Coach Sérgio Conceição has no intentions of contemplating the upcoming Cup match, stating bluntly: "I don't need to handle anything."
AC Milan's coach, Sérgio Conceição, is geared up for an action-packed week, with two critical matches on the horizon - Sunday's fixture against Genoa and the Italian Cup final against Bologna just five days later. But the Portuguese tactician isn't sweating the juggling act, dismissing any notion of managing the situation.
"We don't need to manage anything," Conceição declared. "We've always felt the responsibility to deliver for a club like AC Milan. We know the league can be a rollercoaster, but we aim to exhibit quality every day and prove we're not the same team we've been in the past. The strategies other coaches might consider don't bother us. We focus on taking it game by game, improving daily. First, we concerns ourselves with Genoa, then Bologna," he said.
When asked about Milan's impressive defensive run – three consecutive clean sheets – Conceição credited the team's relentless effort. "We work hard to achieve consistency at this level because our offensive game is always on point. We identify and rectify individual and collective errors that shouldn't occur," he explained.
Injury concerns may cloud the Genoa encounter, with key players such as Tammy Abraham, Yves Bondo, Nicolas Sottil, and, to some extent, Luka Jovic, unavailable due to physical issues. However, Jovic, who's recovered from injury, has trained fully and is set to feature. Conceição underscored the importance of squad depth, stating, "everyone is crucial" and "I trust everyone."
As the league season draws to a close and the Coppa Italia final approaches, Conceição is focusing on injury management, tactical consistency, and squad rotation. He'll manage energy levels in the league matches, giving rest where necessary while maintaining intensity, particularly against Genoa, to conserve energy for the final. He might also employ tactical surprises to keep Bologna's coach, Vincenzo Italiano, guessing ahead of the May 14 showdown. The Bologna club's continued push for the Champions League may force them to field full-strength line-ups in the league, offering Milan an opportunity to test defensive setups.
With Milan's undefeated form providing a psychological edge, Conceição is adamant about maintaining a game-by-game approach, prioritizing daily improvement and fulfilling his duties to the club. Speculation about his future hasn't deterred him from securing Milan's second trophy this season. Despite the challenges ahead, Conceição remains steadfast in his determination to deliver for the Rossoneri.
"Conceição remains focused on the upcoming matches, starting with Genoa and followed by the Italian Cup final against Bologna. He emphasizes that the team will not manage errors or setbacks, aiming to exhibit quality every day and prove their improvement in football. The coach expresses the importance of teamwork and defensive consistency, pointing out the key players who might be missing but trusts everyone in the squad. In the league matches, Conceição will manage energy levels and may employ tactical surprises to stay competitive, considering Bologna's push for the Champions League."
"Despite the challenges and speculation about his future, Conceição is determined to secure another trophy for AC Milan this season, reinforcing his commitment to the club."
