Sergio Conceicao Issues Scathing Criticism Of AC Milan’s Board: ‘I Didn’t Like’
The 51-year-old was sacked after just six months at the San Siro.
Former AC Milan boss Sergio Conceicao has hit back at the lack of support he received from the club’s board.
Sergio Conceicao’s Mixed AC Milan Stint
Conceicao was hired to replace the sacked Paulo Fonseca in December 2024 and achieved immediate success, winning the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia just a week after taking the job.
However, the 51-year-old was dismissed himself just six months into his 18-month deal. Milan lost the Coppa Italia final against Bologna and their form nosedived, resulting in them finishing eighth in Serie A.
Having missed out entirely on European football, the hierarchy pulled the trigger and appointed Max Allegri.
In total, Conceicao took charge of 31 matches during his brief spell at Milan, winning 16 of them.
Sergio Conceicao Reflects On Time At AC Milan
He has now reflected on his time at the San Siro in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, and delivered a withering riposte to the club’s failure to back him despite turmoil on and off the pitch.
“Positive. From 2016 to today, only two coaches have won trophies with AC Milan: [Stefano] Pioli, with the Scudetto, and myself,” he said. “If we add up the points from our time, we’ve had a Europa League place, fifth.
“The results were there: I’m thinking of the two derby wins and the victory against Roma. It’s disappointing about the Coppa Italia final, but there were some things I didn’t like.”
Conceicao then added: “There was instability at club level, the atmosphere around the team wasn’t good.
“That’s why I hold on to what we did. Furthermore, the management didn’t support me. I’ll give you an example: after winning the Supercoppa, we played against Cagliari.
“At that time, there were already rumours that the club was pursuing other coaches. I was focused on working and winning, with the weight of results. I didn’t have time to work at all levels.”
He did, however, admit he would have happily stayed, provided there were ‘some changes’.
Where Is Sergio Conceicao Now?
Conceicao is now in charge of Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, replacing Laurent Blanc in the dugout in October.
His start in Jeddah has been mixed, having picked up five wins in his first 10 games across all competitions.
But he is aiming to win more trophies after issuing a bullish statement during his official unveiling.
“Victory is not a choice; it is an identity that defines us,” he said on Ittihad’s media channel.
“Rivals may change, and their allies will fall, but the champion remains. The champion owns the game. I am Sergio Conceicao. I came to build glory with Ittihad.”
Conceicao was linked with Al-Nassr before agreeing to join Al-Ittihad instead.
Dan Davis
Dan is an experienced sports journalist and part-time lecturer. An expert on Serie A and Italian football, he has produced content for the likes of the Daily Mail, Reach PLC, GiveMeSport, FourFourTwo and GRV Media. While Channel 4's iconic Football Italia was a bit before his time, the nostalgia - and pastries - fuelled his love of all things Calcio.
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