Sérgio Conceição leaves a motto: “We have to do more, starting with me”
Coach denies having underestimated opponent and states that, in addition to technical quality, “other characteristics” are missing
After the 0-1 defeat at Feyenoord , Milan coach Sérgio Conceição said he was not happy with the team’s performance or attitude and, starting with him, there is a lot that needs to change if the team wants to reach the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League .
«We all have to, starting with me, give a little more, raise the level, so that the games are easier. I have a squad with technical quality and we have to show other important characteristics, otherwise it will become difficult», began the coach, who, even so, made it clear that «change is possible»: «We are here to do different things in these four months than we have done in the last six.»
When asked whether he was underestimating the opponent by including João Félix , Rafael Leão , Christian Pulisic and Santiago Giménez in the starting eleven, Conceição gave a clear answer: “Never. I respect everyone. We prepared as if it were the Champions League final. I worked hard to get here, I was a player and a coach for 14 years. I respect everyone in the same way, from the districts to the Champions League.” The players ended up being criticised for showing little attacking power, but the Portuguese dismissed the criticism. “They are all good analysts in retrospect. I thought about doing it like that before the game. I know people are curious about these four, but there were seven others on the pitch. I have to find balance in the team,” he concluded.
