Milan Coach Conceicao Targets Champions League Top 8 Finish

AC Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao has revealed that securing a top 8 finish in the Champions League league phase is one of the key objectives he set upon taking charge of the club in early 2025. However, he noted the team faced significant preparation challenges ahead of their crucial match against Dinamo Zagreb.

With all 36 teams playing simultaneously in the final round of fixtures, Milan need a win in Croatia to guarantee their place in the top 8 and avoid the play-off round. Conceicao expressed frustration at having only 40 minutes of full squad training before such an important game.

“We had very limited time on the pitch with the whole group. It’s far from ideal, but we’ll do our best to play well and get the victory we need,” Conceicao stated in his pre-match press conference.

The Portuguese coach downplayed his recent confrontation with defender Davide Calabria, insisting the team’s motivation comes from their daily work ethic and the responsibility of representing Milan. He emphasized the importance of focusing solely on the Zagreb match rather than looking ahead to the upcoming Milan derby.

Reflecting on his first month in charge, Conceicao highlighted areas for improvement including quality of play, spatial awareness, and defensive transitions. He praised the squad’s willingness to adapt to his methods, stating: “I see a group of good people who understand my football and life philosophies. They’ve accepted the changes I’ve implemented, even if they’re not always apparent in our play yet.”

As Milan aim to secure their place among Europe’s elite, Conceicao’s pragmatic approach and focus on incremental progress could prove crucial in achieving their Champions League ambitions.