Conceição’s Milan Journey Nears End

AC Milan have announced that manager Sérgio Conceição will leave the club at the end of the season. Loan player João Félix will also return to Chelsea.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese manager will step down once the 2024/25 season is over. It’s been a disappointing season for Milan, prompting the decision. Although Conceição‘s contract runs until 2026, the club has opted for a fresh start. The announcement comes shortly after Milan’s Coppa Italia exit to Bologna, where Conceição said little about his future at the club.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Conceição’s move was expected because of a challenging season. Since taking over from Paulo Fonseca in December, he has struggled to improve results. While Milan won the Supercoppa Italiana in January, his record stands at six wins, five defeats, and two draws from 13 Serie A games. Milan lost to Feyenoord in the Champions League playoffs, too.

Currently, Milan are ninth in the Serie A standings, four points from European spots with two games left. Their poor league position, coupled with early cup exit, prompted a reevaluation. The club is actively searching for a sporting director to pick Conceição’s replacement for the 2025/26 season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MILAN?

Milan face major changes, with both manager and João Félix leaving. The club needs new attackers, as Félix will return to Chelsea. With two league matches left against Fiorentina and Napoli, Milan must win both and rely on other results to secure European qualification.

CEO Giorgio Furlani’s team will name a new sporting director soon, who will choose the next manager. The new boss must rebuild Milan, returning them to Serie A’s top tier and European competition. After finishing ninth this season, missing out on Champions League football again will be a significant blow.