AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao has admitted to making mistakes but insists that his team must take greater responsibility as they prepare for a crucial Serie A encounter against Lecce. With Milan currently in ninth place, 11 points adrift of the top four and six points outside the European qualification spots, the pressure is mounting on the Portuguese coach to reverse their recent slump in form.
A Struggling Milan Side
The Rossoneri head into the clash against Lecce on the back of three consecutive defeats, a streak that has severely dented their hopes of securing a European place for next season. Conceicao, who took charge of the club in December after a successful spell at Porto, acknowledged the challenges he faces but remains determined to turn things around.
"I've made mistakes, as all coaches do," Conceicao admitted during his pre-match press conference on Friday. "Regarding principles and team dynamics, I have my own characteristics, and I always try to make the best decisions. Over my career, I have had more satisfactions than disappointments."
The Need for Results
Asked about what Milan must do to get back on track, Conceicao emphasized the importance of securing results through hard work and limiting mistakes.
"With results. Two things are crucial: working at the maximum and doing more as a team while also limiting mistakes, unforced errors, and bad luck in matches. There is no other way but to work. You don't believe just to believe - you believe to achieve," he stated.
Player Buy-In and Commitment
The Milan coach also highlighted the importance of having the full commitment of his squad in the fight to restore the club’s fortunes.
"It was important to work with all the players because, until now, there had never been time," he said. "If you play for Milan and don’t have the desire, that’s already a problem. Here, we shouldn't even be talking about desire - that comes with wearing this shirt."
Conceicao made it clear that simply reacting emotionally to their predicament would not suffice; intelligence and focus are required.
"Just because things aren't going well doesn't mean we should react without intelligence. This season, the environment has not been great from the start, but we must focus on what we can control - the performance. The players must take that responsibility."
Conceicao’s Challenge at Milan
Since his arrival in December, Conceicao has faced an uphill battle to impose his philosophy on a Milan squad that has struggled for consistency. His tenure at Porto was marked by significant success, winning three Primeira Liga titles and other domestic trophies. However, replicating that success in Italy has proven difficult.
Milan’s recent struggles have been compounded by a lack of cohesion in attack and vulnerabilities in defense, issues that Conceicao must urgently address if they are to salvage their season. With time running out and European qualification slipping away, their clash against Lecce becomes a must-win game.
Looking Ahead
Despite their current position, Milan still has an opportunity to salvage their season. A strong finish in the remaining matches could propel them back into European contention, but it will require a collective effort from both the coach and his players.
Conceicao’s message is clear: Milan must work harder, play smarter, and take responsibility for their performances. As they travel to Lecce, all eyes will be on the Rossoneri to see if they can respond to their coach’s rallying cry and begin their path to redemption.
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