Current Scenario: The Fate of Sergio Conceicao
Despite three consecutive league defeats and the team’s exit from European competition, Sergio Conceicao remains AC Milan’s head coach. According to reports by Calciomercato.com, Milan’s management has confirmed their support for the Portuguese coach, and there are no immediate plans to sack him before the end of the current season. However, the club’s leadership is already planning a significant overhaul of the project for the 2025-26 season. This will include the appointment of a new sporting director who will have a significant say in the choice of the next head coach. The club’s top brass is determined to avoid another gamble like the failed Paulo Fonseca experiment and is looking for a coach with substantial international or Serie A experience.
Potential Candidates: The Front-Runners
One name that has consistently emerged as a strong contender is Roberto De Zerbi. After being linked with Milan last summer, the Brescia native is making waves at Marseille. De Zerbi’s ability to handle pressure and his flair for attractive football have caught the eye of Milan’s management. Moreover, his status as a declared Milanista could serve as a significant bridge between the team and the passionate Rossoneri fanbase. Another highly talked-about coach is Cesc Fabregas, who has been turning heads with his work at Como. The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder brings a winning mentality and an attacking style of play, making him a sought-after candidate. However, Milan faces stiff competition from Roma, Inter, and Napoli for his services.
High-Profile Options: Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri
Antonio Conte is another name that has been circulating, and while he has hinted at the possibility of a move, it would be a significant admission for Milan. The club’s leadership would have to accept that not hiring him last summer was a mistake. On the positive side, Conte’s track record of turning around underperforming teams, such as his recent success with Napoli, makes him an attractive option. Maurizio Sarri, currently a free agent, is another potential candidate. His familiarity with the Milan environment and his willingness to come aboard could be appealing. However, the relationship with a potential new sporting director, Igli Tare, who had a contentious final season at Lazio with Sarri, could pose a challenge.
Familiar Faces: Igor Tudor and Sergio Conceicao
For Igor Tudor, the relationship with Tare could work in his favor, as Tare personally selected him as a replacement for Sarri at Lazio. Tudor was among the candidates for the post-Fonseca era and could come back into contention for the position. His history with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a former teammate at Juventus, could also be a valuable asset. As for Sergio Conceicao, while a change seems inevitable, the season is far from over. In the remaining 11 league games and the Coppa Italia, Conceicao has the opportunity to regain the trust of both the team and the club. If he can secure a European place and win the cup, a change of heart could still occur. His contract, valid until June 2026, includes a break clause that Milan could activate, but a strong finish to the season could alter that decision.
The Importance of a New Sporting Director
The appointment of a new sporting director will be a crucial element in shaping Milan’s future. This person will not only have a say in the choice of the next head coach but will also play a pivotal role in the overall strategic direction of the club. Milan’s management is well aware that the right fit in this position could be the key to a successful transition. The new director will need to bring a fresh perspective, a deep understanding of the club’s needs, and the ability to work collaboratively with the existing management. Their input will be vital in selecting a coach who can align with the club’s long-term vision and ensure sustained success.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Milan
The coming months will be crucial for AC Milan as they navigate the remainder of the current season and plan for the future. While the decision on the next head coach is not yet final, the club’s leadership is committed to making a choice that will benefit the team in the long run. The potential candidates, each with their unique strengths and experiences, represent different paths forward. Whether it’s the aggressive and tactical approach of De Zerbi, the proven success of Conte, the strategic acumen of Sarri, the familiarity of Tudor, or the potential for a redemption arc with Conceicao, Milan is set to embark on a new chapter. The goal is clear: to restore the club to its former glory and ensure sustained success in both domestic and international competitions.
