Paulo Fonseca axed by AC Milan after 1-1 draw with Roma
- Paulo Fonseca was dismissed as head coach of AC Milan after disappointing performances this season.
- Sergio Conceicao has been appointed as the new head coach following Fonseca's exit.
- The club aims for improved results and success in both Serie A and the Champions League with a new coaching direction.
In Italy, AC Milan announced the firing of coach Paulo Fonseca on December 30, 2024, after a series of unimpressive results. Fonseca, who had been appointed in June, experienced a promising start with five unbeaten matches but struggled to maintain success, finishing with a record of 15 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses across all competitions. This performance placed the team in eighth in Serie A and hindered its progress in the Champions League, where they managed a disturbing 4-2-0 record. Following Fonseca’s departure, AC Milan appointed Sergio Conceicao, a seasoned coach formerly of Porto, as his replacement. Conceicao brings a wealth of experience, having held various coaching roles within Portuguese football. His previous success at Porto included securing a Portuguese Cup victory shortly before his resignation. Milan hopes that Conceicao can rejuvenate the squad and steer them towards improved performances in both Serie A and the Champions League. The decision to terminate Fonseca's contract came after a disappointing draw against Roma, which saw the team falling further behind the league leaders. Fans and analysts have expressed concern over the lack of progress under Fonseca's leadership compared to previous seasons, particularly in contrast to the second place finish achieved under previous coach Stefano Pioli. With Milan's upcoming match against Juventus in the Italian Super Cup semifinals, the club is looking for a quick turnaround in fortunes under their new coach. The club issued a statement extending their gratitude to Fonseca for his professionalism while simultaneously offering a warm welcome to Conceicao and his staff. As the new year approaches, AC Milan's leadership hopes to not only stabilize their league position but aim for success in the knockout rounds of the Champions League as well.