Conceicao on Inter ‘weakness’ and ‘lies’ about Milan | OneFootball

Sergio Conceicao assures Inter ‘have weaknesses’ that can be exploited once again by Milan, but also hit out at the media over what he claims are ‘lies’ and the on-going transfer speculation.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 17.00 GMT and the Rossoneri already beat their rivals twice this season, in Serie A and in the Supercoppa Italiana Final, which was only Conceicao’s second game in charge.

“Looking at the strong points of your opponent and balance those out with organisation. I also faced Inter in the Champions League with Porto and they haven’t changed much,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“All teams have weaknesses and we just have to find them. I have been here for only a month, but it feels like much more, because I spend so many hours at the Milanello training ground.

“I experience my profession with great passion and desire to win. I had many offers, but I chose Milan because you cannot say no to a side like Milan. It is an important step in my career and I want to do well.

“We already won one trophy and other competitions are still open. We can achieve our targets, even if we know it won’t be easy. Things will be calmer after the transfer window closes.”

The transfer deadline is on Monday night and there are numerous changes in the squad, including Davide Calabria on his way to Bologna and Alvaro Morata heading to Galatasaray.

“The market is open and there are many rumours that it is not easy to control inside the locker room, but we are concentrated on the match and that is the most important thing,” continued Conceicao.

Conceicao ready for first San Siro Milan Derby

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Sergio Conceicao, Head Coach of AC Milan, celebrates after Christian Pulisic of AC Milan (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal during the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Although his second game in charge was the Derby della Madonnina, that was played on neutral turf in Riyadh for the Supercoppa Italiana.

This will therefore be Conceicao’s first genuine experience of the fixture at San Siro, although he knows full well what it is like, having played for Inter during his career.

“It is one of the most important derbies in the world and will be my first derby at San Siro as a coach. I am truly happy, but also aware that I have a big responsibility and that this is not the best period for Milan. This ought to give us more strength rather than take it away.”

The only Serie A defeat of the season so far has been against Milan, although Paulo Fonseca was still on the bench before his dismissal on December 30.

“They are very strong, they know each other so well and always try to move around, the way they spread down the wings creating difficulty for opposition full-backs.

“Inter are a great side, but we know that we can take advantage of their weaknesses, because all teams have them.”

During his press conference, Conceicao also hit out at the media following the tension of his on-field row with former captain Calabria.

“I read a lot of lies and that irritates me. I am here in this room every 3-4 days, so if you have any doubts or questions, then I will answer them, but lies hurt. Players are all on social media nowadays and it is not easy to deal with a group that has this much transfer speculation, with all the work we need to do on the field.

“At times I end up dealing with things that aren’t my role, but I have to, because the only way to win is with my team in the best possible condition.”

Fikayo Tomori seems to be on the verge of an exit too, even though he rejected the transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

“If Tomori needs to play tomorrow, then he will, I am counting on all my players. I had 10 players at Porto who left as free agents and they played with me to the last second,” concluded Conceicao.