Milan’s Champions League Exit: A Bitter Pill to Swallow
Milan’s Champions League exit at the hands of Feyenoord is a bitter pill to swallow for fans, players, and management alike. Coach Sergio Conceiçao was unequivocal in his assessment, stating that the result is "definitely a failure." The Rossoneri’s dreams of advancing to the Round of 16 were shattered in the second leg of their knockout play-off, despite an early lead through Santiago Gimenez. However, the match took a dramatic turn when Theo Hernandez received a second yellow card for a controversial dive, effectively changing the course of the game.
The Referee’s Decision: A Turning Point
The pivotal moment came in the second half when Theo Hernandez was shown a second yellow card by referee Szymon Marciniak for what was deemed a dive. Conceiçao was quick to point out that this decision "changed everything," as Milan had been dominating the match until that point. The coach expressed frustration with the referee’s call, suggesting it was "too harsh," but also noted that his team needed to be "mentally stronger" to handle such decisive moments. The red card left Milan with 10 men, and Feyenoord capitalized on the numerical advantage to secure their place in the next round.
Conceiçao Takes Full Responsibility
Despite the challenging circumstances, Conceiçao was adamant about taking full responsibility for the team’s struggles. "I am responsible, not Theo," he stated emphatically. The Portuguese manager praised Theo Hernandez, highlighting his significant contributions to Milan, and admitted to his own past mistakes as a player. Conceiçao’s willingness to shoulder the blame is a testament to his leadership and the respect he has for his players. He also emphasized that the team will discuss the incident in the locker room to learn from it and move forward.
The Emotional Aftermath: Anger and Disappointment
The atmosphere in the Milan camp is undoubtedly tense. "We are angry. Until Theo’s red card, Feyenoord didn’t know how to get to our goal. We are disappointed and angry," Conceiçao confessed. The team’s frustration is palpable, and the coach acknowledged that the red card was a significant setback. However, he also recognized that the team’s mental fortitude was put to the test, and there are valuable lessons to be learned from this defeat. The coach’s candid admission of the team’s emotional state underscores the high expectations and the pressure they face.
Challenges and Reflections
Conceiçao’s tenure at Milan has been marked by challenges, and this defeat is just one of them. He arrived just a month and a half ago, and the Portuguese manager has already faced three defeats. He expressed frustration with the limited time he has had to work with the full squad, noting that they often train with only a few players. Despite these obstacles, Milan has managed to win the only trophy they could, and they are still in the running for the Coppa Italia semifinals. In the league, they have earned 14 points since his arrival, just one less than Napoli. However, the coach acknowledges that the "atmosphere here at Milan is not the best," and he stressed the need to improve the team environment.
Looking Ahead: Focus on the Future
Despite the disappointment, Conceiçao remains determined to lead Milan back to form. "Now we have the next match in Turin: we need to win that one, then the next, and the one after that. And focus on the Coppa Italia," he said. The coach’s focus is clear: to win the upcoming matches and build momentum. He emphasized the importance of changing the environment and the need for the team to regroup and refocus. The road ahead is challenging, but with Conceiçao at the helm, Milan has a fighting chance to turn things around and achieve their goals.
