Conceicao: Theo Hernandez knows he damaged Milan but ‘available’ for Torino | OneFootball

Sergio Conceiçao revealed that he talked with Theo Hernandez about his mistakes that damaged Milan in the second leg of their Champions League play-off against Feyenoord, but he has no intention to rule him out of the squad for the game against Torino for this reason.

The Rossoneri were reduced to ten men at the start of the second half after the France international picked up a second yellow card for simulation, leading his side to lose control of a match they were dominating, having equalised on aggregate after less than one minute into the opening half.

Theo Hernandez of AC Milan dives ahead of receiving a red card, as he is challenged by Givairo Read of Feyenoord during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Theo Hernandez’s dismissal proved costly and was just the latest controversial moment of his season, which has been marked by under-par displays and criticism of his attitude, but Conceição insisted he’s ‘an asset to the club’.

Conceiçao: Theo Hernandez put Milan ‘in a difficult position’, but no punishement

“About Theo, I can say that I like questions about football, not about hair…,” the coach said at a pre-match press conference.

“For me, it’s enough that they are professionals and give everything for the club. I spoke about it at the end of the match: Theo is an asset to the club, he has brought joy to the fans in the past.

Match Referee, Szymon Marciniak gestures, as AC Milan players appeal a red card shown to teammate Theo Hernandez, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“He knows he did something that put the team in a difficult position, and we talked about it in the locker room. I have also made mistakes… He is one of the players available to play tomorrow, to answer the question.”

Recent reports which emerged in the aftermath of Milan’s Champions League exit suggested that the club has decided to stop contract extension talks with the left-back, who is presumably bound to leave the San Siro next summer.