Conceicao’s Bold Take on Milan’s Coaching Search: “There’s a New Contender Every Day!”

The 2025 Coimbra Football Congress saw Sergio Conceição take the stage to discuss his aspirations and future—particularly with AC Milan. After wrapping up a lengthy tenure at Porto, the Portuguese coach has set his sights on making a mark in Serie A, aiming to lead the Rossoneri back to the Champions League. It’s a formidable task, especially with the club grappling with underwhelming results in the current season’s second half, alongside the sting of an early playoff exit at the hands of Feyenoord in Europe. Not to mention, there’s the looming Coppa Italia semi-final clash with their bitter rivals, Inter.

Conceição remarked, “My dream is to lift the Champions League trophy.” Speaking at the congress, he elaborated on his choice to join Milan: “I wanted to step into one of the finest leagues globally. Winning the Champions League is my ultimate goal, which is why I picked this club. I was fully aware of the challenges ahead, entering a situation where the squad wasn’t my choice, time for training is limited, and the expectation to win is relentless. Yet, this is a historic club that offers me the chance to edge closer to one of my career ambitions, after achieving so much in Portugal.”

In contrast to his predecessor Fonseca, Conceição has sought to implement a more vertical style of play, moving away from a possession-dominated approach. “Everyone loves to build from the back these days. I do too, but you need the right players for that. At Porto, I had an outstanding goalkeeper who allowed us to play that way, and I’ve got one here at Milan as well. We’ve had a hectic schedule—nine matches in 30 days—leaving little time to instill my style into the team.”

The year 2025 has been a rollercoaster, with Milan’s league position in jeopardy of denying them European football next season. Conceição knows time isn’t on his side: “After winning the Supercoppa against Inter, we dropped points against Cagliari due to an individual error, as can happen. Since then, every day there are new coaches being linked with the club,” he noted. “A coach must understand more than just football. There was a time I had to financially support my family, helping out a cousin at the market. I was shy, but those experiences shaped who I am today. Live life with passion and cherish every episode.”