In the press conference ahead of the derby match against Inter in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, head coach Sergio Conceicao spoke about several topics, including how the team is approaching tomorrow's battle in this delicate situation.
Here's what the former Porto and Nantes boss said:
"The derby is always an important match, for the context, for everyone. The moments are different. Some players are different on the field, and we’ll see to have a good match. Inter is a very strong team, with solid work, but we want to enter the match strong and achieve what we want, which is to win."
How are Rafael Leao and Malick Thiaw? Can a night like this elevate Leao?
“The group is doing well. Ruben was also operated on, and he’s fine. He will return today. Everyone is available. We still have tomorrow to work; today we did differentiated work for those who played more in Naples. We will do it again tomorrow, without any intensity. Everyone is available, so it’s up to me to choose. Of course, after the match, I’m better at understanding what I should or shouldn’t have done. Tomorrow, we’ll present a strong starting eleven, and I think the players who are on the bench have already given a fantastic response.”
Is this derby a last chance for Europe?
“We are aware that we have a match to play, and not in all these situations. We have to enter the match strong and win. It’s clear that it’s the shortest path to get to Europe. However, there are still matches to play and win in the league.”
Have you spoken with Santiago Gimenez these days?
“An adaptation period is absolutely normal. Gimenez arrives, scores 4 or 5 goals, then has a drop. But it happens to all players because the Italian league is one of the best in the world. The greatest help I can give him is that when I arrived in Italy, they called me a ‘failure,’ then I scored in the Supercoppa final against Juventus, and they called me a ‘mini failure.’ Sometimes it’s better to leave him in his space and earn that trust that he has.”
Which is more paradoxical: the 20-point gap from Inter or the fact that Inter has never beaten Milan this season?
“They are all different matches. The league has gone as you know. Inter is doing well, and Milan also won the league a few years ago. I think one thing is that the derby, these great challenges, are always different. It’s a year when, in terms of the league, it’s true that Milan is not used to this position. The most important thing is to focus on tomorrow’s match.”
On Joao Felix:
“The same thing I said about Santi. It’s not easy. But this thing between players is normal, I like those who talk because communication is very important. Personality, communication.”
How satisfying would winning the Coppa Italia be for you regarding your journey at Milan? Conceicao replied:
“I don’t know. Certainly satisfied because I would win another trophy. But first, we need to win the semifinals, then the final. I don’t like to live like this, I like to live with intensity day by day and try to improve the team professionally, correct some flaws I have as a coach. My thought every day is to work at my best and improve the team and myself. Now thinking about how I’ll feel in two months, a month and a half, I don’t know. Right now, I’m not the happiest for what I’ve experienced in these three months. The team has a great relationship, and it was also seen in the second half against Napoli. We need to improve certain things you’ve mentioned, but it’s not easy for anyone. Also, because my name is Sergio, not Sergini.”
Why have you not yet managed to find balance in this Milan? Conceicao answered:
“Balance is the responsibility of the whole team, not just the defense line. I’m a coach who likes to have the team compact. But having the team tight when we’re not ‘heavy’ up front to press, and we don’t have collective behavior with what we think, it’s harder, and we’re more vulnerable.”
Are you a coach for leagues or cups?
“Coaches either win or they don’t win. Of course, there’s also the weight of the title, but these distinctions don’t exist, for sure.”
What have you not seen in Rafael Leao in these months?
“It’s not that I got to know Rafa in the Supercoppa. I know many players; it’s not just from the Supercoppa that I know him, because I already knew him from Portugal. Then there’s all the development he needs to have. If he plays intermittently, and then comes on and makes a difference, he should have started. I am also puzzled by people who talk about football the way they do. I have to say it. I continue with the same opinion about Rafa: in terms of quality, he’s one of the best in the world. But then he needs to be consistent and finish the season with 25 goals and many assists. If he finds this continuity, he’ll be one of the best in the world. He needs to find this continuity. Don’t ask me why he doesn’t play or why he does. These are choices we make because we see things every day, and that’s how it is, and we know things like physical management, how he arrived, and how he didn’t arrive. I decide, I’m paid for this.”
On the less happy moments at Milan, Conceicao commented:
“I have nothing to do with these wars. I talk about being a coach. I’m focused on winning titles. I’ve won some, 13, so that’s it. I’m in this situation, in ninth place, when in Portugal, with teams fighting not to be relegated, I was higher up. I’m a coach who fights to win every match and achieve important goals, not for ninth place.”
Can this match in such a disappointing season make a difference?
“We can look at the glass as half full or half empty. If we talk about it, look at how many years it’s been since Milan won, how many years it’s been since they won two titles. Of course, in terms of the standings, it’s critical; right now, it’s not Milan’s standard. Tomorrow’s match is important because it allows us to get closer to a final, to a title.”
