GdS: ‘Conceicao changes Milan’ – alterations expected in search of first league win

In partnership with

SempreMilan

·14 de janeiro de 2025

GdS: ‘Conceicao changes Milan’ – alterations expected in search of first league win

Sergio Conceicao did not like what he saw from AC Milan during their 1-1 draw with Cagliari on Saturday, and he is preparing some changes.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write, the result on Saturday curbed the enthusiasm somewhat after the Supercoppa Italiana triumph. While Milan are not out of the race for the Champions League spots yet, they need some consistency to have a chance of catching up.

Vídeos OneFootball

Conceicao called the first half against Cagliari ‘the worst of my career as a coach’. An immediate reaction is expected in Como and, also in light of the many close matches, he seems determined to make some changes, with an eye on the Juventus game on Saturday.

Defence

Since Conceiçao arrived on the Milan bench, the centre-back pairing has been Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw. The two should also start in Como, demonstrating that the Portuguese coach’s choice is a precise one.

The one who pays the price is Matteo Gabbia, who under Paulo Fonseca had earned a starting spot after the benching at the beginning of the season. Emerson Royal, however, remains the first choice at right-back, with Calabria still behind in the hierarchies.

The younger Alex Jimenez for now is an attacking solution to be used mostly while the game is in progress, as seen by the fact that he came on at the end against Cagliari.

Midfield

With a yellow card Youssouf Fofana would miss the direct clash against Juve. Yet, Conceiçao does not seem willing to do without the Frenchman, even against Como, because he considers him fundamental in giving balance to the midfield.

Against Cagliari the former Monaco player was criticised for his role in the equalising goal, but after 25 games in a row as a starter it is natural that he could show some signs of tiredness. The insistence – first with Fonseca and then with Conceiçao – in not giving Fofana a rest shows the lack of a deputy.

Ismael Bennacer is seen more as an alternative to Yunus Musah in games where more ball management and less forward running is needed. Tijjani Reijnders, however, is untouchable, although the Dutchman’s performance is slightly down after Fonseca’s departure, which could also be fatigue.

Attack

Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao will keen their spot, but should operate either side of Tammy Abraham. Alvaro Morata got the opening goal against Cagliari and his work rate was high as always.

Despite the missed opportunities at the end against the Sardinians, Abraham marked the Portuguese’s first trophy as Milan coach with the goal against Inter in the Super Cup and is appreciated for his energy and continuous runs in behind.

Who knows, he might also be the man who scores the goal that gives the Portuguese coach his first win in Serie A, while also fighting to show that he should stay.