In the press conference after the match against Bologna which ended in the victory for the hosts. Sergio Conceicao discussed his team's defeat and said the following:
"I think it was a very competitive match. Bologna is a Champions League-level team. We had a good first half, we scored, and we had chances. Then there are these incidents: some are our fault, like in Turin and against Feyenoord, others come from referee or VAR mistakes if the referee doesn’t see them. I really don’t understand, even the second goal... I saw it: the ball was out. There’s a lack of composure, a lack of calmness in the environment regarding these incidents. In the last few games, the situations we’ve faced have been incredible: for the opposing team, they count as goals; for us, they don’t. It’s not that I’m complaining or making excuses. We should have done more in the second half, but these incidents have a big impact on the team."
How are you feeling?
"At the end, I saw a locker room that was sad and frustrated with this result. They really wanted to get a result, and I had felt a positive energy. I give my all. Every day, there’s talk about me, whether I’ll stay or not. If the club decides to let me go, I’ll pack my bags and leave. I am not respected; I am heavily criticized. I see interviews with other coaches on matchday—these are things I wouldn’t do. I have 13 titles, I’ve always performed well against Italian teams, except against Inter. It’s not like I just showed up here out of nowhere. My staff and I need some respect. I’m here today, and I don’t know until when, but Milan will continue. Still, I need respect. When I come back from Milanello, my family calls me to ask what’s happening. We can talk about football, but when other things are brought up with malice, I don’t like it."
Do you feel frustrated? Conceicao commented:
"Very much. I’m angry about the situation. But all coaches who work hard and don’t win feel the same way. Day, night... Tomorrow we prepare for Lazio—this is the life of a coach. This cloud has formed over Milan, and the only way out is through results; I don’t know any other way. It’s up to us to be stronger than these incidents. The fans don’t care whether I’m frustrated or not, whether I work 10 hours a day or not—they care about winning. As long as I have the strength to continue, I will. If the club thinks I can’t do it anymore, that’s fine by me."
