In tonight's press conference, Sergio Conceicao, the AC Milan head coach, spoke about the Champions League fixture which will be played tomorrow at 9:00 PM CET away from home.
Here's what he had to say:
"Today we spent 40 minutes on the pitch with the entire group. For me, it’s not ideal, but we know that. With what we study, we try to play a positive match and win."
It’s been a turbulent few days. Did that episode give a jolt?
"We don’t need things that are not interesting to give us a jolt. The jolt comes from work, from the motivation of playing in the best club competition in the world. We want to conclude this phase in the best possible way. We find motivation every day when we go to Milanello. We have the responsibility to defend a club like Milan. That’s the most important thing."
Does Alvaro Morata need a rest? Conceicao replied:
"I understand the question. But I think match by match, I don’t plan two games ahead. That doesn’t work. I didn’t start yesterday; when we do that, the results aren’t good. We must focus on tomorrow, which will be important and difficult to achieve the second objective. The first was winning the Supercup, and we did that well. The second objective is to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. We are focused on this match; we’ll think about the derby on Thursday already on the plane returning home."
Can this team win the Champions League?
"There are many matches left; the goal is to reach the top four. In the previous question, I said it: we can’t think about the derby, let alone the Champions League. Looking too far ahead, we don’t see the steps in front of us and risk tripping."
From Riyadh to Zagreb, your first month at Milan. In what ways has the team improved, and what would you like to see improve further?
"There are many moments in the game where I’d like to see the team improve: at times we do well, other times not so much. When we have the ball, I’m talking about the quality of play, spatial occupation, and the defensive transitions we need to have... Coaches always strive for perfection, and we’re working on all these details. It’s not an excuse, but there’s no time. I like to coach players on the field, to see the spaces, to identify the corrections to make. But I also see positive things, as well as areas where we haven’t improved or only slightly. The players believe in it, though it’s always better to play a calm match than to have to make a comeback. It’s important to recognize this spirit and add other elements to win more comfortably."
Conceicao, can Milan be reborn, as Lazza’s song suggests?
"I don’t need songs. We’re working to reach the end of the season having achieved our objectives. To be reborn implies there’s a negative situation; we need to focus on our work. Each day that passes, we get to know each other better. These things get people talking, but I’m Portuguese, I have a different culture, yet the language of football is universal: there’s the two-hour daily training, and then there’s normal life, which must be handled with professionalism. This is not a call for attention to anyone, and the world doesn’t end because of a concert. I’ve spoken to the players—I have my rules, and the club has its own as well. It doesn’t matter for tomorrow. The most important thing for tomorrow is thinking about Dinamo and what we can do to win."
On the group:
"I see a group that is very good on a human level. They are good men. They understand my thoughts on football and our sporting life. Since they know how we function as a group, they are very respectful, just as I am. A coach must understand the group he has in front of him, and they are a great group. I arrived and changed quite a few things, and they accepted them. It might not seem like we’ve changed our style of play, but there are several things we want to adjust. I’m happy with this group.
From Porto to Milan, the European DNA is present in both...
"They are two great clubs. I think Porto is among the top teams with the most appearances, and Milan is the second club in terms of trophies won. History doesn't play on the field, but DNA is still important. The atmosphere created in this competition is wonderful. There's also the other side: the motivation they have when facing historic clubs."
Conceicao concluded:
"Tomorrow, we face a team that still hopes to reach the playoffs, and it will be very difficult. Milan and Porto have both been world champions, and this weight is positive in one way and also positive for the opponents."
