Conceicao will make his debut as Milan coach tomorrow evening in Riyadh in the semi-final of the Supercoppa Italiana against Juventus. He spoke to the press this morning.
How did you find the team? What did you like and what did you not like?
“I honestly found a team that is modest, that wants to learn, that wants to understand what the coach has to do. This is very important, in my opinion it is the basis for quality work. We had little time to work, but we were astute in communicating what is needed.”
What does it mean to start with a match like the one against Juventus?
“They are all different matches, where I also think about my past as a footballer. The timing is what it is: if you had asked me if I would have wanted more time to work and all the players available, I would have said yes. But I knew it since I arrived and there should be no excuses: we have to face Juve with our heads held high. There are still two training sessions to go before the match, we want to be sharp in what we want to do, easily understand what is important for the match to try to win, for us it is fundamental.”
You immediately meet your son Francisco. Does it add emotion?
“They have already asked me: I am not excited at all, I am a professional. I just have a cold and had a fever, if you see that my eyes are shining a little, that is why.” At home I am his father, tomorrow my son will be my opponent: he will think the same, I want to beat him as he wants to beat me, I hope I don't make him happy.
Is it easier to start with a challenge of this level, given Milan's situation?
“It is not easier or more difficult, we have to work. We work the same regardless of the opponent, we want to improve the situations that I think we can improve. I know the moment is not good, but we have to change it and only we can do it with them. Words are meaningless, in these big clubs results count in the end and that is what we will try to achieve from tomorrow.”
Your son likes to call his style free football. Did you expect such an impact in just a few months?
“He has the characteristics of a quality player, both technically and in terms of understanding the game and tactics. He has physical qualities, he knows it and grew up that way. I'm glad I trained him, he has a good quality.” and it's not easy to play with me. He can have a great career here in Italy or anywhere in the world.”
What do you think of Motta's Juve?
“They have a lot of quality players, young and hardworking. They understand: they are the team that has conceded the fewest goals in Serie A, they work together and we have to look at how to dismantle their defensive organisation. I don't.” We want to trap talent, but we have to work together as a team. That's the only way football works.”
What is your opinion about Tomori, also when it comes to the market?
“I didn't talk about the market, I don't like to talk about individuals. Tomori is part of the group and that's the most important thing for me.”
What do you want to be remembered for in Milan?
“I don't like to talk like a visionary, I think about work every day. Tomorrow we will play in a full stadium, we earn a lot: what more can you ask for? We must be happy and thank the talent that God has given us. We must change the moment.”
Have you seen Milan-Juve in the competition again?
“I saw two teams with more fear of losing than the desire to win, this is the idea I got. However, there are very good players, tomorrow we must have the desire to compete and win, also looking at the offensive part against quality players.”
How will the players do tomorrow night?
“I am not a doctor. There are players who have not returned yet, there are those who have only had one training. Let's see.”
You are compared to Allegri, Conte, Simeone.
“I have a lot of respect for everyone, but we all have different ways of understanding football. The coaches he has appointed are great, they have already shown that they are top class. I am convinced that I have to bring results to Milan and so must I be.” Based on this, we must respond from tomorrow.”
What do you think of Saudi Arabia?
“We were received in a very nice way. The team lacks nothing and I thank them for the hospitality.”
Is coaching Milan a risk?
“That's life, you take risks. If I didn't want to reach this level, I would have stayed at home, near Coimbra. It's not a risk, Milan is a pleasure and a source of pride.”
What do you think of the Arab football movement?
“I have followed it a bit, there are also good Portuguese players and coaches. I think as a championship it has grown a lot: you feel the passion and you grow, many good players have made Arab football evolve.”
What are your thoughts for tomorrow?
“I can't say what my intentions are, otherwise I would make Thiago happy. The other Milan super cups? They don't matter, they were played with another coach and now I'm here. Let's think about doing our best tomorrow to do.” “
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