‘Conceicao wants Milan’ – arm-wrestle with Porto begins after meeting

AC Milan were waiting for news from the meeting between the new Porto president Andre Villas-Boas and Sergio Conceicao, but what has emerged carries little certainty.

As today’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes, the newly elected president Villas-Boas arrived at the training ground at around 7:40 in the morning and the meeting with Conceiçao took place shortly thereafter.

In the images published by the club’s social media accounts they can be seen smiling together, while Andoni Zubizarreta and Pereira da Costa – the future sporting directors and CEO of the club – were also present.

Veiled signs

Officially, nothing else is known. From the corridors of the sports centre, where Villas-Boas and Conceiçao spoke with one leaning against a wall and the other standing on the other side, it filters through that a future together would be forced.

The president would like to choose one of his own men, not Conceiçao who had embraced the cause of Pinto Da Costa, his rival in the elections. However, he does not want to make his first big decision an unpopular one because Conceiçao is loved by Porto fans.

He has been in charge since 2017 and has won three league titles, three Portuguese Cups, three Portuguese Super Cups and one Portuguese League Cup. Likewise, it is difficult for him to want to take responsibility for a divorce because he loves the fans too.

Conceicao has the certainty of a contract valid until the summer of 2028, from which he also has the right to free himself without the club’s agreement. In conclusion, no one feels like taking the first step, perhaps not even Milan.

The Portuguese head coach is at present the first name on the list but not the only one, among known and still top secret candidates. Forcing your hand is not the club’s intention.

Mutual appreciation

Conceicao is wanted by the Milan fans who appreciate his character and tough ways. In the dull and spiritless Milan of recent weeks they would welcome a spirited coach.

The opinion of the fans is important, as was understood with Lopetegui, but Conceiçao is esteemed above all by the club. He has international experience, a winning mentality, ability to enhance young people and a modern playing style.

For all these reasons, Milan will continue to follow the evolution of the case for at least a few more days: the club is in no hurry to announce the name of the new coach, on the contrary they know they must get it right.

They will get to the end of the season with Pioli, who will say goodbye with great affection. Then, when there is complete agreement on the name of the new coach (Furlani, Moncada, Ibrahimovic and above all Cardinale), official communication will be given.