Conceicao explains why fans ‘make the difference’ and how new signings will aid tactical shift | OneFootball

AC Milan secured their spot in the Coppa Italia semi-finals thanks to a 3-1 win against Roma this evening. After the game, Sergio Conceicao was interviewed by the media and he spoke very highly of the supporters.

Milan managed to take the lead just 16 minutes into the game as Tammy Abraham found the back of the net with a great header. The Englishman added a second just before the break, and then the new signing Joao Felix sealed the deal in the second half.

It was certainly one of the better performances under Conceicao especially from an attacking point of view, while the same back line that started in the derby once again held firm at the right moments to ensure a relatively comfortably evening.

Speaking to Mediaset after the game, as transcribed by MilanNews, Conceicao gave his thoughts on the cup win and the importance of having the backing from the fans.

Was this the best performance from your Milan side?

“A good match. There were moments that I didn’t like but it’s part of the game: we have to keep working. I have to give a word to the fans, they were good with the team: it’s a different environment, coming here to the stadium in the cold on Wednesday is a fantastic help. The victory was deserved.”

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How important are the fans?

“The fans make the difference, it’s like playing with an extra man. They are very important for us, they are not the tenth or second player on the pitch but they are the first: without them the clubs do not exist. We won a match but there are three more to go to win a trophy. Now we are thinking about Empoli.”

Empoli are up next for Milan and although tonight’s win was positive, they need to get back to winning ways in the league as well. Perhaps we will get to see one or more of the new signings from start in the game, scheduled for Saturday evening. Conceicao also spoke to Mediaset.

Did you see the fundamentals you always talk about tonight?

“I was talking about things that are essential in football and in life: passion, ambition, the desire to be stronger tomorrow than today.”

Are you satisfied?

“We try to give the team what we want. We only had one training session yesterday to prepare for this match: all the phases of the game are trained and I don’t have this opportunity, because we play every three days.

“But the players accept what we want. And I’m happy. The second goal is a recovery in midfield that we worked on. Even the two players who came on attacked straight away.”

Photo by AC Milan

A nice goal by Joao Felix…

“Yes, but there are three games left to win the trophy. Now let’s think about Empoli: it will be very difficult. We are having difficulties in the league, but we hope to continue on this path with the evolution that I want on an individual level so that it is then also reflected in the collective.”

Is balance useful?

“Balance is fundamental. Even today, in some moments of the match, I saw signs that I didn’t like.

Can Leao do more?

“Ah, yes. Much more. Much more. He has incredible qualities. He has to think that he is important when he has the ball at his feet, but when he doesn’t have the ball he is also important. He has to make himself available at all moments of the game for the team.

“I know that getting out of his comfort zone is not easy, but for me his work is essential. He can be a player of another level if he understands certain things that we are working on every day.”

Will the signings help you? Is it a team more similar to your Porto?

“Not yet. With these players who have arrived we can work better to go the way I like, to play with two up front, for example… Scoring goals and not conceding them.”