Paulo Fonseca has been fired by AC Milan, the coach confirmed in the early hours of Monday morning as he left the San Siro stadium following a 1-1 draw with Roma.
“Yes, it’s true. I’m out,” Fonseca told reporters when he lowered his car window. “That’s life … I did everything I could.”
The 51-year-old had earlier dismissed speculation over his future and said he’d held no discussions with the club’s senior advisor and former player Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Milan are expected to announce the move later on Monday and hire Sérgio Conceição, another Portuguese coach, as Fonseca’s replacement.
Milan next play against Juventus in the Italian Super Cup semifinals in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
Fonseca was hired in June and oversaw only 12 wins in 24 matches across all competitions.
Milan are eighth in Serie A, trailing leaders Atalanta and Napoli by 14 points — far worse than the second place finish earned under Stefano Pioli last season.
Milan have fared better in the Champions League lately following four straight wins, including a 3-1 win at Real Madrid. They are in 12th place and on course to qualify for the knockout playoff round.
Conceicao, who played in Serie A with Lazio, Parma and Inter Milan, coached Porto for six seasons before stepping down in June.