Sergio Conceição spoke to Sky Sport after the Milan - Cagliari match.
Here are his statements following the draw at San Siro:
Did you expect something more?
"Yes, it's true. I expected much more on all levels. I've been coaching for 13 years, and comparing the quality of this group to what we delivered, that was the weakest first half since I started coaching. We lacked rhythm, quality, and they were all sitting back in front of their goal. We needed to find reference points, depth, and we weren’t good or smart enough in that aspect. We missed some chances, and they wasted some time. Everyone talks about entertainment, Italy, these things. I don’t mind if the opponent wastes time, but the referee needs to add more stoppage time. The fatigue from the Supercoppa and the opponent's approach aren’t excuses; I say this because it’s what I feel."
What’s the problem? Conceicao replied:
"A bit of everything. A bit mental, a bit physical—we need to do a lot of work to improve. There were many phases of the match that I didn’t like at all. A draw feels like dropping two points. I’m angry because if we had done everything we prepared for, it would have been different. We need to improve and work."
Should the wingers have stayed wider to create more space?
"We lacked width, and even when we had it, we were too static—it felt like we were filming the match. Leão, against two or three players, needs support and different movements, from him and Pulisic on the other side. There’s a lot to work on, as you noticed. It’s one of the problems, but not the only one."
Are Milan’s forwards too generous and not selfish enough in front of goal? Conceicao said:
"The feeling is that they are altruistic, and that’s fine, I like players like that. But there are moments when they need to keep it simple. It feels like they always want to make the magical touch, but football is simple. In front of goal, you have to be selfish. Wingers need to take on their man one-on-one. Sometimes we complicate things, and I don’t like it. Football is simple."
Did the team need rules and discipline?
"That’s been my approach for many years. It’s not like I came here and had to enforce it out of necessity. For me, it’s simple: schedules, training, being engaged in the daily work. If I’m here midseason, it’s because something wasn’t right. We all need to take responsibility. If we’re rigorous and demanding off the pitch, we’ll be the same on it."
