The Pressure Mounts
AC Milan’s recent Champions League exit has only amplified the scrutiny on Sergio Conceicao’s tenure as head coach. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the team’s performance in Serie A has been equally concerning, with the club currently sitting in seventh place, outside of even the Europa League spots. This precarious position underscores the urgency for a turnaround if Conceicao is to secure his future with the club.
The Major Objective
Participation in the Champions League is not just a desired goal; it is a necessity for AC Milan. The exposure and financial benefits are substantial, and the club’s owners have made it clear that this is a non-negotiable target. Conceicao’s fate hinges on the team’s final league position. To remain at the helm for the 2025-26 season, he has two primary options: either secure a top-four finish in Serie A or impress with a style of play and team spirit that resonates with the club’s vision.
Evaluating the Season
The progress in Serie A has been slightly positive, with Milan winning four out of seven matches, drawing two, and losing only one. The team has accumulated 14 points, matching the tally of Inter and Juventus, and trailing league leaders Napoli by just one point. However, the margin for error is thin, and any further setbacks could be critical. If there are no concrete signs of improvement, Conceicao could become the second Portuguese coach to be dismissed during the season, despite his contract running until 2026.
The Supercoppa Italiana: A Trophies but Not a Lifesaver
The Supercoppa Italiana won in Riyadh is a welcome addition to the club’s trophy case, but it is not enough to salvage Conceicao’s position. Similarly, success in the Coppa Italia will not be a decisive factor. The season’s evaluation will now focus solely on the team’s performance in Serie A and their ability to secure a return to the Champions League.
Recent Setbacks and Blame
Milan’s Champions League campaign was marred by a series of missteps. The loss to Dinamo Zagreb was particularly damaging, compounded by a red card for Yunus Musah in the first half. The subsequent two-legged playoff against Feyenoord saw another costly error, this time from goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The final blow came in the return leg at San Siro, where Theo Hernandez’s red card sealed the team’s fate. Conceicao is seen as responsible for these failures, but the club acknowledges that the blame is not solely his.
Back to Work and a Plea for Unity
Following the disappointing exit, Conceicao called the players back to Milanello for a training session. The atmosphere was tense, with Theo Hernandez offering his apologies in the dressing room. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, present alongside director Geoffrey Moncada, delivered a stern message. Ibra made it clear that the club is furious about the elimination and the resulting economic and reputational damage. He emphasized the need for unity, maturity, and a strong sense of belonging as the team looks to turn things around. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Conceicao and the direction of AC Milan.
