Conceiçao: I don’t need Milan ‘reassurances’ but Ibrahimovic ‘can’t play’ | OneFootball

Milan coach Sergio Conceiçao insists he doesn’t need ‘reassurances’ about his future at the club and jokes about Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to Milanello: ‘He can’t play…’

Milan visit Napoli at the Stadio Maradona tomorrow, Sunday, March 30. It’s a key match for both sides as Milan are running for the top four, while the Partenopei sit second, just three points below table leaders Inter.

“I have faced Antonio [Conte] many times as a player, but this is my first time as a coach. Tomorrow’s result is crucial; we must work to win, knowing the quality of our opponents,” Conceiçao said at a pre-match press conference on Saturday via Milannews.

The Portuguese tactician won the last two games in Serie A but continues to be under pressure. Several reports suggest that Conte is one of the leading candidates to replace him next season.

“I don’t need trust. Let me say something. I have work to do. I don’t have the weakness of requiring somebody to reassure me,” Conceiçao insisted.

Conceiçao: I don’t need Milan ‘reassurances’ but Ibrahimovic ‘can’t play’

epa11761049 Swedish former soccer player and AC Milan’s senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan, in Bergamo, Italy, 06 December 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

“I don’t need it. I depend on the results. I am not a child who needs his father to say he loves him. I know the objectives: Coppa Italia, fourth place, and the Supercoppa we already won. Of course, the Champions League exit was a disappointment.

“I don’t need reassurances, I’m here to do my best. Antonio and I share the same passion for this job, but it goes beyond football. We both live life intensively.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to Milanello for the first time in three weeks on Friday.

“He can’t play tomorrow, he’s out,” Conceiçao said, smiling.

“We are in contact with the management every day. We work in a healthy and positive environment. I only need to talk about the players, nothing else.”

Conceiçao showed the utmost respect for Napoli, saying that he expects a high-quality performance for the Partenopei.

“All Napoli players have high quality, and Conte is doing well,” admitted the Milan coach.

“Napoli are shaped in the image of their coach. I expect intensity, clarity, an excellent striker in link-up play, and Raspadori and McTominay to get involved. Lobotka is a master in midfield. We know everything by heart, prepared for their principles and qualities, and focused on our strengths. I like facing the best and Napoli surely are among the best teams in Italy.”