AC Milan's boss, Sergio Conceicao, speaks to the media in a press conference ahead of the match against Napoli tomorrow at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. Here's what he had to say:
How did you work with the players who stayed at Milanello?
"The ideal situation would have been to work with the entire group, but that wasn’t possible. The players who stayed did different work compared to other weeks."
First challenge against Antonio Conte. What kind of match do you expect? Why is it important to win in Naples?
"I faced Antonio as a player, we played against each other many times. True, as a coach, it’s the first time. It’s a difficult and important match for the goals we have—we must not hide our objectives. That’s why tomorrow’s result is important. We have worked to win, knowing the qualities of our opponent."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back. Have you felt his presence? Conceicao commented:
"He can’t play tomorrow, he’s out (laughs). We are in contact with the management every day. We have worked in a healthy, good environment with a lot of hunger. I have to talk about what concerns the players and nothing else," as relayed via Milannews.it.
On Tammy Abraham: Is it likely that he will start from the first minute?
"We have worked with everyone—on the team's principles, on different moments of the game. We have also stimulated talent and the players' quality."
What kind of match do you expect?
"A high-quality Napoli, in the image and likeness of its coach. With intensity, clarity, and a striker who is very effective in link-up play, plus Raspadori who moves inside, and McTominay as well. Lobotka is the maestro of the midfield. We know everything by heart; we have prepared based on these principles and their qualities, but while also focusing on our own strengths. We are ready for a good game—I enjoy facing the best, and Napoli is one of the best teams in Italy."
How much does the challenge against Antonio Conte motivate you?
"I don't need reassurances. I'm here to do the best possible job. Antonio and I share the same passion for this profession. Beyond our love for football, we both live life intensely. Each of us has his own characteristics—I am different from him."
Do you see yourself as the Portuguese Antonio Conte? Conceicao replied:
"No."
Do you believe in a comeback?
"If I didn't, I wouldn't be here. The environment is good, healthy."
Has Zlatan Ibrahimovic given you confidence? Have you talked about the future?
"I don't need confidence. Let me say one thing: I have to work. I don’t have this weakness of needing someone to reassure me. I don't need it—I depend on results. I'm not a child who needs his father to tell him he loves him. I know I have two objectives: the Coppa Italia and fourth place. Plus the Supercoppa, which we won. Of course, there is disappointment in the Champions League."
Did you prepare for the match also with Inter in mind?
"I think, based on my experience, that if we prepare for two matches at once, it doesn't work well. So we focused on Napoli, then we'll think about the Coppa Italia. There are players who played two matches with their national teams, but we have a staff that works very well."
On Kyle Walker, Conceicao said:
"He's part of the group, and he has integrated very well. He has a lot of experience, both on and off the pitch. So far, he has done everything that has been asked of him. He's a fantastic professional, and I hope he continues like this until the end."
On Ruben Loftus-Cheek:
"He can cover more than one position. An important player, with important numbers, as we saw last year. Ruben can play as an attacking midfielder, he can play box-to-box—it depends on the game strategy and his condition. Right now, he's available."
Which Napoli player would you take away?
"All Napoli players have quality, and Conte is doing well, with good players having a solid season. I don’t like focusing on individuals. In every department, they have good players."
Fikayo Tomori is playing little. Do Malick Thiaw and Matteo Gabbia give you more guarantees?
"It depends on cycles, on form. I have four central defenders in whom I have great confidence."
