Milan Coach Skips Post-Match Press Conference Due to Personal Loss

Following AC Milan’s narrow 1-0 victory against Hellas Verona in Serie A, head coach Sergio Conceicao was notably absent from the customary post-match media obligations. In his place, club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic addressed the press.

Typically, Serie A coaches are contractually required to speak with television cameras and hold a press conference after matches. However, Conceicao did not participate in any interviews following the win at San Siro.

Ibrahimovic explained the coach’s absence, stating: “I’m here because the coach is in the locker room. He is deeply saddened by the death of FC Porto’s president, who was like a father figure to him.”

The news had broken earlier that Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, FC Porto’s legendary president of 42 years, had passed away at age 87. During his tenure from 1982 to 2024, the club won an impressive 68 trophies.

Conceicao had a strong connection to Porto, both as a player and coach. As a player, he won three league titles, a Portuguese Cup, and a Super Cup with the club. His managerial stint was even more successful, yielding three more league championships, four Portuguese Cups, one League Cup, and three Super Cups.

Pinto da Costa holds records for the most trophies won and longest tenure as president of a single club. His passing clearly had a profound impact on Conceicao, leading to his decision to forgo media duties and process the loss privately.