Conceição: Coaching Milan ‘not a risk’, we have to ‘break down’ Juventus | OneFootball

Sergio Conceição explained that finding a way to ‘break down’ Juventus’ defence will be key in boosting Milan’s chances to come out as winners in their Supercoppa Italiana meeting on Friday.

The new Rossoneri coach explained he saw players who are ‘humble’ and ‘eager to learn’ in his first training sessions at the club, but admitted he had to be ‘effective if conveying what is needed’ considering the little time he had at disposal before the first match in charge.

While he didn’t want to share any hints about his first line-up as Milan’s manager, which would’ve made Thiago Motta ‘happy’, the Portuguese boss insisted he wants his players to ‘work cohesively’ above everything else.

FC Porto coach Sergio Conceicao reacts as he addresses a press conference at the Dragao Stadium in Porto, on September 12, 2022, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League, Group B, first leg football match between FC Porto and Club Brugge. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Conceição: ‘Results are what matter at Milan, I want to beat Juventus and my son’

“I found a team that is humble, eager to learn, and wants to understand what the coach requires,” Conceição said at a pre-match press conference in Riyadh, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.

“This is very important; it is the foundation for quality work, in my opinion. We haven’t had much time to work, but we’ve been effective in conveying what is needed.

“Each match is different, even considering my past as a player. The timing is what it is. If you had asked me whether I would have liked more time to work and have all the players available, I would have said yes.

“But I knew this from the moment I arrived, and there should be no excuses: we must face Juve with our heads held high.

“We still have two training sessions before the match, and we aim to be sharp about what we want to do. We need to easily grasp what’s important for the game in order to try and win, which is fundamental for us.

“We work the same way regardless of the opponent, aiming to improve areas where I think we can. I know the current moment isn’t great, but we need to change it, and only we, together with the players, can do that.

“Words don’t mean much; at big clubs like this, results are what matter, and that’s what we’ll aim for, starting tomorrow.”

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus is challenged by Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Rossoneri manager went on to describe Juventus as a team composed of ‘quality players’ who ‘understand the game’, although he conceded both sides ‘more afraid of losing than eager to win’ in their recent head to head at the San Siro, ended in a goalless draw.

“They have many quality players, young and hardworking,” Conceição remarked.

“They understand the game: it’s the team that has conceded the fewest goals in Serie A. They play compactly, and we’ll need to figure out how to break down their defensive organization.

“I don’t want to constrain talent, but we need to work cohesively as a team. That’s the only way football works.

“I saw two teams more afraid of losing than eager to win—that’s my impression. However, there are excellent players. Tomorrow, we must have the desire to compete and win, focusing on the offensive aspect against high-quality players.

“I can’t reveal my intentions; otherwise, I’d make Thiago happy.”

Asked about what he would like to be remembered for and whether he considered accepting the Milan job a risk, the 50-year-old said: “I don’t like talking as a visionary. I focus on working every day.”

“Tomorrow, we’ll play in a full stadium, and we earn a lot—what more could we ask for? We need to be happy and thankful for the talent God has given us. We must change this moment.

“That’s life—you take risks. If I hadn’t wanted to reach this level, I would have stayed home near Coimbra. It’s not a risk; coaching Milan is a pleasure and an honour.”

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is challenged by Francisco Conceicao and Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The former Porto tactician will face his son Francisco Conceição in his debut match at the helm, but he doesn’t feel ’emotional’ about the reunion and he hopes ‘not to make him happy’.

“I’ve already been asked this: I’m not emotional at all; I’m a professional,” Milan’s boss continued.

“I just have a cold and had a fever these past days, so if my eyes look a bit watery, that’s why.

“At home, I’m his father; tomorrow, my son will be my opponent. He’ll think the same way: I want to beat him, just as he wants to beat me. I hope not to make him happy.”