“The Environment Wasn’t Right”: Sergio Conceição Opens Up on His Short, Turbulent AC Milan Spell
Former AC Milan head coach Sergio Conceição has spoken openly for the first time about his brief and challenging tenure at the San Siro, admitting that internal instability played a major role in the club’s disappointing 2024–25 season. Now managing in Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese coach reflected on his six-month spell with the Rossoneri, describing it as intense but ultimately undermined by off-field issues.
Conceição was appointed on December 30, 2024, following the dismissal of Paulo Fonseca, and made an immediate impact by guiding Milan to Supercoppa Italiana glory. Victories over Inter Milan and Juventus, with Christian Pulisic playing a decisive role, briefly reignited optimism among supporters. However, that momentum failed to carry over into domestic competitions.
Milan finished ninth in Serie A, missing out on European qualification, and also suffered defeat in the Coppa Italia final. Despite these setbacks, Conceição insisted his time at the club was not without positives. “The environment around the team wasn’t good,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport, pointing to ownership instability and a lack of backing from the club’s hierarchy.
The former Porto boss also revealed that speculation about potential replacements began almost immediately after the Supercoppa triumph, limiting his ability to build long-term stability. “I was focused on results and didn’t have time to work on everything,” Conceição admitted, offering a revealing glimpse into a turbulent chapter in Milan’s recent history.
