Sacchi discusses Conceicao effect in Juve-Milan and final against Inter: “A positive sign” | OneFootball

Arrigo Sacchi, the former AC Milan manager, has shared his thoughts on the effects of Sergio Conceicao in the 2-1 against Juventus last night. He also discussed the final against Inter, labelling the latter as the clear favourites.

Tactically speaking, Milan looked far from brilliant in their game against Juventus. In particular, the first half was a struggle and the Bianconeri could have done more with their advantage. Instead, however, the Rossoneri changed things in the second half and won.

Interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning, the legendary former manager Arrigo Sacchi shared his thoughts on Conceicao’s first game in charge of Milan. He also discussed the upcoming final against Inter and what will be required.

On Milan’s turnaround…

“After the break, I was convinced that Juve would defend their lead and then extend it. And instead, the story suddenly changed. This is part of football. I would say, in fact, that it is the beauty of football.”

Now there will be the derby in the final: Inter against Milan for the Supercoppa Italiana. Who is the favourite?

“Easy answer: Inter. The Nerazzurri are not just strong, they are very strong. Simone Inzaghi’s team is a mature one, they are growing game after game: this means that there is a lot of work at the base, that there is a project to follow.”

Let’s go back to the game between the Rossoneri and Juve. The first half was all in favour of Thiago Motta’s team…

“The Bianconeri started off very well. Clear ideas, offensive pressing and speed on the flanks. Mbangula impressed me, every time he got the ball he got past his opponent and put Milan in trouble.”

Then Theo Hernandez made a mess…

“How can you let a pass like that through? It means not being focused, not being on the ball, not reading the development of the action. However, after that mistake, he recovered and this shows that he has the character.”

What could this victory mean for Milan?

“I think this is a positive sign after the change on the bench. It is clear that, from a tactical point of view, Sergio Conceiçao did not have time to make an impact. However, there was a reaction in the second half. The group, evidently, has the energy to overturn negative situations and has the football knowledge to face even a difficult opponent like Juve.”

Who did you like among the Rossoneri?

“I’ll tell you the truth: after the first half, I would have replaced them all. There wasn’t one to save. In the second half, however, everyone grew. Reijnders and Pulisic are probably the ones who gave something more. I don’t know what Conceiçao said in the locker room during the break, but he was certainly able to strike the right chord.

“After all, he is a very passionate guy, who knows how to convey emotions. Now, however, don’t feel like you have already won: there is a lot of work to do, there are many situations to study, there are many details to sort out.

“The qualities, however, are not lacking. And when I speak of qualities, I mean both technical and physical. If we add moral values ​​to these, then Milan has important foundations on which to build the future.”

The Rossoneri finished the game with a five-man defence. What do you think?

“It’s a sign of concreteness given by the coach. Conceiçao wanted the victory at all costs and he helped the team, by lining it up that way in the end, to achieve it. Now we have to reset everything and think about how to face Inter.”

How would you play against the Nerazzurri?

“Milan have the chance to put Inzaghi’s team in trouble, especially in terms of speed. The Nerazzurri, strong in all areas, if they suffer from something, it is the speed of the opposing attackers. So in these days, Conceiçao will have to work on this aspect. And he will also have to correct something at the back, because in the first half the defensive phase did not work,” he concluded.

The Inter game is scheduled for Monday evening and it’s clear that lifting the trophy would be a huge morale boost for Milan. They could also make it 2/2 wins against Inter this season, which is something that hasn’t happened for quite some time.