Sergio Conceição Keeps It Real on Santiago Giménez’s Role at AC Milan
Mexico star faces tough competition and injury setbacks as Milan boss stresses form over fame
When Santiago Giménez first touched down in Milan, expectations soared. The Mexico star, fresh off an impressive stint with Feyenoord, seemed poised to make his mark in Serie A with AC Milan. And for a moment, he did. Three goals in his first five matches had fans and pundits alike dreaming of a new attacking talisman in red and black.
But football is fickle. Just as quickly as Giménez announced himself, his prominence began to fade. And now, with AC Milan preparing for one of their biggest matches of the season — the second leg of a Coppa Italia semifinal against Inter — questions are swirling about the striker’s place in the pecking order.
Santiago Giménez’s Sudden Slide at AC Milan
Santiago Giménez’s Sudden Slide at AC Milan
It’s been a puzzling few weeks for Santiago Giménez. Since that early burst of form, goals have dried up and minutes have been scarce. His last league goal came back on February 15 against Verona. Just three days later, he bagged another against former club Feyenoord in the Champions League. But since then? Nothing.
A combination of a nagging injury and stiff competition in Milan’s forward line has seen his role gradually reduced. The recent league clash with Atalanta saw him relegated to the bench, while Luka Jovic led the line. Tammy Abraham, when fit, remains manager Sérgio Conceição’s preferred option — leaving Giménez fighting for scraps.
Still, Conceição is standing firm on one thing: no one is guaranteed a starting spot.
“There’s no first, second, third, or fourth striker,” said the AC Milan boss during a press conference ahead of the derby showdown. “Santi got off to a good start, but recently he’s been dealing with an injury. I simply pick whoever is in the best shape to start.”
Sergio Conceição Focused on Form, Not Reputation
AC Milan v Fiorentina – Serie A
It’s a philosophy that fits the no-nonsense style of Sérgio Conceição, a man known for instilling grit and intensity into his teams. The former Porto boss has never been one to coddle stars or indulge reputations — and Giménez, despite his talent, is finding that out firsthand.
“There’s no set hierarchy,” Conceição reiterated. “That’s why whoever comes on becomes even more important. Everyone needs to be ready.”
That readiness is crucial, especially in a team where rotation is the norm. Injuries, European commitments, and a packed domestic schedule have kept Milan’s lineup fluid — perhaps too fluid for players looking for rhythm and consistency.
For Giménez, that means making the most of every substitute appearance and training session. Against Inter in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal — a tense 1-1 draw — he came on in the 76th minute for Abraham, who had scored Milan’s only goal. The minutes were limited, but every touch, every run was under the microscope.
Goals Missing, Pressure Mounting
The harsh reality is this: Santiago Giménez has just two Serie A goals to his name since joining AC Milan. That’s a stat that doesn’t lie, and it’s part of why he’s dropped down the order.
Meanwhile, Milan’s top scorers this season don’t include any of their centre-forwards. Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders leads the way with 10 goals, closely followed by American winger Christian Pulisic, who’s enjoyed a strong first season in Italy with nine. Jovic has matched Giménez’s league tally with two, but the Serbian has offered more when it comes to pressing and hold-up play — traits that Conceição clearly values.
Giménez’s supporters will point to his early promise and his knack for finding space in the box. His critics, however, highlight a lack of impact in big games and limited contribution off the ball.
The debate continues, but one thing is clear: if he wants more than cameo roles, he needs to rediscover his scoring touch — and soon.
Conceição Feels the Heat Amid Uncertainty
The scrutiny isn’t limited to the players. With Milan faltering in the league and still without major silverware under Sérgio Conceição, the manager himself has found his position under the microscope.
“Ever since I got here and won the Supercoppa, people have been talking about my future,” Conceição admitted, his frustration evident. “The players read the news, and that kind of talk doesn’t help create stability within the group.”
He continued, clearly irked by the speculation:
“I haven’t even been shown proper respect — people are already discussing who’ll coach next season while I’m still here.”
It’s a familiar theme in modern football — the churn of rumours, the endless gossip, the pressure that mounts after every dropped point. For a coach like Conceição, known for his intensity and short temper, it’s another obstacle to navigate.
What’s Next for Santiago Giménez and AC Milan?
All eyes now turn to Wednesday night at San Siro, where Milan and Inter will battle for a place in the Coppa Italia final. With the tie finely poised at 1-1, every decision could be pivotal. Will Santiago Giménez feature? It’s hard to say.
If Abraham is fit, he’ll likely get the nod. If not, it may be Jovic’s chance. Giménez may once again find himself on the bench, waiting for a late opportunity to make an impact. But with every passing match, the window to stake a claim narrows.
For Milan, a trophy this season could change everything — for the coach, the players, and the narrative around their campaign. For Giménez, it could be the spark that reignites a promising journey gone slightly off course.
Whatever happens next, the message from Sergio Conceição is clear: form over reputation, effort over entitlement. And for Mexico’s rising star, the fight to prove himself in Italy is far from over.
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