Vitiello: Conceicao using ‘severe but fair methods’ to bring ‘discipline and rules’ | OneFootball

Sergio Conceicao is learning more about the AC Milan squad with each passing day, and he hopes his methods will transform the mentality of the group.

Milan continue to find themselves in a perilous position in the league, having once again fallen eight points behind Lazio in fourth place. After the defeat against Juventus on Saturday they are now six points away from them too, so getting a Champions League place will be very difficult.

After the defeat against the Bianconeri, Conceiçao was furious and – as per a report yesterday from Corriere della Sera – confessed to those close to him that he has ‘never coached a team with so little character’.

It is a damning assessment but most likely an accurate one, given how the Rossoneri were completely swallowed up by the energy and desire of Juve during the second half, all while having virtually no answer.

Antonio Vitiello published his weekly column for MilanNews and he spoke about the challenges that Conceicao faces, from a psychological aspect above all else.

“Coaches come and go but the problems at Milan are always the same and no one can solve them. For two years, those who manage the Rossoneri have been talking about a lack of hunger, little desire to win and attitudes that are not liked,” he said.

“In the final year with Stefano Pioli, the character issue of the Milan team had been brought up several times by the Parma coach, and the same thing happened for six months with Paulo Fonseca.

More Stories / The Match

Watch: Milan squad train ahead of Girona game – Pulisic out, Okafor and Morata present

21 January 2025, 12:00

GdS: ‘Victory or hell’ – why Milan are obligated to win in Conceicao’s UCL debut

21 January 2025, 10:39

MN: Pavlovic to be offered chance by Conceicao as Milan eye ‘another reset’

20 January 2025, 20:00

“Now Sergio Conceiçao has already spoken about this problem several times in a short time, publicly denouncing that he is coaching a team with little malice and desire to fight in every challenge: ‘We need to have an empty fridge at home to be hungrier’.

“It’s really depressing to hear that there are people at Milan who don’t give their all for the shirt, who don’t take to the field with the utmost conviction to win matches. After all, eighth place in the standings explains everything.

“A season full of M figures [Merda, i.e. sh*t] on almost every field in Italy isn’t even enough to wake up this group, not even three different coaches in the last ten months have moved anything.

“Conceição’s severe but fair methods will be useful to provide discipline and rules, but then the maximum contribution of those who go on the field is also needed. And a hand from the management would also be needed, which from this point of view has great responsibilities.”