Sergio Conceicao Appointed AC Milan Manager After Paulo Fonseca’s Dismissal
AC Milan have announced the appointment of Sergio Conceicao as their new manager, replacing Paulo Fonseca, who was sacked after a disappointing six-month stint. Conceicao, a seasoned Portuguese coach, has signed a deal that runs until June 30, 2026.
Fonseca’s Short Tenure Ends in Disappointment
Fonseca, who took charge in June, struggled to meet expectations, leaving Milan eighth in Serie A. The club’s inconsistent performances saw them win only two of their last seven league matches, including a 1-1 home draw against struggling AS Roma on Sunday. Milan currently sit eight points off the top four with a game in hand and trail league leaders Atalanta by 14 points.
In a statement, Milan said:
“AC Milan announces that Paulo Fonseca has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the men’s first team.”
Fonseca’s time at Milan included a mixed bag of results, with a promising four-game Champions League winning streak—highlighted by a victory over Real Madrid—contrasted by poor domestic form. Milan’s league record under Fonseca this season stands at seven wins from 17 matches.
Conceicao’s Proven Track Record
Sergio Conceicao, 50, arrives with an impressive managerial résumé. The former winger, who played for clubs such as Porto, Lazio, and Inter Milan, is regarded as Porto’s most successful coach. During his seven-year tenure at the Portuguese giants, he guided them to an impressive haul of trophies:
- 3 Portuguese Championships
- 4 Portuguese Cups
- 1 League Cup
- 3 Portuguese Super Cups
Despite signing a four-year contract extension with Porto earlier this year, Conceicao left the club in June. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to rebuild teams, he now faces the challenge of rejuvenating Milan’s season.
Conceicao’s managerial journey began as an assistant at Standard Liege in 2010, followed by head coach roles at Olhanense, Academica, Braga, and Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal, as well as Nantes in France’s Ligue 1.
Milan’s Expectations Under Conceicao
Milan, a club with 19 Serie A titles, last won the league in 2022 under Stefano Pioli. Conceicao inherits a squad eager to return to Italy’s top four and secure European competition. The club will be looking to Conceicao to instill discipline and consistency to challenge for trophies.
What’s Next for Milan?
With the second half of the Serie A season underway, Conceicao’s immediate task will be to stabilize the team and close the gap to the Champions League qualification spots. Milan fans and management will hope Conceicao can replicate his success at Porto and guide the club back to domestic and European glory.
The second half of the season promises to be pivotal as Conceicao aims to turn Milan’s fortunes around.
