AC Milan Coach Conceicao Demands More Intensity from Players

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao has called on his players to stop blaming bad luck for their struggles and instead focus on improving their performance.

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao has urged his players to stop blaming bad luck for their struggles, as they prepare to host Lazio in Serie A on Sunday. The Rossoneri are seeking to turn around their fortunes after consecutive league defeats at Torino and Bologna, as well as an aggregate 2-1 Champions League playoff loss to Feyenoord.

Conceicao acknowledged that his team is aware of their current situation and the factors that have contributed to their recent struggles. “We are aware of the moment, of what happened both because of our mistakes and what we can't control,” Conceicao said during a press conference on Saturday. He emphasized the importance of focusing on what they can control, rather than dwelling on bad luck. “We can't cling to bad luck but we can work on what's wrong and on the mistakes we make. And bring results.”

Milan's Serie A top-four hopes suffered a significant setback when they lost 2-1 at Bologna on Thursday, after the hosts came from behind to win. Conceicao identified some positive aspects of their performance, particularly in the first half. “I saw positive things in the first half in Bologna,” Conceicao noted. However, he also acknowledged that they failed to respond effectively after conceding a goal, which he felt was unjustly awarded due to a handball. “(But) we shouldn't cling to that, we weren't up to par after this episode. We need more lightness, more balance.”

AC Milan's frustration was palpable when Bologna's Santiago Castro equalized early in the second half, as the Rossoneri protested that the ball had ricocheted off Giovanni Fabbian's arm before reaching Castro. However, VAR ultimately allowed the goal to stand, much to Milan's dismay.

Milan's inconsistency has been a major concern this season, with the team only managing to win three consecutive Serie A games on one occasion. Currently sitting eighth in the standings after 26 games, Milan trail leaders Inter Milan by a significant 16-point margin. Coach Sergio Conceicao is demanding more from his players, particularly in terms of their physical intensity. “The physical trainer tells me that the data is at 100% but I want it to be 150%,” Conceicao emphasized. He believes that his team needs to be more dynamic and explosive in their play. “Probably in all moments we need to go further. If we want to play in a certain way, we need changes of pace, acceleration, sprint.”

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Emotions are likely to run high when Milan welcome fifth-placed Lazio to the San Siro, given Conceicao's personal connection to the opposing team. The Portuguese manager played for Lazio for three years over two spells, winning six trophies, including a Serie A title and two Italian Cups. Despite his fond memories, Conceicao is adamant that his focus is solely on securing a win for Milan. “The human being is full of memories, it's normal. But even if my parents were there tomorrow to play for Lazio, I play to win,” Conceicao declared.