AC Milan has swiftly replaced Paulo Fonseca with fellow Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, announcing the appointment just hours after Fonseca’s dismissal on Monday. Conceição, 50, has signed a contract until June 2026, bringing extensive experience from his successful tenure with Porto, where he secured three league titles and four Portuguese Cups during a seven-year spell that ended in June.
Fonseca’s departure after just six months came as no surprise, following Milan’s inability to challenge for the Serie A title. Sunday’s 1-1 draw with AS Roma marked the team’s sixth stalemate of the season, leaving them seventh in the league, eight points adrift of a Champions League spot and 13 points behind city rivals Inter Milan.
Milan’s management expressed gratitude to Fonseca for his great professionalism, but his tenure was marred by internal strife. Fonseca reportedly clashed with senior players, including winger Rafael Leão and full-back Theo Hernandez. He benched Hernandez for a teenage academy player during a goalless draw against Genoa earlier this month, a move that further alienated fans already frustrated with the team’s inconsistent performances.
Conceição’s arrival has been met with cautious optimism. The former Lazio and Inter Milan player knows Serie A well, having spent six years in the league during his playing career. Known for his resilience, Conceição overcame personal tragedies early in life to become a highly regarded coach.
Off the pitch, tensions are running high at AC Milan. Fans have directed their ire at the club’s owners, US investment fund RedBird, accusing them of lacking ambition. A celebration of Milan’s 125th anniversary on 21 December was overshadowed by the absence of club legend Paolo Maldini and chants demanding the owners sell the club. Supporters also protested outside a private party held for the milestone, displaying banners criticising the team’s direction.
The seven-time European champions hope Conceição can stabilise the club and reignite their bid for success in Serie A and beyond.
