Every word Conceição said in his first Milan press conference | OneFootball

Sergio Conceição claimed he is ‘proud’ to have been chosen as the new Milan manager but is also aware that his appointment mid-way through the season is ‘not a good sign’, as it means that several things ‘are not working’.

The Rossoneri decided to sack Paulo Fonseca in the immediate aftermath of their 1-1 draw against Roma on Sunday and announced their replacement less than 24 hours later, and the former Porto boss knows that he’ll have little time before his side takes on Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana, but he ‘won’t complain or look for excuses’.

Asked about the most distinctive features that his team should have in his first press conference at the club, Conceição mentioned ‘spirit and mentality’, explaining his players will have to live every match as ‘intensely’ as he does.

FC Porto coach Sergio Conceicao reacts as he addresses a press conference at the Dragao Stadium in Porto, on September 12, 2022, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League, Group B, first leg football match between FC Porto and Club Brugge. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Conceição: Milan a ‘step forward’ in my career, spirit and mentality ‘non-negotiable’.

“I’m proud. It’s a pleasure for me to come and work for such an important team,” the 50-year-old told reporters during his unveiling press conference.

“For me, it’s a pleasure, a source of pride, and a step forward in my career and that of my staff.

“The fans are the soul of the club. Without them, it’s hard to live and grow, and we must respect these values, work in this spirit, and prove ourselves worthy of Milan.

“If I’m here, it’s not a good sign; it means something hasn’t gone well. There’s not much time to prepare for the match against Juventus. We won’t complain or look for excuses.

“We can change the system, but beyond that, there’s the spirit and mentality, which are non-negotiable. This hunger to finish the match knowing we’ve given everything to win is non-negotiable.

“I live the match intensely, and I want my players to do the same, just like the fans. That’s the path to take. Their eyes should shine when they walk into Milanello.

“There’s no single issue; there are many things that aren’t working.

“Some prefer to talk about tactics, others about physical or mental problems. Paulo [Fonseca] had great moments here and others not so much, but that’s part of a coach’s job.

“We always strive for perfection, but it’s not possible. We play against quality opponents, both in Italy and in the Champions League, but we’re prepared for this. I don’t want to go into details.”

epa11797991 AC Milan’s midfielder Tijjani Rejjnders (C) celebrates with team-mates after scoring the opening goal in the Italian Serie A soccer match AC Milan vs AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, 29 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

According to summer reports, Conceição was already a candidate for the Rossoneri job before the club eventually decided to hire Fonseca, but the new coach explained that ‘timing isn’t important’ and he ‘couldn’t say no’ to Milan this time despite having ‘other opportunities’.

“My situation with Porto wasn’t an easy exit,” he continued.

“For me, timing isn’t important. In the summer, every week, a club was interested in me; they always talk—it’s normal—because news comes out and we can’t control that.

“For me, Milan’s timing wasn’t important. It all happened very quickly. Why did I come to Milan? I’m coaching one of the best teams in the world. I couldn’t say no, even though I had other opportunities that I respect greatly.”

A former player who had stints in Serie A for Lazio, Parma and Inter, Conceição acknowledged that working as a manager is ‘completely different’ and explained their footballers should expect someone ‘direct’ who has no fear of taking bold decisions.

“It’s completely different,” the Rossoneri boss said.

“When we’re players, we think we understand everything about football, but we don’t. We think only about our own area.

“As a coach, you don’t even sleep; for me, last night was tough. The stress of wanting to know everything here, the people, because everyone matters, from the kit man to our president.

“My staff and I are eager to fast-track our understanding of everything and everyone because time is short, and we want to be present and active.

AC Milan’s forward Rafael Leao reacts on the bench ahead of the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Udinese at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, 19 Ocrober 2024. EPA-EFE/Daniel Dal Zennaro

“I don’t need to change now; I’m 50 years old. Changing now is difficult. I’ve been a coach for 13 years; I didn’t start yesterday.

“They know they have someone direct in front of them. There will always be 11 happier players and those on the bench less so. But this is part of group management: direct communication and maximum effort in training.

“They might be a bit sad not to play, but that should give them strength, just like the pressure, which is part of being in a big club. We’re confident we’ll do a good job, but words are just words; results are what matter.”

As for his playing style, Conceição claimed he would stick to his ‘convictions’, adding that his main focus would be on ‘achieving results’.

“I stick to my convictions, both in work and tactics,” the Portuguese said.

“For me, the system isn’t as important as the dynamics on the pitch. Then there’s strategy, a foundation, and work on principles the team needs to understand.

“Dominant play? For me, football is very simple: there’s a goal, and you have to score and not concede. If dominant play means something else, for me, it means achieving results. Possession football, tiki-taka: for me, tiki-taka is putting the ball in the net.”

The Rossoneri currently sit eight and five points from the 4th and 5th spot, respectively, which they would be required to reach to qualify for next season’s Champions League: “We’ll do everything we can to get there,” Conceição said.

“There’s a lot of work to do. There are players who, at the moment, can’t play, players who were key in these first six months, but we must work with those we have available.

“I trust all of them, and with those who are available. Of course, it’s better to have everyone available, but injuries are part of football.”