Conceicao: “Inter rested more and we have 4/5 players not at their best”

Sergio Conceição, the head coach of AC Milan, held a press conference to discuss the upcoming Supercoppa Italiana final against Inter Milan, scheduled for January 6, 2025. The conference was delayed due to Conceição feeling under the weather.

Reflecting on the match, he stated, “I hope the team is in better shape than I am, as I’m not feeling well. We are preparing for this final against Inter, a strong team used to winning, with the same coach and many players who have been together for a long time.”

Conceição acknowledged the difficulties his team faces, saying, “We need to focus on ourselves; it’s clear that it’s difficult. However, true character is revealed in tough times. Let’s not forget that Inter has had a day and a half more rest than us, and we have 4 or 5 players who are not at their best. This is the reality; it’s not an excuse, and I won’t mention it after the match, but this is our situation.”

Addressing his feelings about facing former clubs, he remarked, “I respect all the teams I have played for, but my feelings are the same for every team I face. My focus is on my players. Our foundation must be ambition and a hunger to win titles. We’ve taken half a step forward; now we need to take another. I hope it goes well despite the difficulties; often beautiful things arise from challenges.”

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Conceição also shared fond memories of Christian Eriksen from his time at Lazio: “I had a great relationship with all the players on that team. Eriksen holds a special place in my heart; I’ve never seen him angry—at most, he would turn red.” He expressed gratitude for his journey in Italian football, stating, “Italy is my second home because I arrived here young and learned so much. It’s an honor to coach a historic team like Milan.”

On the topic of star player Rafael Leão’s fitness, Conceição noted, “We have training in the afternoon. We’ll see how he is. He definitely doesn’t have 90 minutes in him yet; I need to manage him carefully. First, I need to understand if he’s available, and then we’ll see how much he can play.”

Discussing nutrition’s role in player performance, he emphasized its importance: “Of course I have spoken with my nutritionist; I believe it’s essential to keep players at 1000%.” He added humorously, “But is he friends with the nutritionist?”

When asked about luck in football, Conceição responded thoughtfully: “Is it lucky to start immediately with a final? Luck doesn’t come unless you work hard. It comes from working diligently and being serious. You can have all the faith in the world; if you stay home and pray for goals, you won’t get them—you have to score them yourself. We need hunger, organization, and a bit of luck.” He jokingly questioned a journalist about their perspective on luck: “Are you talking about luck because you’re a Juventus fan?”

Finally, addressing his relationship with Inter’s coach Simone Inzaghi after an incident during a match where they did not shake hands, Conceição stated, “These are episodes that happen during a game; after that moment, it’s over. We are both football men and friends before and after the match; during it, we will be rivals.”

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