Strict rules [Newsletter]

and

Jan 02, 2025

After a rather tough 2024, with disappointments across the board, AC Milan fans are hoping for a different tune in 2025. The optimism has certainly increased with the appointment of Sergio Conceicao, a name many wanted already in the summer, and now it’s up to the squad to show that a turnaround is possible. Starting with the Supercoppa Italiana, of course.

The decision to let Paulo Fonseca go was far from surprising, especially given the favourable exit clause in his contract, but it was handled embarrassingly. Throughout his tenure at the club, the manager didn’t get the desired consistency but never hid in front of the media either, for once speaking up about issues that everyone could see - previously perhaps seen as taboo.

Sending him out for the press conference after Milan-Roma, knowing that he would be sacked minutes later, was thus a huge mistake by the management. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already apologised publicly, but the question is how they didn’t see the backlash coming. Not to mention that they had over a week to sack the manager, seeing as Conceicao had been in the works for several days at least.

Oliver had a brilliant rant on the matter in the latest podcast episode, from 38:25 onwards, and I highly recommend giving it a listen. In any case, Conceicao is here now and Milan are hoping that 2025 can be a much more positive year. Fonseca’s compatriot certainly has a mountain to climb, but the task could get slightly easier with a positive outcome in the Supercoppa Italiana in the next few days.

With it being a four-team tournament these days, Milan will first face Juventus in the semi-final on Friday evening and then Inter or Atalanta in the final, should they prevail against the Bianconeri. The latter is easier said than done as Thiago Motta’s men are yet to be beaten by an Italian side this season, with a whopping eleven draws in the league. Given the history of this fixture, one can see it going to penalties.

The latest from the training ground is that Conceicao has had several meetings with the team to improve the discipline. ‘Strict rules’ have been put in place, whatever that means, and the manager has also had individual talks to speed up the acclimatisation. And rather than being dejected, the players have responded positively which has made for an encouraging start.

Speaking of positive updates, Christian Pulisic returned to training yesterday and will start against Juventus. It seems that Conceicao will opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Ismael Bennacer, Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders all starting in midfield, while the rest will be what you would expect. Hopefully, he will get off on the right foot with some strong performances in the next few days.

News Bulletin

➤ It was first reported that Conceicao would sign a six-month deal with Milan, but the official statement then confirmed the deadline is June 2026. However, there is a ‘break clause’ which means the Rossoneri can terminate the agreement in June 2025 if they wish to. The manager and his staff will earn €1.5m net for the first six months, then €3.5m net for 2025-26.

➤ Conceicao outlined a simple but effective approach during his first press conference, as ‘there is a goal where you score and another where you don’t’. In short, it all comes down to the results and living up to playing for ‘one of the best teams in the world’. He also sent a message to the fans as it will be ‘difficult’ for the Rossoneri without their full support.

➤ Ibrahimovic admitted during Conceicao’s presentation that Milan ‘made a mistake‘ by sending Fonseca out for the press conference after the Roma game. He apologised to the manager and the fans, who rightfully questioned the actions of the management, but made it clear that the decision was due to the lack of positive results in the first half of the 2024-25 season.

➤ The appointment of Conceicao has seemingly changed Milan’s thoughts on the transfer window slightly, with new targets emerging and previously expected exits being put on hold. Fikayo Tomori could benefit from the change, while the likes of Rafa Silva (CB, Benfica), Daniel Bragança (CM, Sporting) and Francisco Trincao (RW, Sporting) are potential new targets on the incoming front.

➤ It’s expected to be a busy January for Milan Futuro on the incoming front as the relegation threat is still very much real. A report has claimed that Milan will make ‘at least 3-4 signings’ for the team, as requested by the manager Daniele Bonera, and the hope is that this will keep the ambitious project going. After all, relegation would be devastating.

➤ For those of you who are interested in finding out more about Conceicao’s style, Rohit has done a brilliant tactical breakdown of the manager on the main website. Another feature of ours also looked at the most striking quotes from Fonseca during his tenure at Milan, from calling out the players to denying exit rumours just minutes before he was sacked.