Sergio Conceicao knows that his fate is sealed, but he wants to end his time at AC Milan in the best possible way, with a second trophy.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report, the derby has been the great paradox of Milan’s season. Against the team first in the league and a semi-finalist in the Champions League, the Rossoneri have not lost in four occasions.
Paulo Fonseca started the streak in September in the first league game, winning 2-1 and interrupting the series of six consecutive Nerazzurri victories. Then in three matches Conceiçao obtained a win in the Supercoppa Italiana final, and then consecutive 1-1 draws in the league and Coppa Italia.
Next Wednesday is the last derby, which is worth a final. For Conceiçao, it represents the final chance to give his Milan experience at least a semblance of positivity, with the goal of achieving a place in the next Champions League now almost impossible to achieve.
Trophies
The Portuguese coach reminded us on the eve of the first leg of the derby that Milan have not won two trophies in a single season since 2007-08. Even then, the Rossoneri failed to qualify for the Champions League.
The opportunity is doubled if we narrow the discussion to Conceiçao: the coach would lift two cups in less than six months. Would that be enough to earn him a stay beyond the end of the season?
As mentioned, the feeling is that his adventure in Milan is coming to an end no matter what, but never say never. Beyond everything, there are many ways to say goodbye, and doing it with a trophy would have a completely different flavour.
Tactics
Before the derby, Milan will host Atalanta in the league at Easter. It is likely that the coach will continue on the path he took versus Udinese: a three-man defence and more freedom for Theo Hernandez on the wing and for Leao in the front three.
An important detail is that Gian Piero Gasperini’s team – like Udinese and Inter too – play with three at the back. In short, Easter will be the second test to try out the new formation also in view of the return leg of the Coppa semi-final.
Although some doubts are legitimate: Milan have played all the seasonal derbies with a four-man defence and tactically withstood the impact of Inter. Will Conceiçao change anyway? First of all, the Portuguese will want more positive responses against Atalanta.
In Udine, his team probably played their best match since his arrival, but the opponent had very different motivations than those of the Bergamo-based club, who still have to secure a place in next year’s Champions League.
Key men
In view of Inter, more than Atalanta, Conceiçao hopes to fully recover Mike Maignan between the posts and Kyle Walker in defence.
The Englishman, who underwent surgery on his right elbow last week, has been eyeing the derby for his return to the field for days.
For the rest, the line-up named will only vary based on the choice of system. With a three-man defence, a spot is assured for Strahinja Pavlovic.
The media really really doesnt like him lmao
if he wins Copa and finishes atleast 6th he should stay, why on earth would you gamble with more manager change?
Remember how Pioli started
How did Ancelotti start when he arrived in Milan? He had 1.6 points per game. Conceição did make some mistakes, but he does not deserve this kind of treatment from journalists.
Let him stay and correct his mistake,if he end up at 4 or 5 in d table and won d coppa Italian cup.
Agree
Because his effect on the team isn’t palpable. He keeps trying to get this team to do what they can’t and because it took him THIS long just to get to a 343. And I don’t think any of the players like getting yelled at constantly.
Agree 💯, ACM. His stubborn reliance on a 4-2-3-1 for MONTHS was his downfall. Theo’s lack of interest in playing defense probably accounted in part for 25-30% of goals Milan surrendered. The 3 man back line is a more stable foundation to build on. Milan should get through the first half of each game with a clean sheet. The early goals absolutely killed their season.
This team is built to counterattack and the new manager should study Inter’s Chempions League games for inspiration.
yeah? And it will take the next manager 1 week to get Milan playing and we are winning the title guarenteed?
No thanks
you are right!
It will be so unfair giving this guy the door just like that, he has gotten some trophies, give him some time i really like him, pls, he should start next season…
Well, I feel sorry for Conceicao. I think he is a good and capable coach, deserve more time in Milan.
But news always said that next season it will be Allegri who in charge. Bad decision if its true.
Tare as SD, I agree. But Allegri…BIG NO for me.
If Conceicao can bring home Coppa trophy, and finish in Europa League, so much better give him one season more chance.
What if he qualifies Milan for Champions League next season will he stay?
With conceicao we get our nine rank. We should extend his stay, he is cheap coach anyway.
i feel he should be given a bit of a chance to prove himself, he was employed during half the season and that is a difficult period to manage new players and get to know them. Sacking him might be detrimental for the club since he just started using the players well.Getting anothher coach at this point in time might be damaging to the club. Just give him some time before making a decision.
If he can qualify for Europa and won coppa Italian trophy,Give him next season to clear all his mistaken,we cant judge him by half season though,