have recorded just five victories from the 16 games played since the turn of the year.
Sabatini expects Massara move
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sabatini suggested that Milan director Ricky Massara would turn to Enrique due to his appreciation of his work at Roma, Celta Vigo, Barcelona, and the Spanish national team.
“Assuming that the replacement of Pioli is an issue, we cannot rule out that he will do it (approach Enrique). On the contrary: the way he knows him, he cannot fail to have a thought about him,” Sabatini declared.
Sabatini worked with Enrique at Roma in 2011-12, and remained at the Giallorossi until moving to Inter in 2017, whilst he was replaced in the Italian capital by Massara, who had served as his understudy. The two directors had also previously operated together at Palermo.
Tottenham looking for Conte replacement
Whilst Milan may be keen to bring Enrique back to Serie A, they may face a considerable threat from Premier League club Tottenham.
With Antonio Conte out of contract this summer and set to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after a breakdown in his relationship with the North Londoners, Spurs are already sounding out replacements and are reported to be keen on Enrique.
The 52-year-old is currently a free agent after resigning from the Spanish national team following their Round of 16 exit at the hands of Morocco in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
