Conceicao takes charge at AC Milan: “Results matter and we want Champions League”

In a press conference introducing him as AC Milan’s new head coach, Sergio Conceicao outlined his vision and approach for the struggling Italian giants. The Portuguese manager, who replaces the recently dismissed Paulo Fonseca, emphasized the importance of results and the club’s ambition to secure a Champions League spot.

A New Chapter for Milan

Conceicao began by expressing his pride in joining such a prestigious club: “I’m proud. It’s a pleasure for me to come and work for such an important team. It’s a step forward in my career and that of my staff.” He acknowledged the significance of the fans, stating, “The fans are the soul of the club. Without them, it’s difficult to live and grow, and we must respect these values and work to prove ourselves worthy of Milan.”

The new coach didn’t shy away from the reality of the situation: “If I’m here, it’s not a good sign. It means something hasn’t gone well.” He also addressed the immediate challenge of facing Juventus with limited preparation time: “There’s not much time to work on the game against Juventus. We won’t complain or look for excuses.”

Tactical Philosophy and Team Spirit

When asked about his tactical approach, Conceicao emphasized flexibility and mentality: “We can change systems, but there’s the spirit and mentality of quality, which is non-negotiable. This hunger to finish a match knowing you’ve given everything to win it isn’t easy.” He stressed the importance of passion, adding, “I experience the match intensely, and I want my players to do the same, just like the fans. This is the path to take. Their eyes should shine when they enter Milanello.”

Conceicao also shared his perspective on playing style: “For me, football is simple, very simple: there’s a goal, and you need to score and not concede. If dominant play means something else, for me it means getting results. Possession, tiki-taka: for me, tiki-taka is putting it in the net.”

Champions League Ambitions

The Portuguese manager was clear about the club’s objectives: “We’ll do everything to get there [Champions League]. There’s a lot of work to do. We have important players, we need to work with those available. I have confidence in all of them, and those who are available, we’ll fight to win this game already.”

Player Management and Future Plans

Conceicao emphasized his equal treatment of players regardless of age or status: “For me, they’re all equal in how I manage the dressing room. I don’t differentiate if they’re 17 or 37, it depends on what they do in training.” He also expressed his interest in understanding each player’s background: “I like to understand the whole story of the players I have available, I go to see who has a father, a mother, there’s a story behind to understand behaviors within the team.”

Regarding the transfer market, Conceicao was cautious: “I want to get to know the squad well, not just the big names, but also Milan’s future. It’s not right to talk about the market because I don’t know everyone well, especially the young players.”

The post Conceicao takes charge at AC Milan: “Results matter and we want Champions League” appeared first on FootItalia.com.