Milan Boss Sergio Conceicao Expects Feyenoord's Coaching Change To Provide Motivation Ahead Of Champions League Clash

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AC Milan's manager, Sergio Conceicao, believes Feyenoord's choice to appoint an interim coach just before their Champions League clash could energise the Dutch players. Pascal Bosschaart took over temporarily after Brian Priske was dismissed, only eight months into his tenure. Feyenoord, currently fifth in the Eredivisie and trailing Ajax by 12 points, will host Milan on Wednesday for the first leg of their tie.

Bosschaart, a former Feyenoord player, previously served as an assistant coach at Cambuur and Dordrecht but lacks senior management experience. Despite this, Conceicao anticipates a challenging match against Feyenoord. "We have an important match, and we're in this situation because of our own mistakes. We take full responsibility," said the Portuguese manager before Wednesday's game.

The change in coaching staff is expected to motivate Feyenoord's players significantly. Conceicao noted that Rotterdam is traditionally a tough venue for visiting teams. "I was here three years ago with Porto; it's a fiery atmosphere," he added.

The Rotterdam team has lost only one of their last 11 home games against Italian clubs in major European competitions (W6 D4). Meanwhile, Milan has struggled away from home in the Champions League knockout stages, failing to win any of their last 11 matches (D4 L7). Conceicao emphasised that the outcome depends on Milan's performance: "The story of this game will be written by us; it depends on what we do."

Milan strengthened their attacking options in January by signing Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez. They join Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao at the club. Pulisic has scored four goals in Europe this season; Olivier Giroud was the last player to score more for Milan in a single campaign with five goals in 2022-23.

Injury Concerns and Tactical Adjustments

"We don't have many alternatives," Conceicao stated due to injuries and unavailable players. "We've only got 15 outfield players plus youngsters." He acknowledged that coaches must find solutions with available squad members: "These four are in the squad, so we'll see."

Conceicao praised Gimenez, who recently joined from Feyenoord and will face his former club. Gimenez had six goal involvements for Feyenoord this season—the most by any player for them in Champions League history. "Santi is a player I've been following for years," Conceicao said.

Gimenez's Potential and Team Dynamics

"In football, he's young and has a long way to go," Conceicao continued about Gimenez. "But he's already a top-level player." The manager stressed Gimenez's importance: "He needs to keep working hard because the team needs him both with and without the ball." Conceicao expressed satisfaction with Gimenez and his team's current form.