Lopetegui’s Milan hopes ended by Ibrahimovic phone call – the details

AC Milan seemed likely to appoint Julen Lopetegui as the heir to Stefano Pioli when the 58-year-old departed the club. However, following an outcry of rejection to the Spaniard, the Rossoneri are now exploring other avenues.

Throughout the past fortnight, Milan’s search for a new head coach reached a stage of near completion, with several reports suggesting that Julen Lopetegui would be joining the club as manager. Nevertheless, we stand here with the managerial wheel still turning, albeit near its final cycle.

The reasoning? An outcry from the Rossonero sent a clear message to the management that Lopetegui was not the man, at least in their eyes, to move the club forward, and this was reinforced by the Curva Sud’s statement and protest.

Lopetegui was reportedly shocked at the reaction from the supporter base and equally as shocked about the power that the fans have over the management, where he went from the favourite to nothing in days.

The message was portrayed via phone call, Gazzetta dello Sport (via Radio Rossonera) reports, made by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was originally a large favourite of the Spaniard, but following fan reaction, opted for other avenues and left Lopetegui open to new adventures.