Milan is still clinging to hopes of salvaging a turbulent season, and Santiago Gimenez might just be the spark they need. After a string of underwhelming performances and questions over his place in the team, the Mexican striker has shown recent signs of revival. Now, Milan coach Sergio Conceicao has revealed what he expects most from the 23-year-old forward, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal role in the Coppa Italia final.
Santiago Gimenez’s transition to life at San Siro hasn’t been smooth. Expectations were high when he arrived from Feyenoord, the club where he famously dismantled Bayern Munich on a Champions League night, but those early memories faded quickly as the Mexican endured a two-month goal drought. Critics questioned whether Milan had gambled too soon on an untested asset in Serie A.
However, recent weeks have flipped that narrative. Gimenez came off the bench against Genoa and turned the tide. With the Rossoneri trailing, his movement and spatial awareness were instrumental in breaking down the hosts’ high press. Just six minutes after entering the game, he set up Rafael Leao for the equalizer. Milan went on to win 2-1, keeping their faint European hopes alive.
The assist was not just an isolated contribution. It came after another positive cameo in the previous match, suggesting a player regaining confidence and adapting to Italian soccer’s unique demands.
What did Conceicao say?
Sergio Conceicao isn’t just seeing signs of progress—he’s betting on it. The Milan coach praised the striker’s mentality, professionalism, and discipline in training, especially his early morning routines.
“Even in the most difficult moments, he’s one of the first to arrive at Milanello,” Conceicao told the press. “He has the quality. It’s just a matter of time. Adapting to Italy is not easy for anyone.”
That key phrase—“just a matter of time”—reveals what Conceicao expects most from Gimenez: a full breakout. The club’s investment wasn’t for short-term results but for a striker who, if managed well, could anchor the attack for seasons to come. And the coach seems to believe that moment is fast approaching.
With the Serie A giant stuck in ninth place on 57 points after 35 games, six points off the final European spots, every match is now a final. The Coppa Italia clash against Bologna on May 14 is arguably their last shot at glory—and perhaps Gimenez’s best chance to silence doubters in one powerful moment.
