Conceicao hints at super Milan attack against Feyenoord, but ‘my decision on Leao’ | OneFootball

Sergio Conceicao hints he could field Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic together when Milan face Feyenoord in the Champions League. ‘It was my decision not to start Leao.’

It kicks off at the De Kuip Stadion in Rotterdam on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT, with the second leg at San Siro next Tuesday evening.

The Rossoneri have transformed their squad in the January transfer window, including the arrival of striker Santi Gimenez from Feyenoord and Joao Felix on loan from Chelsea.

“It is going to be special for everyone, not just Gimenez. It is our fault that we are here and we want to take the responsibility for that,” said Conceicao, referring to Milan’s failure to secure a top eight spot and by-pass the play-offs.

“I had been tracking Santi for many years. We all evolve day by day in football, he is young and has a long road ahead of him, despite already being a quality player.

“Gimenez has the quality to finish the moves that the team creates, while the team needs him both on and off the ball. If he scores, it is down to the whole team, just like if Mike Maignan keeps a clean sheet, it is thanks to the work of everyone in front of him too.”

Conceicao open to all 4 star strikers together for Milan

epa11870704 Milan’s coach Sergio Conceicao whistles during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Inter FC, in Milan, Italy, 02 February 2025. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI

At his press conference, the coach was asked if he could decide to start both those new buys, Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic together.

“We don’t have many alternatives, because we’ve only got 15 outfield players plus the youngsters due to injuries and the lads who aren’t in the list,” replied Conceicao.

“Coaches have to find solutions, these four are in the squad and so tomorrow we’ll see.”

Of the four, the least likely to start might be Leao, who has been benched for the last few Milan games after an ankle knock.

“Rafa is available, as he was for all the previous games. It was my decision not to start him, when he came on, he did it well, playing the way we want him to. He is at our disposal, but I will not say if he will start.”

Leao has been told repeatedly by a succession of coaches that he must work more for the team and do the defensive duties as well.

“We play with 11, balance is achieved with the whole team,” continued Conceicao.

“It’s not necessarily true that with more attacking players, you will score more goals, nor that with more defenders you’ll keep a clean sheet. There are different moments of the game and we need to find that balance.

“I want a high line defensively, they know what to do and we are working to improve. I have faith in all four centre-backs.”

The Portuguese coach spent seven years at FC Porto and this is a new experience for him, replacing Paulo Fonseca on December 30, so is he looking at a similarly long-term adventure?

“Coaches always have a bag packed, because they depend on results and things change quickly in football. Only the present counts, even after a victory you have to reboot and start again. I am not worried, I was only meant to be at Porto for 3-4 months at first.”

Tomorrow’s opponents Feyenoord sensationally sacked their coach just days before this Champions League play-off and are missing several key players, so will that make them more unpredictable?

“The change of coach is huge motivation for players. Plus Rotterdam is traditionally a difficult place to play, I was here three years ago with Porto, it’s a fiery atmosphere.

“We have our problems too and are missing a lot of players. The story of this game will be written by us, it depends on what we do. If we go out there with the right attitude and do what we prepared, then we’re more likely to get a good result,” concluded Conceicao.