Conceicao: ‘Milan make unforced errors, I am responsible’ | OneFootball

Sergio Conceicao concedes Milan ‘made unforced errors’ in the 2-2 draw with Fiorentina and they keep repeating the same mistakes. ‘I am ultimately responsible, I am the coach.’

It was another dismal start for the Rossoneri, who are really making a habit of needing comebacks to make up for sluggish openings, here trailing 2-0 after 10 minutes to a Malick Thiaw own goal and Moise Kean strike.

When Tammy Abraham got them back into it, Conceicao made a bold and surprising decision, hauling Yunus Musah off after just 24 minutes to bring on Luka Jovic, who ultimately scored for 2-2.

When Conceicao arrived at the Sky Sport Italia studio, they were discussing the complete disconnect between the movements of the Milan central defenders and their full-backs.

“There were some individual errors and not just in defence,” confessed the coach on Sky Sport Italia.

“The team made unforced errors and to be honest there is some behaviour that we are trying to work on and improve. The goal against Napoli was very similar, we know it is a problem and are trying to work on it.

“There are some things you learn as a kid in the football academy. We also fail to convert a lot of chances, considering the number that we create, so that is another issue.”

Conceicao recognises repeated Milan problems

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Sergio Conceicao, Head Coach of AC Milan, gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In the last four Serie A games, Milan have conceded four goals during the opening 15-minute period, which means they always have to fight back from losing situations.

“The approach for the first 25 minutes was very bad, it was not what we had prepared. I am ultimately the person responsible, as I am the coach,” noted Conceicao.

“We talk amongst ourselves, the lads gave me positive signals over the last few days. The game against Inter midweek was very different, we kept balanced, made fewer mistakes. I always say that quality for a player is not just one thing, but a collection of characteristics and behaviours, including raising the level and always being ready to represent the jersey.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Milan 2-2 Fiorentina

Conceicao seemed genuinely sad to pull the plug on Musah’s performance after just 24 dismal minutes, so after players went into the dressing room to console the American, he came back out and hugged his coach.

“He sent positive signals during the week, he was fresh, did really well in training. Afterwards, I realised the game was not going well for him, so I changed him. Musah has quality, he is a good lad, but sometimes you get games like that. It happens,” noted Conceicao.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Theo Hernandez of AC Milan runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Dodo of Fiorentina during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Theo Hernandez was again far better in surging forward than he was in helping out the defence, so could he become a wing-back in a five-man midfield?

“In attacking terms, we all recognise his quality, as he can run with incredible ease and cause problems for opponents down that flank. It is true that players with his characteristics feel more protected with three in defence.”

Although they fought back from 2-0 down, this 2-2 result still means Milan remain in ninth place and risk falling ever further behind in the race for European qualification.

Now getting past Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final and trying to win the trophy might be their best chance of getting into the Europa League.

Considering how angry the coach got a few weeks ago about seeing his future questioned, Conceicao was asked if he was a Milan director, would he confirm him on the bench or wait until after the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final with Inter?

His response was to burst out laughing.

“I am really let down today and feel sad, but that did make me laugh. Thank you for that.”