Conceição’s Emotional Defense After Bologna Loss
Sergio Conceição, the head coach of AC Milan, unleashed a passionate and emotionally charged defense of his team and himself following their 2-1 defeat to Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. The loss not only dashed Milan’s already slim hopes of securing a top-four spot in Serie A but also highlighted the mounting pressure on the club and its Portuguese coach. Milan entered the match knowing that a win was crucial to keep their Champions League aspirations alive, but a second-half collapse thwarted their efforts.
The First Half: A Promising Start
In the first half, Milan seemed to be on track, with Rafael Leão scoring an early opener. While Leão’s goal came somewhat against the run of play, the team looked well-organized and compact. They pressed the opponents effectively, and their defensive line was solid, allowing their midfielders to operate with space and precision. Conceição’s tactics appeared to be working, and the team looked on course for a vital victory. However, the balance shifted dramatically in the second half.
The Second Half: Controversial Moments and Collapse
The second half saw a series of controversial moments that ultimately sealed Milan’s fate. Santiago Castro’s equalizer was particularly contentious, with a blatant handball going unpunished by the referee and VAR. This was followed by Dan Ndoye’s close-range finish in the closing stages, sealing Bologna’s 2-1 win. Conceição’s frustration was palpable as he addressed these incidents, emphasizing that the negative episodes were decisive in the result. "We should have done more on these errors," he said, adding that such small incidents can have a significant impact on the final outcome.
The Mental Toll of Consistent Pressure
Conceição acknowledged that the mental pressure on the team can be overwhelming. "You can’t always be at 100%," he admitted, pointing out that the weight of expectations can affect performance. Despite this, the coach noted that the team showed the right attitude and approach, but small, negative episodes often decided the game in their opponents’ favor. "When we are in the game, we play as we prepared," he explained. "We are good, we get to 30 metres with ease, and then these episodes happen." The coach’s comments highlighted the mental resilience required to navigate the high-stakes environment of top-flight football.
Refereeing Decisions and the Broader Context
Conceição’s frustration extended to the refereeing decisions, which he felt were consistently against his team. "I’m sorry to speak like this today because it’s not just the referee who is to blame for this defeat," he said, but the repeated negative incidents were taking their toll. He also pointed out that referees, like coaches, are human and can make mistakes. These small incidents, he argued, carry significant weight and can influence the overall environment. "We need positive results also for the environment, it’s not easy at all," he added, emphasizing the broader impact of such decisions on the team’s morale and performance.
A Personal Reflection and Plea for Fairness
Beyond the immediate match analysis, Conceição took a moment to reflect on his own situation and career. He expressed frustration at the constant scrutiny and speculation about his future at Milan. "I did not just come here out of nothing," he said, highlighting his extensive experience and achievements, including 13 trophies and 100 Champions League matches. He stressed that he has faced and succeeded against some of the best coaches and teams in Italy, and he is determined to continue striving for success at Milan. "I know what I want, I know what I can do," he stated, adding that he is willing to leave if that is what the club wants, but he believes he deserves fair treatment. "It’s not fair for my family and neighbors to see what is happening," he concluded, urging for a more balanced and respectful discourse around his tenure at the club.
