Serie A

Fabregas emerges as Milan’s top choice to replace Conceiçao

March 1, 2025

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Fabregas emerges as Milan’s top choice to replace Conceiçao

epa11791481 Como’s head coach Cesc Fabregas gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Inter and Como at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 23 December 2024. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI

With Sergio Conceiçao’s job under growing threat after two consecutive Serie A defeats, Milan are exploring potential alternatives for next season, and Como head coach Cesc Fabregas is reportedly emerging as their favourite option.

The Rossoneri’s back-to-back losses against Torino and Bologna have left them eighth in the standings, eight points adrift of the final Champions League spot—Milan’s minimum target for Conceiçao to keep his job.

BOLOGNA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 27: Sergio Conceicao, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Bologna and AC Milan at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on February 27, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) — BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 27: Sergio Conceicao, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Bologna and AC Milan at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 27, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

As a result, the Diavolo don’t want to be caught unprepared and have started assessing candidates to replace the Portuguese coach, who is likely to leave at the end of the season.

Fabregas leads Milan’s managerial shortlist for the 2025-26 season

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan currently view Cesc Fàbregas as the leading candidate to replace Conceiçao next season, with their interest stemming from his impressive managerial debut with Como.

After guiding them to Serie A last season, the former Arsenal midfielder has impressed in his first top-flight campaign as a coach, implementing a dynamic, possession-based approach with the Lariani and earning praise for his tactical acumen and leadership qualities.

COMO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 07: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on before the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 07, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) — COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks on before the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 07, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

His philosophy aligns with Milan’s vision of progressive football, making him an appealing choice for the club’s management, who believe it is crucial to act early to secure a manager attracting interest from several European clubs.

While Fabregas is considered the frontrunner, other candidates have also been linked to the potential vacancy.

Maurizio Sarri and Roberto De Zerbi, also on Atalanta’s radar, are reportedly among the alternatives being evaluated by the Rossoneri’s management. Sarri’s experience in Serie A and De Zerbi’s innovative tactics present viable options, but Fabregas’s recent success and fresh perspective appear to have placed him ahead in the selection process.