AC Milan has had a mixed season, finishing Serie A in eighth place. Now the club is looking to realign itself and has parted ways with coach Sergio Conceicao.
“AC Milan and Sergio Conceicao will not continue their journey together next season,” the Italian club said in a brief statement on its website. It added: “The club would like to thank Sergio and his staff for their commitment, professionalism, and dedication during their time as head coach of the first team in recent months.”
The 50-year-old took over as coach in Milan at the end of December and quickly celebrated his first title with the team. Just a few days after taking office, Conceicao won the Italian Supercoppa with AC in the final against Inter. The Rossoneri turned a 0-2 deficit into a 3-2 victory.
The beginning of a successful era? As we know since Thursday at the latest: no. After only a few months, the club has decided to release the Portuguese coach.
Only 8th place – cup final lost
In sporting terms, things have been anything but smooth sailing for Milan since winning the title in early January. AC Milan made it to the Champions League play-offs, but were knocked out by Feyenoord Rotterdam after losing 0-1 and 1-1 despite being favourites.
And in the league, too, the results were not what the club had hoped for. Milan finished only eighth, missing out on qualification for European competition. Another bitter disappointment was the loss in the cup final against FC Bologna, which would have meant participation in the Europa League.
Former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is being touted as his successor in the Italian media. The 57-year-old previously coached AC Milan between 2010 and 2014.
