'I simply pick whoever is in the best shape to start' - Sergio Conceicao on Mexico star Santiago Giménez’s diminishing role at AC Milan

Mexico international striker Santiago Giménez has seen his role at AC Milan diminish in recent weeks, a surprising shift considering the strong impression he made upon arriving in Italy - scoring three goals in his first five matches. His drop in playing time comes during a stretch where he's been dealing with an injury and facing stiff competition for a spot in the starting lineup.

Ahead of the crucial Coppa Italia semifinal second leg against Inter Milan, head coach Sérgio Conceição addressed Giménez’s situation.
"There’s no first, second, third, or fourth striker," he insisted. "As we've said many times, he 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."

Milan's attacking lineup has seen regular rotation. In the recent match against Atalanta, Giménez started on the bench, while Luka Jovic got the nod. The Serbian forward hasn’t had a consistent run either, largely due to the form of English striker Tammy Abraham, who has often been the preferred option.
"There’s no set hierarchy. That’s why whoever comes on becomes even more important," Conceição explained.

The last time Gimenez found the net in the league was back on Feb. 15 in a win over Verona, thanks to an assist from Rafa Leão. He scored again a few days later in the Champions League, against his former club Feyenoord on Feb. 18, but hasn’t scored since.

Statistically, Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders leads Milan in goals this season with 10, followed by American winger Christian Pulisic with nine. Giménez sits eighth on the list, with just two Serie A goals to his name, matching Jovic’s tally.

Milan's overall struggles have led to questions over Conceição's future at the club, which he addressed with the media.

"My future? Ever since I got here and won the Supercoppa, people have been talking about it. The players read the news, and that kind of talk doesn’t help create stability within the group," he said. "I haven’t even been shown proper respect - people are already discussing who’ll coach next season while I’m still here."

AC Milan will play away in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Inter Milan this Wednesday. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, with Gimenez coming on in the final stages of the match, entering in the 76th minute for Abraham - who scored the Rossoneri’s goal.