AC Milan’s already slim hopes of a European spot to another big dent with a defeat to Atalanta, and Sergio Conceicao was not happy.
A lot of the build-up to the game was dominated by the talk of using a three-man defence again, something that was deployed in the 4-0 win over Udinese in the last round.
For the first time since his arrival, Conceicao named an unchanged starting line-up for consecutive league games, which in turn meant that he stuck with the three central defenders.
In Udine it was not at the expense of being dangerous at the other end, however they failed to score against Atalanta. Ederson got the only goal, against the run of play just after the hour mark.
Conceicao spoke to DAZN after the full-time whistle to give his thoughts after yet another difficult evening for his side, with MilanNews transcribing them.
How do you feel the game went?
“The first half was balanced; we were a little deeper than we had asked for and prepared, but they didn’t create any chances. We finished the first half well, but then, when it came to putting the players in front of the goalkeeper, we didn’t manage to do it and we paid for it.
“Like in the second half. And they, at the first opportunity, scored; we even talked about the crosses to the far post: it’s one of their characteristics. But that’s how it went.”
Why did you then switch to a four-man defence?
“It’s not that I didn’t like it, but to try to equalise.”
Did the players have the derby in mind?
“For me the derby didn’t stop us: the most important match is the one that is played. Usually whoever comes in gives us a little more, but I also put Sottil in a position that wasn’t his. We lacked the aggression that we normally have.”
Does the Coppa Italia also play a role in your future?
“My future (laughs)! Every day since Milan-Cagliari they talk about who comes to Milan, for me it’s fine, but for the group that I work with… They see all the news and there is no stability. We have to work today to try to be better tomorrow.
“There’s no respect either, that’s what I feel. The future doesn’t depend on anything, we have to prepare for the match against Inter to reach the final. Winning two trophies at Milan in the same year hasn’t happened for a long time and it’s strange for a historic club like Milan .”
