At dinnertime, after the morning training session and lunch at Milanello, Conceição was in front of his computer studying videos of Lazio, Milan’s next opponent—nothing out of the ordinary for a coach, though for Sergio, it’s different.
These are decisive days and hours for his future. He himself has often stated that results make or break a coach’s tenure, and considering Milan’s recent form, an imminent departure seems plausible. “I will work day and night for fourth place,” he declared a few days ago, before suffering another defeat in Bologna. Yesterday, Conceição was working entirely on his own, without even technological support in producing the video analysis.
Sergio will have time to pick himself up against Lazio and go beyond, but reaching the Champions League—now eight points away—seems very difficult. And only securing a place in Europe’s elite competition could have been a near guarantee of his continued stay on the Milan bench. On the contrary, it now seems almost certain that Milan will initiate a new managerial cycle. As March begins, with spring approaching, it’s time to start evaluating profiles before making a definitive choice. This is especially true at a club where a large working group is involved, and where all ideas must converge into a single decision. Soon, a sporting director will also join the setup.
Cesc Fàbregas could be the name that brings everyone to an agreement. He has appeal, an incredible top-level playing experience, and now, the ambition to establish himself as a coach. Since November 2023, he has been on the Como bench, as relayed via Gazzetta dello Sport.
As a manager, he led the team to promotion to Serie A in the summer of 2024, a league Como hadn’t played in for twenty years. This season, having guided the team from the start, he sits in 13th place and last Sunday celebrated a victory over Napoli. He has a team that follows him instinctively and plays with a strong sense of belonging. His style of play is recognizable, entertaining, enjoyable, yet effective. A young coach who has attracted the attention of top clubs, and Milan is naturally among them. Not only that—Cesc would be the preferred choice, and moving early to secure him ahead of the competition would certainly be beneficial. Compared to other big clubs, Milan has one “advantage”: it is almost certain to make a coaching change at the end of the season.
Besides Fabregas, what are Milan's other options to replace Conceicao?
There are also alternative candidates. One is Maurizio Sarri, previously linked to Milan last summer and again after Fonseca’s dismissal. His last experience was with Lazio, which ended with his resignation in March 2024.
He is eager to return to the dugout, and although the Milan bench at San Siro has been an uncomfortable place lately, it still has the potential to deliver great afternoons and nights in the future. Sarri guarantees attractive football, something Milan fans deserve to enjoy once again.
The same philosophy applies to Roberto De Zerbi, another candidate who was linked with Milan a year ago. A product of Milan’s youth system as a player, his reputation has grown significantly as a coach. He has managed in Serie A, won with Shakhtar Donetsk before trying his hand in the Premier League with Brighton, and then accepted Marseille’s offer last summer. A return to Italy through the front door is an idea that certainly appeals to him.
