Mister Sergio Conceição spoke to DAZN at the end of Venezia-Milan 0-2. These are the words of the Portuguese coach:
Today a Milan that started well, then dropped off but the team wanted to bring home the victory. The team had the desire:
"Correct analysis. It was not easy after the derby to have the concentration that we have lacked in these months. Competitive concentration is fundamental. It is not easy to come here, it is a team that presses a lot, that has its qualities, that plays in a direct way, that has fast players up front. Even with the post-derby match environment, to have this desire to take the three points. Then playing here is particular, there’s the boat, only the palm trees are missing (smiles, editor’s note). It was fundamental to win today to give solidity to the victory in the semifinal of the Cup. It was very important for us."
How much desire does the team have to also win the second title of the season? Youssouf Fofana said that it is the only team that can win two Italian titles, almost suggesting that it is more important than a top 4 placement… Conceicao commented:
"I honestly don't totally agree with Fofana, we are at Milan and it is not more important than finishing in the top 4. Here the objectives are clear, then there are years that don't go well like this one. Then there is still something to win and at Milan we live a bit off these titles. It is important to give different images compared to those we have shown in these months. We are finding the balance we always talked about and it is fundamental on a technical level. Even Di Francesco said that we are very strong offensively, so at the defensive level we had to improve something. I am not a fan of this module and this system, but I have to adapt also to the Italian league and to the team and the characteristics of the players I have in front of me."
How is Santiago Gimenez after the goal? Tijjani Reijnders’ pass was almost a caress from the group for the Mexican
"He is aware of not being at his best. He told me immediately after the match ended that the game hadn't gone well but that the goal was important. That is important: to put the positive things forward, not to go into the negative. He has to look at what he has to do, how he can work for the team with and without the ball. Then the goals surely come because he is good and the group knows his qualities. We have confidence in him and in all the others."
Are the hierarchies in defence defined?
"We prepare the match and I think about the players who can give me the possibility to win games from the start. Then I always talk about the importance of the bench and the group; they are really excellent from this point of view. Sometimes even too much, they are too funny."
Does Sergio Conceição want to stay at Milan?
"Conceição is not important at this moment, Milan is important. I work many hours a day with my staff. Then it can also happen to lose games as happened in past months, in some really bad matches where my players and I don't recognize ourselves. So we are working hard. In about a month I too will say what I want. It can happen that I also have other thoughts, like going on vacation to the Algarve in Portugal for ten years, I don't know (smiles)."
