AC Milan Coach Conceicao Eyes Attacking Lineup

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao discusses Feyenoord challenge and potential lineup changes.

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao is bracing for a tough Champions League matchup against Feyenoord, despite the Dutch team's recent leadership change. Feyenoord, who currently sit fifth in the Eredivisie, host AC Milan on Wednesday with newly appointed interim coach Pascal Bosschaart at the helm, following the dismissal of Brian Priske.

Conceicao is urging his players to step up after falling short of direct qualification for the round of 16. “We have an important match, and we're in this situation because of our own mistakes. We take full responsibility,” Conceicao told reporters on Tuesday.

The Portuguese manager is cautious of Feyenoord's potential under their new coach. “The change of coach is a huge motivation for players. Plus Rotterdam is traditionally a difficult place to play, I was here three years ago with Porto, it's a fiery atmosphere.”

Conceicao emphasized that the outcome of the game depends on his team's performance. “We have our problems too. The story of this game will be written by us, it depends on what we do. If we go out there with the right attitude and do what we prepared, then we're more likely to get a good result.”

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao hinted at a potential attacking lineup for the upcoming Champions League match against Feyenoord. Conceicao suggested that January signings Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez might join forces with Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao in attack. “We don't have many alternatives, because we've only got 15 outfield players plus the youngsters due to injuries and the lads who aren't in the list,” Conceicao explained.

Conceicao acknowledged that the team's limited options due to injuries might impact his lineup decisions. However, he expressed confidence in the players available. “Coaches have to find solutions, these four are in the squad and so tomorrow we'll see,” he said.

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Conceicao praised Santiago Gimenez, who will face his former team Feyenoord after scoring his first goal for Milan in Saturday's 2-0 Serie A win over Empoli. “Santi is a player I've been following for years. In football, he's young and has a long way to go. But he's already a top-level player,” Conceicao said. He emphasized the importance of Gimenez's hard work and dedication. “He needs to keep working hard because the team needs him, both with and without the ball. I'm very happy with him and with everyone else right now.”