Christian Pulisic’s coach Sergio Conceicao addresses lack of respect amid AC Milan exit rumors

Christian Pulisic continues to enjoy a strong personal season, but AC Milan have fallen well short of expectations in 2024–25. Head coach Sergio Conceicao, brought in midseason to steady the ship, has faced growing speculation about his future—and now he’s speaking out against what he views as a lack of respect.

After Paulo Fonseca was dismissed just 24 games into the season, Conceicao stepped in and won the Supercoppa Italiana early in his tenure. But Milan’s struggles in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League have persisted under the Portuguese boss.

Currently sitting ninth in the league, Milan’s best hope of salvaging the campaign lies in the Coppa Italia, where they face Inter in the second leg of the semifinals on Wednesday. Asked whether his job depends on the outcome, Conceicao didn’t hold back.

“Here, I won the Coppa Italia and the very next game they were already talking about other coaches. It’s not easy for me. I think these people have no respect—they talk about next season as if Milan didn’t already have a coach. If you’re asking me, that’s how I feel,” he said following Milan’s 1–0 loss to Atalanta.

Conceicao also challenged critics by pointing to Milan’s lack of recent silverware: “I don’t know how many years it’s been since Milan last won two titles.” For the record, the club hasn’t achieved that feat since 2007–08, when they claimed the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Is Conceicao on his way out?

Milan are now nine points outside the Champions League spots with just five matches left to play, making qualification an uphill battle. The team has lacked consistency and a defined identity under Conceicao, and his tenure appears to be nearing its end.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Milan have already made the decision to part ways with Sergio Conceicao at the end of the season. Even a Coppa Italia triumph is unlikely to change the club’s stance, with Romano reporting that “no changes are expected” regarding the coach’s future.