Sergio Conceicao addressed reports stemming from a former spokesman who claimed the Milan coach was unhappy at the club. Conceicao dismissed these claims as being made “out of spite.”
He acknowledged that key players like Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, and Mike Maignan have experienced “ups and downs” in their performance.
Milan has suffered three consecutive defeats and is preparing for a crucial Serie A game against Lecce. The team is currently sitting outside of European qualification spots, a significant 11 points adrift of the top four.
Confusion arose when media reports, attributed to Conceicao’s spokesman, suggested the coach was dissatisfied with the team and club management. However, Conceicao clarified in a pre-match press conference that the individual was a former staff member.
“I am sorry about this situation. I don’t understand the motive; I can’t comprehend why this former collaborator did this to me. I don’t know if someone paid him. It’s baffling,” Conceicao stated.
Conceicao: Former Aide Acted Maliciously, Acknowledges Fluctuations in Leao, Theo, and Maignan’s Performance
Conceicao mentioned that a journalist alerted him to the claims with screenshots. He reiterated his disappointment, emphasizing the dedication of the Milan staff, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Geoff Moncada, who are consistently present at the club. He noted that the past week was the first where the entire squad, including the returning Florenzi, was available for focused work.
Amid concerns about player motivation given Milan’s distance from top positions and Champions League exit, Conceicao emphasized the importance of desire. “Everyone must have the desire to defend this jersey,” he asserted.
He highlighted that recent training sessions were crucial for working on new tactical approaches and evaluating player commitment. Conceicao stressed that player selection would be based on those who demonstrated the best form and guarantees in training, aiming for the optimal strategy to secure victory in the upcoming challenging match.
Conceiçao emphasized the need for improved teamwork and acknowledged the role of luck in achieving positive results. He admitted his unfamiliarity with a three-match losing streak and stressed hard work and conviction as the only way forward.
Looking ahead, Conceicao pointed out the packed schedule of 13 guaranteed games, including league and Coppa Italia fixtures. He referenced Inter coach Inzaghi’s ambitions for multiple titles, suggesting Milan could still aim for two despite a difficult season, advocating for a focus on immediate objectives rather than distant goals.
Addressing team selection for the Lecce match, Conceicao confirmed Mike Maignan’s suspension and acknowledged reports suggesting Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao might start on the bench.
“I am the last person who wants to lose. It would be illogical to field a team not designed for victory,” he stated, explaining player management decisions are based on form, fitness, and training performance, not guaranteed starting positions.
Responding to criticism aimed at Milan’s senior players, particularly Maignan, Theo, and Leao, for inconsistency, Conceicao differentiated between personal and professional aspects. He affirmed their quality as individuals and their proven ability to perform for Milan, while acknowledging that professional athletes experience fluctuations in form.
Regarding Santiago Gimenez’s potential bench placement, Conceicao highlighted the adaptation challenges for players arriving in the Italian league. He emphasized that Gimenez is working diligently and that the club is committed to helping him succeed, drawing parallels with other players who initially struggled in Italy.
Conceiçao concluded by expressing his desire to instill the team solidity and unity he previously achieved with Porto, even if it requires a “soldier-like attitude” from every player to effectively compete and win.
He acknowledged the challenge in implementing this cohesive approach but indicated ongoing efforts, especially with experienced players, to bring about a positive change, aiming for a visibly improved Milan in the next game.