Rumours emerged last week that Sinisa Mihajlovic plans to resign as Milan's manager at the end of the season, regardless of how the rest of the season pans out for the Rossoneri. Whilst the man himself has refuted these claims, the rumours have persisted and the press have linked a number of other Serie A managers with his job as of late. Despite stating otherwise, it's no secret that the manager has endured a fraught relationship with Silvio Berlusconi, who still feels that the team is underachieving and that the team's style of play is not befitting a club like Milan. In contrast to this, Milanisti are largely satisfied with the job the Serbian has done since taking the helm ,and would generally attribute the team's failings to a sub-par squad, as opposed to the manager. Either way, there could be a different man seated in the dugout at the San Siro next season. Here's how the candidates stack up.
Eusebio Di Francesco
Silvio Berlusconi is a big fan of the Neroverdi's tactician, having praised his team's performance after their 2-1 defeat to Milan back in October. In all honesty, Di Francesco presents very little to argue with. Di Francesco's side have developed a reputation for free-flowing, attacking football and an enviable work ethic that gives them a chance against just about any side on their day. His willingness to bring through young Italian players would be a big plus for Milan in a league where domestic players see fewer and fewer opportunities. Rumours also indicate that it may give Milan an edge should they pursue the signing of Sassuolo starlet Domenico Berardi. Whether Di Francesco's methods would transfer to a side of Milan's ambition, without significant investment, is questionable, however, and his lack of experience with working under pressure could see him struggle with the level of expectation imposed on anyone at the helm.
Antonio Conte
An outside shout at best, considering that he looks set to sign for Chelsea in the coming weeks. Nonetheless, with the Azzurri coach announcing his intent to abandon gli Azzurri after the conclusion of the Euros this summer, it remains a possibility, however unlikely. It would certainly be an excellent appointment though. The winning mentality and exciting style of play he brought to Juventus when he took over saw them win three consecutive league titles and turn their fortunes around entirely. His experience can't be faulted, despite the club's poor Champions League performance under his regime. He is undoubtedly a top-tier manager. Then again, his underwhelming stint at the helm of the Italian national team is slightly less encouraging. In any event, it remains highly unlikely that Milan would be able to sign him.
Roberto Donadoni
A man all Milanisti would love to see take over at Milan, thanks to his incredible career at the club as a player. The way that Milan fans hailed his return to the San Siro when Bologna played Milan in January reveals that he is still adored. The feeling is apparently mutual, as it's no secret that he himself would love to manage Milan. His managerial CV is an impressive one as well, despite never having managed a big club. He's shown plenty at Parma and at Bologna (whose fortunes completely turned around upon his arrival) to suggest that he has what it takes to succeed at the top level. Donadoni is an excellent tactician whose teams can play great football, but also play for a result when he needs them to. Donadoni has all the tools to succeed as Milan manager. The experiences of other former Milan players managing the club might be a little off-putting for Donadoni, but Clarence Seedorf and Pippo Inzaghi were managerial novices, whereas Donadoni's earned his stripes over the last decade and there's nothing to suggest that he can't succeed where they failed.
Cristian Brocchi
An long shot once again, given his lack of experience at senior level. Nonetheless, the Rossoneri's Primavera coach has impressed at the youth level and it is generally accepted that he is getting the best out of the academy's top youngsters. His team play an attractive style of football, but are tactically flexible as well. There's the possibility that he would look to fast-track some of the club's best youngsters to the first team, something fans have hoped to see for a long time now. Brocchi is also a former player, and someone who understands what it really means to be at Milan, which could be very important in building harmony. His lack of experience, however, will most likely rule him out. Some managers have gone straight from youth level football to senior level success in recent years, but the incredibly comfortable conditions and relatively easy work Pep Guardiola enjoyed at Barcelona doesn't even come close to the difficulty that a coach in the same position would experience at Milan.