Moment of Truth [Newsletter]

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Feb 26, 2025

As eight points separate Milan in 7th (!) and Juventus in 4th, one could argue that the Champions League train has left the station already. Most of us just want the season to come to an end at this point, given just how frustrating it has been to follow the Rossoneri, but we should at least stay tuned in for this week as well. Indeed, we have arrived at the moment of truth.

A lot has been said since Sergio Conceicao’s arrival, both by the management and the head coach himself. If we had to boil down the desired effects to two things, it would be a change in mentality and displaying consistent growth, of which we have seen neither so far. It’s impossible to say whether this will come before the end of the season, but now is the time to start on such a path (if ever).

Tomorrow’s clash against Bologna, after all the twists and turns, will be the last mid-week clash for quite some time. In fact, Conceicao won’t have a single one in March and an international break is also scheduled for then. The manager is thus hoping that he can get through to the players more easily, having had just 15 ‘proper’ training sessions with them as of Sunday, according to MilanNews.

In addition to the Rossoblu, Milan will be up against Lazio at San Siro on Sunday evening, so yet another top-four rival. That’s why we felt the title of the newsletter, moment of truth, was quite fitting to describe the current situation and while that’s exciting in a way, it also means that the season could get even worse. Because without six points in these games, or at least four, the UCL race would truly be over.

Like we said at the start, as weird as it sounds given we are all fans of the club, some might see such a scenario as a relief. The season has been a massive failure regardless and it’s the constant hope of potentially bouncing back that has hurt us the most, so finally being able to say “it’s over” would be a weight off our shoulders. Of course, then you have to deal with the aftermath, which is essentially a lack of money.

That is also the most difficult part, so perhaps having an answer on the UCL race sooner rather than later would be good for the club. Just to be clear, by no means are we rooting for Milan to fall short in the games against Bologna and Lazio, but it’s still interesting to discuss the effects of this season from a fan perspective. That is also something the management should think about.

Indeed, after the lack of money (which is not a given), how to restore the enthusiasm is certainly the second biggest and only guaranteed problem for next season. The ‘family feel’ which led to the Scudetto is long gone now and not a single person in the management is likeable as far as the fans are concerned. Bringing in a sporting director, as we have said so many times, would be a first step…

News Bulletin

➤ It had been talked about for some time, but it is all change at Milan Futuro. A 3-2 defeat to Pescara including another late red card and collapse was the final straw, with Daniele Bonera getting the sack. Massimo Oddo has been hired to replace him, and it will be his fourth different spell at the club.

➤ Milan Primavera side were unable to get back to winning ways against Cagliari on Wednesday, drawing 1-1, but it was a positive result given they had 10 men for more than a third of the game. Then, they beat Atalanta 2-1 on Monday night, with Lorenzo Ossola and Max Ibrahimovic netting.

➤ The damaging results of the past few days have prompted Sergio Conceicao's future to come under the microscope again. Maurizio Sarri has been mentioned as a potential replacement for the Portuguese, but rather surprisingly so has Antonio Conte as he could leave Napoli.

➤ Milan need to seriously accelerate their points-per-game pace if they are to get a top four spot. What will happen if they miss out on the Champions League? Well, some big changes within the club, and a potential loss of earnings of over €50m which may lead to a reduced summer budget.

➤ Transfer rumour round-up: Milan may sell Maignan and his replacement could come from Lille, a River Plate star remains under observation, the club met with the agents of Theo’s possible heir and Edon Zhegrova remains a target after announcing he wants to move.

➤ Our longer reads over the past week include a look into all of the changes that could come this summer including the sale of stars and changes within the management, plus a Devil's Advocate column on Milan's psychological shortcomings and the club's questionable media strategy