‘The best is yet to come’ – Porto insider lifts lid on Conceicao’s tactics, man management and more

Sergio Conceicao could hardly have had a better start to life as AC Milan coach, becoming the quickest ever manager to win a trophy after two games in charge.

As if that wasn’t enough, Conceicao’s first two games were a semi-final against Juventus and a final against Inter. His Milan side trailed in both – by one goal in the first and two goals in the second – and engineered a comeback to win late on.

A lot has already been written after the Supercoppa Italiana triumph about how Conceicao has already changed multiple things at Milan, while he has arguably become an instant fan favourite due to his dancing, cigar smoking and the fact he literally sustained physical injuries while celebrating.

The important thing is that it is not just lightning in a bottle, and the game against Cagliari on Saturday will tell us more about the motivation of the players and how they fare against a side almost certain to try a low block.

In the meantime, we spoke to Rui Dos Santos who runs the Porto in English podcast which, as you might expect, covers Conceicao’s former club FC Porto. The Portuguese coach won 11 trophies in seven seasons there, so is fondly remembered.

How would you sum up Sergio Conceicao’s time as Porto head coach overall?

“I think it was a success. When he took over, Benfica had won the league four years in a row and Porto were under FFP pressure from UEFA. It seemed like a ‘banter era’ was destined for us but he really made the most out of the situation and brought Porto three league titles and 11 total trophies in seven years. I don’t think anyone else could’ve achieved that.”

What are some of the highs and the best memories from his tenure?

“There’s a lot to choose from but my favorite memory during his tenure would be clinching the 2021-22 league title with a stoppage time goal vs Benfica in their stadium.”

What can we expect from Conceicao tactically?

“I think Milan are going to see a lot of 4-3-3 and at times 4-2-3-1 but it will change throughout the match depending on the score and who their opponent is.

“At Porto they were defensively organised with a high line, compact, and relied heavily on pressing the opposition to force turnovers and transition forward as quickly as possible. I think at Milan the defence will also be high and the press will be as intense to force turnovers and counter-attack.

“On the ball, I expect a lot of possession to be distributed by Milan’s deep lying midfielders and at times the centre-backs, they will be looking out for full-backs, wingers and strikers who will be rotating positions off the ball.

“Off ball movements along with precise passing will be crucial to break down defences. As seen in the last goal vs. Inter in the Supercoppa, Calabria’s run to the right wing with Pulisic in possession created an opening for Leao to make the run into the box and set up Tammy Abraham for the winner.”

From a character standpoint, is the media tag here in Italy of him being the ‘Portuguese Conte’ accurate?

“It’s really accurate. Sergio isn’t on the same level as Conte when it comes to tactics but they both share the same passion and intensity for the game. Sergio, like Conte, is not shy in letting the media, opposition, or his own players know what is on his mind. Don’t be surprised if you see rivalries get even more heated while he’s manager.”

Which players developed most under him at Porto and can be considered his biggest success stories?

“Vitinha, Luis Diaz, & Taremi. There are more players that you can add to this list but I chose these three because their stories prior and during their time at Porto are so unique.

“For the most part they became much bigger than I originally expected and all three of them were a joy to watch in the last championship season (2021-22). It was the best team we had since the 2010-11 team that won the League, Portuguese Cup and Europa League.”

What was your reaction and the general feeling when he left?

“It didn’t surprise me & most Portistas had a feeling it was going to be his last season. As much as I loved Sergio and what he has done for the club, it was time for him to prove himself elsewhere and for Porto to start fresh with a new manager with the new administration.”

And what was your reaction to seeing Conceicao would become the new Milan head coach?

“I was really happy. As a Milanista as well, I think he is exactly what Milan needs right now and he should have been the guy Milan went for in the summer. I believe he would’ve made a difference from tactics and strategy to motivating and man managing the squad & players.”

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He knows Serie A well from his time as a player, do you think he could be a success in Italy?

“I do. Speaking the language, having the experience in the league as a player and understanding the football culture in the country is so essential for a foreign coach to have when coaching a big club in Italy. He’s proven himself with Porto domestically & in Europe, I think the best is yet to come from him at Milan.”

Which Milan players will benefit most from his arrival?

“I’m curious to see how his coaching will impact Alvaro Morata and Abraham. Each of the seasons where he won the league with Porto he was able to get the best out of his strikers that were out of form or just waiting to break out and I think that’s what Milan needs.”

If you had to take a blind guess right now, how long do you see him staying at Milan? Will he come back to Porto one day?

“I say he will be at Milan for four or five years and will win at least a couple of Scudetti. I doubt he will return to Porto. I can’t remember a top manager in Portugal that left that returned to coach there again.”