AC Milan Coach Conceicao Calls for Simplicity and Discipline

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao believes his forwards need to be more selfish in front of goal, while also emphasizing the importance of discipline and organization.

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao expressed his disappointment after his team's 1-1 draw against Cagliari in Serie A on Saturday. Conceicao's two-game winning streak since taking over was halted by the disappointing result. He emphasized that his forwards need to be more selfish in front of goal, stating that this was a key area for improvement.

Cagliari's equalizer in the 55th minute, scored by defender Nadir Zortea, canceled out Alvaro Morata's opener for Milan. Conceicao was critical of his team's performance, particularly in the first half. “I expected much more at all levels,” Conceicao told Sky Sport. “I've been a coach for 13 years, and comparing the quality of this group to what we did, it was the weakest first half since I've started coaching.”

Conceicao highlighted several areas where his team fell short, stating, “We lacked rhythm, quality... and we weren't that good and intelligent on this level.” Despite creating 24 chances, with 11 on target, Milan struggled to convert their opportunities until Morata scored in the 55th minute. Conceicao will be looking for his team to improve their finishing and overall performance in their next match.

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao shared his thoughts on the team's forwards, suggesting that they need to be more selfish in front of goal. “My feeling is that (Milan forwards) are altruistic,” Conceicao said. “That's fine, I like a player like that. But there are moments when they have to be more simple.” He emphasized the importance of simplicity in football, particularly when it comes to scoring goals. “In front of goal you have to be selfish, a winger has to go one on one with the opponent. We look for a difficult (solution) sometimes and I don't like that, football is simple.”

Conceicao was asked whether the team needed more rules and discipline, to which he replied that he values organization and structure. “It's my way of doing things for many years,” he said. “It's not that I come here and I have to do it by force. For me it's the simple things: schedules, training, being involved in the work day by day.” Conceicao acknowledged that he took over the team mid-season, implying that there were existing issues that needed to be addressed. “If I got here halfway through the season it's because something wasn't right, and we have to take full responsibility. If we are strict and demanding outside the game then we will be strict and demanding in the game too.”

Looking ahead, Milan has a busy schedule, with three key matches on the horizon. They will travel to 16th-placed Como on Tuesday, followed by a visit to Juventus next Saturday. Conceicao will also be looking to extend Milan's four-game winning run in the Champions League when they host Girona on January 22.