Conceição misses 'respect' in Italy: 'Winning two trophies would be anything but normal'

AC Milan’s 0-1 home defeat to Atalanta Bergamo on Sunday evening has intensified the pressure surrounding manager Sérgio Conceição, casting further doubt on both his short-term future at the club and the Rossoneri’s hopes of ending a turbulent season on a positive note.

The loss, marked by a lack of creativity in attack and defensive lapses, leaves Milan stuck in ninth place in Serie A a position far below the club's ambitions and its rich historical standards.

For a club that prides itself on European glory and domestic dominance, Milan's current league standing represents not just a sporting failure but also a reflection of deeper structural instability. Conceição, who was appointed in December following a high-profile move from FC Porto, arrived in Milan with a strong reputation as a winner, having led Porto to multiple league titles and consistent European appearances. However, his tenure in Italy has been anything but smooth, and tensions between the coach, the media, and the club's environment appear to be reaching a boiling point.

Milan's last remaining shot at silverware and perhaps salvation comes in the form of the Coppa Italia. The Rossoneri are set to face arch-rivals Internazionale in the return leg of the semi-final on Wednesday, April 23, at 21:00. The first leg ended in a draw, leaving the tie finely poised. But even that fixture is now shrouded in uncertainty following widespread reports of the death of Pope Francis, which has already led to the cancellation of Monday’s Serie A matches out of respect. The Italian football authorities have yet to confirm whether the Milan Derby will proceed as scheduled.

Speaking after the match against Atalanta, Sérgio Conceição faced the media with visible frustration, acknowledging the growing speculation around his position. Asked how much the Coppa Italia result could determine his future, the Portuguese manager did not hold back. "When I first arrived here, even after we won the Supercoppa and my first Serie A match against Cagliari, the talk wasn’t about our progress it was about which other coaches could come to Milan," he told DAZN. "From day one, there’s been speculation and distractions."

Conceição said he has felt disrespected since arriving in Italy, especially by parts of the media and public discourse surrounding his performance. “I’ve been in football for forty years. I know how the system works, I’m not naïve. But the people I work with at the club see these stories too they see the constant speculation. That doesn’t help build the kind of stability and focus we need to succeed,” he said. “What’s been most shocking to me is the lack of respect shown toward someone managing a club like Milan. The way people talk about me as if I’ve never been in a dressing room before, as if I just arrived in this world it’s truly disappointing.”

Despite the ongoing pressure, the former Porto boss insists that his sole focus is on the next game a make-or-break moment against Inter. “I’m not thinking about my future. That’s not my concern right now. My focus is fully on the Coppa Italia semi-final,” he said. “We want to reach the final. We want to win it. I don’t know how long it’s been since Milan last won two trophies in a single season, but achieving that would be something extraordinary something that should be celebrated, not questioned.”

It’s true that Conceição’s Milan side already has one trophy to its name this season the Supercoppa Italiana but expectations at a club of this magnitude go far beyond a single piece of silverware. Many fans and pundits believe Milan’s style of play under Conceição has lacked clarity and identity, while the results particularly in the league have not been enough to silence his critics.

Still, some argue that the circumstances of his arrival and the timing mid-season, during a transition period have not given him the foundation to implement his ideas fully. With several injuries to key players, inconsistent form from some of Milan’s stars, and a squad that lacks the depth of its title-contending rivals, Conceição’s challenge has been immense.

Tijjani Reijnders, one of the few bright spots this season, played the full 90 minutes against Atalanta, but even his energy and versatility couldn’t unlock a resolute visiting defense. With Rafael Leão out of form and Olivier Giroud struggling to make an impact in front of goal, Milan’s attacking threat has been muted in recent weeks. Supporters are growing restless, and the club’s leadership is reportedly already exploring alternative options for next season should the Coppa Italia campaign end in disappointment.

Wednesday’s showdown with Inter if it goes ahead could therefore define the trajectory not just of Milan’s season, but Conceição’s Italian adventure. A victory and a path to the final might buy him time and support. A defeat, especially to their bitter rivals, could all but seal his exit.

As Milan waits, so too does the rest of Italian football watching closely to see whether Sérgio Conceição can turn a season of frustration into one of redemption, or whether his time at San Siro will be remembered as a brief and troubled chapter in the club’s storied history.