AC Milan’s head coach, Sergio Conceicao, has spoken to the media in a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match in the Champions League against Girona.
Here’s what he had to say:
You, who know the Champions League well, is it a coincidence that Milan is performing better in Europe than in Serie A?
“I think every match is different. It’s true that being in the best club competition in the world is always an enormous motivation. Great teams like Milan must work every year to be part of it. In the league, we’re working to find the right consistency to ensure we qualify again at the end of the season. With Porto, it was a tremendous source of pride for seven years. Now we’re striving to bring Milan to an advanced position in this competition, as our history demands. Tomorrow is very important for moving forward.”
You’ve often emphasized Milan history. Do you think it could weigh on the minds of your players? Did you notice anything unusual in the atmosphere while preparing for the match?
“No, it’s the same. This week, despite the limited time we had to prepare, the players were focused and determined. I told them after the Juve match that this is a mental job, and it’s my responsibility as a coach to help them find the right mindset.”
Conceicao added:
“They’re showing me they’re motivated every day to work and achieve the evolution we’re aiming for. Shirts don’t play; the shirts are worn by players who need to express what we want at every level and in every competition, not just in the Champions League.”
What explanation have you given yourself for the lack of consistency over the full ninety minutes?
“It’s something we’re working on; I don’t need to defend myself for what I’ve said—these are things that came from within me. The players are also aware of what needs to be done. We need to look each other in the eye, work on the pitch, believe in what we’re doing, and then they’ll understand what was missing to achieve consistency during the game. The beauty of football is that it’s a constant restart. After a good match, you have to start again to prepare for the next one, and it’s the same after a not-so-good match. This restarting is an opportunity to improve.”
Have you ever had a team in your career that could only play well for one half while struggling in the other? How did you address it? Conceicao commented:
“I’ve had even worse situations, but it happens. We’re playing against opponents, you know. Even when facing theoretically weaker teams, there are moments when the opposition takes control—that’s part of football. Matches have moments, and there are many important details. The foundation, however, must not be negotiable. If we need to suffer, we suffer; if we need to defend more, we defend more. Ultimately, what matters most is the result. Did we lack something in the second half against Juve? Absolutely, yes. The players are aware that there’s work to be done to improve, and it’s essential to have this foundation to achieve the evolution we’re striving for.”
