GdS: Fabregas the favourite as Milan begin pursuit of Conceicao replacement | OneFootball

AC Milan have already begun their pursuit of a replacement for Sergio Conceicao and according to a report, Cesc Fabregas is the favourite as things stand. There are also a couple of Italian names on the Rossoneri’s list.

As reported by today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), these are decisive days for Sergio Conceicao and his future with Milan. The top-four dream is already out of reach, at least according to some, and a tough game against Lazio awaits tomorrow.

Only with qualifying for the big competition will the Portuguese international stand a chance of staying at the club, so it’s pretty obvious in which direction the Rossoneri are heading. At least this time, as opposed to Stefano Pioli’s exit, there is plenty of time to evaluate profiles.

Furthermore, with a sporting director needed as well, it’s clear that having more time to make the final decision will benefit Milan greatly. Conceicao’s departure hasn’t been confirmed, it should be noted, but the fact that the top four is so unrealistic now has paradoxically helped the Rossoneri in a way.

Fabregas is the favourite

Cesc Fabregas, with all of his experience at the highest level of the game, could get everyone in line. Since November 2023, he has been in charge of Como and led the team to promotion to Serie A in the summer of 2024.

This season, at the helm of the team since the beginning, he’s in 13th place and celebrated the win against Napoli last Sunday. He has a recognisable and enjoyable game, pleasant but also effective. A young coach who has attracted the attention of the big clubs, and Milan are obviously among them.

Indeed, as the pink newspaper continues, he’s the favourite to replace Conceicao and again, the fact that the managerial switch is more or less decided will allow them to move ahead of the competition.

The alternatives

Of course, there are a few more names on Milan’s list. Maurizio Sarri is one of them, having already been linked with the club last summer and then after Fonseca’s sacking. He had his last experience at Lazio, which ended with his resignation in March 2024. He’s desperate to return to the bench and views the Rossoneri project with optimism.

Roberto De Zerbi is another candidate who was linked with Milan already a year ago. He has coached in Serie A, won with Shakhtar Donetsk before trying the Premier League experience with Brighton. Now at Marseille, returning to Italy to the club he loves is an idea that pleases…