Conceicao: A Frustrated Response to Milan’s Recent Struggles
Sergio Conceicao’s frustration reached a boiling point during the post-match interview following AC Milan’s 1-2 loss to Bologna. The match, which was a rescheduled Week 9 fixture originally postponed in October 2024 due to flood warnings, saw Milan take an early lead through Rafael Leao. However, the game’s turning point came with a controversial equalizer by Santiago Castro, who turned in the ball after it appeared to have hit Giovanni Fabbian’s arm. Milan’s defense was further caught off guard when Alex Jimenez failed to react to a throw-in, leading to Dan Ndoye’s decisive goal.
The Coach’s Anger at Refereeing Decisions
Conceicao was visibly incensed by the refereeing decision, but his ire extended beyond the pitch. “There was a clear handball on the equaliser,” he told DAZN, emphasizing the unfairness he perceived. Despite acknowledging his team’s mistakes, he stressed that negative incidents seemed to consistently go against Milan. “We did some good things during the game, even if there isn’t much talk about football, more about other things, but that’s fine. We made mistakes, the others made mistakes too, and these small incidents prove decisive in the end.” His comments reflect a growing sense of frustration within the club, as Milan’s campaign has taken a significant downturn in just a few weeks, with their exit from the Champions League play-offs and a slide to eighth place in Serie A.
The Impact of Continuous Criticism
The interview’s tone took a dramatic shift as Conceicao’s temper flared up, turning his attention to the media. “I realise that every day people talk about my situation here and my future, acting as if I was just dropped in here, but I faced five very big Italian clubs, I faced coaches like Sarri and Pioli in charge of teams that were theoretically weaker, but I always qualified against them other than with Inter,” he raged. The former FC Porto coach, who has a decorated history of winning 13 trophies and has extensive experience in European competitions, felt that his credentials were being overlooked. “I see people talk about my situation, so let them just tell me to go if they want, I don’t want one more Euro, so let me reassure them. I did not just come here out of nothing. I won 13 trophies, I had 100 Champions League games. Still people talk about it and say mean things, I have family and neighbours who see what is happening, it’s not fair.”
The Rollercoaster of Milan’s Season
The situation at Milan has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. When the Week 9 game was originally scheduled, Paulo Fonseca was in charge, and several current players were not even part of the squad. Conceicao has brought in his own philosophy and vision, but the results have been inconsistent. “This is the case. We were connected to the game, compact, know where to press the opponent, keep the defence tight too and allow our midfielders to find spaces between the lines, which is where Bologna can struggle with their full-backs pushing forward,” he explained. Milan’s ability to create chances and control the game has been evident, but the team often falters at critical moments, leading to heartbreaking losses and mounting pressure on the coach.
Refereeing Consistency and Fairness
One of the primary issues Conceicao highlighted was the lack of consistency and fairness in refereeing decisions. “The trouble is there is debate about the criteria, sometimes the referees whistle for anything and sometimes they don’t whistle at all,” he said. While acknowledging that referees are human and can make mistakes, he emphasized that the stakes are high for his team. “Referees are human, they can make mistakes too, but this was a very important game.” The coach’s remarks underscore the importance of clear and consistent officiating in high-pressure matches, where a single decision can alter the course of a team’s season.
A Sense of Injustice and Personal Resilience
Conceicao’s rant was not just about the refereeing; it was a broader expression of his feelings of injustice and the need for personal resilience. “I am sorry for having let loose a bit there, I prefer to talk about football.” His apology was brief, but it revealed a deeper emotional struggle. The coach, who celebrated Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana victory in Riyadh by dancing with a cigar, now finds himself in a far different and more challenging environment. The contrast is stark, and the mounting pressure is palpable. Conceicao’s past successes and his wealth of experience in European football are not enough to shield him from the intense scrutiny of the media and the high expectations of Milan’s fans. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his role and is determined to steer the team through these turbulent times.
