Introduction: A Rollercoaster of 63 Days
Sergio Conceicao’s tenure at AC Milan, spanning just 63 days, has been a whirlwind of emotions and challenges. From the initial elation of winning the Supercoppa Italiana to the recent turmoil following a string of defeats and a disappointing Champions League exit, Conceicao has experienced a range of sentiments that few coaches endure in such a short time. La Gazzetta dello Sport captures the essence of this brief but intense period, describing it as a journey through joy, anger, desolation, and resignation. With the Scudetto out of reach and the club’s financial and emotional stakes high, these 63 days have undoubtedly been the most difficult of Conceicao’s sporting life.
Early Triumphs and High Hopes
Conceicao’s arrival on December 30th was met with optimism and a sense of renewal. Just six days into his tenure, he led Milan to victory in the Supercoppa Italiana, a title that seemed to foreshadow a promising future. The team showed resilience and spirit, with comebacks against Juventus and Inter demonstrating their fighting prowess. These early successes not only boosted morale but also solidified Conceicao’s belief in his methods and the potential of his squad. The victories in Como and over Roma and Empoli further fueled hopes that Milan could make a significant impact in both domestic and European competitions. However, the euphoria was short-lived, and the team’s fortunes soon took a turn for the worse.
A Rapid Decline in Form
The honeymoon phase was abruptly cut short with a draw against Cagliari at home. This was the first sign that Milan’s road ahead would be bumpy. Subsequent results—a dismal defeat to Juventus, a loss in Zagreb, and the recent eliminations from the Champions League and Coppa Italia—highlight the fragility of the team’s form. Conceicao’s strategy, while initially successful, began to show cracks. The lack of consistency, individual errors, and a lack of ruthlessness in key moments have been the recurring themes. Defeats have piled up, and the team’s confidence has been shaken. The dark mood that now envelops the club is a stark contrast to the early optimism, leaving fans and management alike questioning the direction of the team.
The Mind: Imposing a New Order
Conceicao’s impact on the squad has been significant, even if the results have not always reflected it. He brought a fresh approach, imposing new rules at Milanello, the club’s training ground. These rules included mandatory retreats before matches, team isolation at lunch, extended stays at the sports center, and training with shin guards to increase intensity. Conceicao’s methods were designed to foster a more focused and disciplined environment, and initially, they seemed to work. Players like Leao praised his energy and the change in team mentality. However, the psychological pressure and high expectations may have taken a toll, leading to individual and collective lapses that have tarnished the team’s performance. The altercation with Davide Calabria after the match with Parma remains a low point, underscoring the intensity of his leadership style.
The Field: Tactical Shifts and New Faces
On the pitch, Conceicao sought to change Milan’s playing style, moving away from the positionist approach favored by his predecessors, Paulo Fonseca and Stefano Pioli. He adopted a more aggressive and conservative strategy, focusing less on possession and more on pressing and counter-attacking. The winter transfer window brought several new faces to the team, including Santiago Gimenez, Joao Felix, and Kyle Walker. Conceicao was quick to integrate these players, often deploying them together in a formation that became known as the "Fab Four." Despite the initial hype, this quartet has struggled to find the back of the net, with only one goal by Gimenez against Feyenoord. The tactical shifts and new arrivals have yet to translate into the desired results, leaving the club in a precarious position.
The Future: Rebuilding Amid Uncertainty
With the Scudetto and Champions League now out of reach, the focus has shifted to salvaging some pride and ensuring a better performance in the remaining fixtures. The Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter Milan on April 2nd stands as the last significant target for the season. Conceicao has a whole week to prepare for this crucial match and is considering a new formation, likely a three-man defense, to breathe life into the team. However, the club’s open discussions about future changes, including interviews for a new sporting director and potential internal reorganization, have added a layer of uncertainty. Conceicao’s attempts to build team unity and morale are being hampered by these ongoing changes and the looming sense of instability.
Conclusion: A Turbulent Chapter
In just 63 days, Sergio Conceicao has experienced all the highs and lows of coaching at one of football’s most prestigious clubs. His efforts to instill a new mentality and tactical approach have been met with mixed success, and the club’s immediate future remains uncertain. While the past two months have been tumultuous, they serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the immense pressure that accompanies leadership at AC Milan. As Conceicao looks to rally the troops and prepare for the next challenge, the club and its supporters hope for a brighter future, even as they reflect on this turbulent chapter.
