AC Milan technical director Geoffrey Moncada refused to be drawn on a question about Sergio Conceicao’s future, and claimed it isn’t the right time to discuss renewals.
This is without doubt a very big night for both teams, but for very different reasons. Inter are looking to take another step forward on the path to a possible treble, while Milan need to win the Coppa Italia to not only earn a Europa League spot but to save the season in many ways.
In terms of team news, Sergio Conceicao has not made any changes from the team that lost to Atalanta on Sunday. That means the three-man defence remains, while Luka Jovic gets the nod up front again despite rumours in the build-up that Tammy Abraham would start.
It will be a difficult night against an Inter side who are top of the league and in the Champions League semi-finals. Geoffrey Moncada spoke to SportMediaset in the build-up, and his comments are via MilanNews.
What is the importance of this trophy? It is a route to Europe too…
“It’s a nice derby. We’re in the semi-finals, reaching the final is important for us: it’s a Champions League level match against Inter.”
Do the club protect Conceiçao?
“We work with him every day, I am at Milanello every day with him and Zlatan. We talk to his staff every day. We are with him, for us there are no problems: we are happy with Sergio and how he works to return to a more important level.”
Would two trophies be enough for him to stay?
“Two trophies would be very significant, we haven’t won the Coppa Italia for a long time, 22 years.”
What can you tell us about Theo and Maignan’s renewals?
“We are working every day, with agents and players. We talk to them every day. We are very focused on the end of the season, I don’t think it’s the right time. We talk to the agents and we are with the players every day.”
Milan will use a 3-4-3 again…
“I think Milan worked on this system during the March break. Now we can have other options: full-backs higher up, a more compact defence, a system that allows a lot of freedom to the players.
“Stefano Pioli also played with a three two years ago, when we won against Tottenham: it’s to give more balance to the team.”
