Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Christian Pulisic loved a exceptional first half of the 2024-25 season below a supervisor whose tactical acumen allowed him to thrive in Milan’s assault. From August to December 2024, the American winger showcased a number of the finest type of his profession, racking up eight objectives and 6 assists throughout all competitions. In Serie A alone, he was immediately concerned in ten objectives, with 5 objectives and 5 assists in 14 appearances. His performances prolonged to the UEFA Champions League, the place he netted three objectives and supplied an help in 5 video games.
With 1,437 minutes performed, Pulisic had change into an integral a part of Milan’s attacking setup. His resurgence, below the steering of his new coach, gave the Rossoneri followers hope that the crew may push for a return to the elite. Nonetheless, because the calendar 12 months ended, the membership made a surprising determination—opting to half methods with their coach simply months into his tenure.
On December 30, 2024, Milan formally dismissed Paulo Fonseca, bringing an finish to his temporary and turbulent spell in cost. His exit got here simply someday after a 2-2 draw towards Roma, which proved to be his ultimate match on the helm. To make issues worse, the 52-year-old’s ultimate match was emblematic of his struggles.
Fonseca was despatched off after launching right into a livid protest when Tijjani Reijnders went down within the field simply earlier than halftime. The referee dismissed his penalty enchantment, and VAR confirmed no foul had been dedicated. Enraged, the Portuguese lashed out on the officers, leading to a purple card. It was an indication of issues to come back.
Recent begin in France, however outdated habits resurface
Regardless of his struggles at Milan, Fonseca rapidly discovered one other alternative. On January 31, French facet Lyon appointed him as their new head coach in hopes of reviving their fortunes. Initially, issues seemed to be turning round, with three wins and two defeats in his first 5 video games.
Nonetheless, his mood as soon as once more landed him in deep trouble. On March 2, throughout Lyon’s 2-1 victory over Brest, Fonseca erupted in anger after the referee denied a possible penalty towards his facet. Because the match official, Benoit Millot, approached the VAR monitor, Fonseca stormed onto the pitch and confronted him. When Millot brandished a purple card, Fonseca reacted by urgent his brow towards the referee’s—an motion interpreted as an tried headbutt. “I felt frightened,” Millot later instructed L’Equipe.
Fonseca issued a swift apology after the incident, admitting, “It was the fallacious factor to do,” however by then, the harm had been finished. Studies urged that he may face a seven-month ban, however the disciplinary physique of Ligue 1 selected an excellent harsher punishment.
Vu la jurisprudence “Pablo Longoria”, Paulo Fonseca va prendre 30 matchs de suspension.
Large suspension: Profession in jeopardy?
On March 5, the LFP’s disciplinary fee handed Fonseca a large nine-month suspension, ruling him out till November 30, 2025. This implies he won’t be allowed to sit down on the bench for any official matches throughout this era. Moreover, he’s prohibited from getting into the locker room earlier than and after matches till September 15, 2025.
The decision is among the most extreme managerial bans in current reminiscence. Fonseca’s previous disciplinary points, together with his outbursts in Serie A, contributed to the size of the suspension. His aggressive confrontation with Millot was deemed unacceptable, resulting in a punishment that might have long-term ramifications for his teaching profession.
