Moncada: Total Faith in Conceicao Amid Turmoil
Milan director Geoffrey Moncada has come out strongly in support of head coach Sergio Conceicao, assuring that the club has "total faith" in him despite the current turmoil. The Rossoneri are facing a crisis, having been eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Feyenoord and lost three consecutive Serie A matches, slipping to ninth place in the table. The situation was further complicated yesterday when Francisco Empis, Conceicao’s spokesman, resigned after making controversial statements to the Italian media about the coach’s dissatisfaction with players’ attitude and club management. In response to these claims, Conceicao was vocal in his defense, insisting that there were no issues.
Handling the Controversy
The Milan hierarchy, notably Moncada, had to address this bizarre situation swiftly. "The coach spoke to us and was very clear, there are no problems between us, we have a very good rapport," Moncada explained to DAZN. "I am always at Milanello with him, so is Zlatan (Ibrahimovic). For once, we finally had a whole week to prepare in training, and we want to build on that." The club’s unwavering support for Conceicao is a clear signal that they believe in his leadership and the potential to turn the season around. This internal communication and transparency are crucial in maintaining team morale and trust during challenging times.
Role of a Director of Sport
Speculation is rife about the club seeking a director of sport for the next season, with Igli Tare being the most likely candidate. Moncada addressed the uncertainty surrounding current roles: "I think in football the role of a director of sport is important. If there is someone who can help Milan, then we are pleased to look for them, but without stress." The role of a director of sport is pivotal in modern football, encompassing strategy, player recruitment, and team management. Milan is considering this move to strengthen their organizational structure and streamline their operations, which could be beneficial in the long term.
Impact of European Qualification
Milan’s current position in ninth place in Serie A has raised concerns about their European qualification prospects. Moncada emphasized the importance of not giving up despite the setbacks: "It is important because there are still 11 games to go. The season is not over, we also still have the Coppa Italia semi-final derby with Inter." Qualifying for European competition would significantly impact the club’s budget and project, providing much-needed financial stability and the opportunity to compete at a higher level. The director’s comments reflect a determination to finish the season strong and secure a spot in Europe.
Tactical Adjustments for Lecce
For the upcoming match against Lecce, Conceicao has made significant tactical adjustments. With Mike Maignan and Strahinja Pavlovic suspended, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Emerson Royal injured, the coach has opted to drop big stars like Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, and Youssouf Fofana to the bench. Santiago Gimenez and Theo Hernandez retain their positions, while January signing Warren Bondo is set to make his debut. Moncada highlighted the team’s commitment: "We are here to win this evening. We have total faith in the coach and work with him every day." These changes signal Conceicao’s intent to shake up the team and find a winning formula.
Looking Forward
Despite the current challenges, the Milan hierarchy remains optimistic and focused on the future. "We are not happy, we are fired up, but we want to get Milan back on track," Moncada stated. The club’s determination is palpable, and their support for Conceicao is a testament to their belief in his ability to navigate the team through this tough period. With important matches ahead, including the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter, the Rossoneri are keen to prove their mettle and show that they can still achieve their goals for this season.
