Conceicao's AC Milan is faster in Europe than in Italy: sixth among the 36 Champions League teams, close to securing a direct pass to the round of 16.
This would mean a return to the elite of the continent’s top 16 teams, after the 2022 semifinals and last year’s group stage exit. Conceição says: "The team played a great game, but it’s not over yet. We still have the game in Zagreb. We’re in a period of evolution, with some things going well and others less so. We have to keep working. The most important thing is the result: we could have scored more than one goal, although Girona also had their chances. In the second half, there was more fear of conceding an equalizer than of scoring a second goal; that’s normal at this stage.”
Notably, this is the first time the new Milan has scored in the first half: in the Supercoppa, they overturned Juventus and Inter in the second half.
Against Cagliari and Como, it was the same story, always responding after the opponents sounded the alarm.
Milan with the right spirit
This time, Conceição sheds his coat after Theo’s shocking miss in front of goal. Off goes the heavy jacket, and even a water bottle ends up out of his “bench” — the chilly sideline seat he uses as a chair. To warm up, he paces up and down the technical area, continuously urging his players to push forward. It’s no coincidence that a ball recovered by Bennacer leads to Leão’s first goal for Milan.
“I ask a lot from Rafa, even without the ball. He accepts it, works hard, and leads by example. He’s a forward when we’re in possession, but he must contribute during defensive phases. He’s making an effort to become more complete.”
Meanwhile, Conceição’s pre-match appeal for unity is largely heeded.
The Curva Sud Milano, in fact, voices some protest chants against the American ownership at the start of both halves and in the final minutes, but otherwise offers warm support to the team.
Before leaving the field, Conceição applauds the fans and later says, “I thank them very much.”
Has the other appeal, following the defeat to Juventus and the call to rediscover a winning spirit, been answered?
"The boys gave a lot in terms of spirit. But a team must think the same way during different phases of the game. We had great moments, conceding very little and playing fast and vertical football. However, other aspects need improvement: we must be more solid and compact. That will come with work and training. The players are embracing the different approach I want for this team. I try to take the pulse of the squad."
It’s not entirely Conceição’s Milan yet...or is it?
If football is a simple matter of two commandments (scoring and not conceding), the coach, who set clear rules upon his arrival, can be satisfied. It’s telling to see him give tactical instructions to his players even after the final whistle.
A physical center-forward might resolve some issues, but Conceição dodges the topic. “Gimenez? Come on... bye!” A smile that speaks louder than words.
In the meantime, even before the transfer market closes, Milan faces one last effort in six days at Dinamo Zagreb, ranked 26th. A misstep there would be unforgivable, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
