Sergio Conceicao has revealed the first thing that he will ask of his AC Milan team as he takes charge of his maiden Champions League game since being appointed.
After losing to Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen to begin their UCL campaign, Milan have won four on the spin in Europe. This will be Conceicao’s first game in the competition with his new club, and he will hope to continue his trend of making the knockout stages.
As you might remember, Conceicao complained quite strongly about having to do pre-match interviews in the build-up to kick-off, so it seems that the broadcasters are letting him pre-record them so they can still put them out as part of their coverage.
The Portuguese coach spoke to Prime Video about tonight’s game against the team that – like Milan – are eighth in their domestic league. His comments were relayed by MilanNews, and we have translated them below.
What is the first thing you ask of your team?
“To be a strong, solid team. A team that must understand when to sacrifice a little more on a defensive level and in the moments in which we have the ball understand what to do to overcome the fragility of the opponents.
“A team with joy, with pleasure in being in the game. Also involve the fans with the team: having this harmony between fans and team is very important to me.”
How do you see the team growing?
“I’m sure that in a week we’ll be a little better than today, and next week we’ll be even better: I’m sure. I see this acceptance and the work of the team. In these two or three days in which we worked after Juve I felt this and I have good feelings.”
You spoke about hunger after the Juventus game…
“They are fine, they understand what I said and that I said it not to attack someone but because it was my feeling. I also told them in the dressing room and they understood.
“The first step is to accept what we say face to face and understand what is not going well at all levels. In terms of aggression and duels they accept and want to do: this for me is an important sign.”
How did you motivate the team?
“They didn’t need it, we have a Champions League match: many players would like to be here in this environment. We know it’s a competitive competition, with the best teams in Europe: we are ready.”
Is technique or tactics more important?
“Everything is important today.”
What will make you satisfied?
“Certainly if every player knows the work he has to do at all levels, I’m talking about strategy and organisation: knowing that these are three very important points.”
Will you play with one or two strikers??
“Let’s see. One or two strikers are not important, the important thing is the team dynamics.”
