Disastrous Start in Turin
Sergio Conceicao’s first outing as Milan’s head coach was far from ideal, as the Rossoneri suffered a humbling 2-1 defeat to Torino. The match began on a particularly sour note, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s clearance bouncing off Malick Thiaw for an own goal, a moment that encapsulated the recent misfortunes for the team. The situation worsened when Vanja Milinkovic-Savic parried Christian Pulisic’s penalty, squandering a golden opportunity to level the score. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to bring the game back to a 1-1 tie through Tijjani Reijnders, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Antonio Sanabria took a quick free kick, leading to Gvidas Gineitis scoring the decisive goal.
Critical Reflection on Unforced Errors
When Conceicao finally made his way to the post-match interview, his frustration was palpable. He acknowledged the tough times the team has been through, starting with their disappointing elimination from the Champions League play-offs against Feyenoord. However, he was particularly critical of the unforced errors that have plagued Milan. "Pavlovic has the characteristics of a warrior," he said, referring to the player’s relentless effort until the final whistle. "All players have different personalities. I am sorry for the fans who were present for these last few games. The last 12-15 goals we conceded were pretty much all unforced errors. It’s not about strategy or formations, these are things I often wonder how they are even possible." Conceicao’s remarks underscore the team’s struggles, highlighting that even with a solid tactical plan, individual mistakes have been the Achilles’ heel.
Substitution Decisions Under Scrutiny
The Portuguese coach’s decision-making was also brought into question, especially his choice to substitute Rafael Leao at half-time when Milan was trailing 1-0. Leao’s subpar performance was a point of contention, leading to the replacement with midfielder Youssouf Fofana. Conceicao defended his decision, stating, "A bit of both. Rafa was not at his best, there are other players and they are all important. I still say we mustn’t focus on substitutions or formations when conceding two ridiculous goals like that, as anyone would suffer in those circumstances." The coach’s rationale suggests a blend of tactical and fitness concerns, though the timing and choice of substitutions added to the growing criticism.
Managing Defensive Threats
Another substitution that raised eyebrows was the removal of Yunus Musah just five minutes into the second half, replaced by Tammy Abraham. Conceicao explained, "Musah was booked and it was getting dangerous with the Torino counter-attacks. I had to take a risk and put on more attacking players, but always keeping balance. It was very important for me to send a signal that the players needed to be more present in the final third." This decision highlights the coach’s attempt to address defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining an offensive presence, a delicate balancing act that didn’t quite pay off.
Missed Opportunity and Fan Reaction
The loss to Torino was a significant blow for Milan, as it fumbled a crucial opportunity to close the gap on the top four teams in Serie A. The upcoming rescheduled match against Bologna, originally postponed due to flood warnings, will be a critical test for the team. The fans’ reaction at the final whistle was a mix of jeering and protesting, a reaction that Conceicao deemed entirely justified. "They are absolutely right to do so. It is on us that we come here and do not win, so naturally there are higher expectations. We are not satisfied when there is criticism on the directors, players, or staff. We are Milan and we take the criticism all together," he concluded. The coach’s acceptance of responsibility and acknowledgment of the fans’ disappointment reflect the pressure the team is under to perform.
Moving Forward
Despite the recent setbacks, Conceicao remains focused on the team’s future. The coach emphasized the need for resilience and a stronger mental attitude to overcome the current challenges. "We must be stronger when reacting to things. I realize it’s not easy for the players either when Torino’s best player was their goalkeeper and we had 30 attempts on goal," he said. The coming days will be crucial as Milan prepares to face Bologna, with a clear need to address their defensive shortcomings and capitalize on offensive opportunities. Conceicao’s leadership will be pivotal in steering the team through these tough times and regaining the trust and support of their fans.
