Sergio Conukicao praised his AC Milan players for staying focused in the aftermath of their Coppa Italia victory in Inter, after they had defeated Venezia 2-0 in Series A.
Milan went on to the domestic cup final on Wednesday with a 3-0 triumph over their Della Madonnina rivals, with a showpiece meeting with Bologna.
And although the Rossoneri have been in the Serie A, they kept their slender hope for the European qualification alive on Sunday, while Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez struck in the Pier Luigi Penzo stadio.
“It was not easy after the derby to have the concentration that we have missed in recent months,” Conceicao told Dazn.
“Competitive Focus is the key. It's not easy to get here, it's a team that presses a lot, that has quality that plays directly, has quickly players.
“Then it is special to play here, you arrive by boat, only the palm trees are missing and you have the feeling that you are on vacation. It was essential to win today to give the victory in the semi -final of the cup solidly.”
Gimenez, a signing of February by Feyenoord who made a sizzling start of his career in Milan, who scored three times in his first four games, but has struggled since then, came from the bank to Milan's second goal.
These three points were offered by @Concacaf #VeneziAMAMANSAN #Sempremilan pic.twitter.com/sexsyv5fzl
– AC Milan (@acmilan) April 27, 2025
Conuuicao hopes that strike can encourage the Mexican to greater heights and says: “He is aware that he is not at his best.
“Immediately afterwards he told me that the game had not gone well, but the goal was important. He must look at what he should do, how he can work for the team with and without the ball.
“Then the goals will certainly come because it is good and the group knows its qualities.”
Milan continues to take a closer look at the ninth in the rankings with Concuicao's future in the club, but the coach has little interest in that subject for the time being.
“Concuyo is not important at the moment, Milan is important,” said the Rossoneri coach.
“I work with my staff for many hours a day. Then you can lose games as happened in recent months.
“In a month or so I will also say what I want. I may also have other thoughts, such as going on holiday in the Algarve in Portugal for 10 years, I don't know.”