Sky: The four moves Conceicao deployed to stabilise Milan in season finale | OneFootball

AC Milan are heading into the last month of the season with something to play for, and Sergio Conceicao deserves some credit.

Granted, the 2024-25 season has been far from a complete success, with Milan ninth in the league table and with little prospect of moving up, while the Champions League journey ended at the hands of Feyenoord.

However, the Supercoppa Italiana was hoisted to the sky in Saudi Arabia back in January – the 50th major trophy in the club’s history – and there is the chance for a second bit of silverware in the Coppa Italia final.

Conceicao’s moves

At one point it seemed as if Conceicao – who was only hired back in December – might not even last until the end of the season, with the results so inconsistent. However, Sky have picked out four ways he steadied the ship.

Firstly, Milan are now a more protected team. The change in formation to a three-man defence has added solidity and compactness, stopping the bleeding that was happening game after game. The result? One goal conceded in the last four games.

Secondly, he has put more trust in lesser-used players. Fikayo Tomori and Alex Jimenez for example now occupy the right side of the defence at centre-back and wing-back respectively, while Strahinja Pavlovic and Matteo Gabbia are also in the new-look rearguard.

Third is the bold choice to change the centre-forward. Santiago Gimenez was the big winter investment but went two months without a goal and Tammy Abraham has been up and down, so the Portuguese put faith in Luka Jovic, who repaid it with four goals in five games.

Fourth and finally, a calm atmosphere was created around Milanello. This one is debatable given the rumours swirling about a change in coach and a new director arriving, but the recent run does seem to have boosted spirits within the camp.