AC Milan's Sergio Conceicao Calls Napoli Defeat A Black Day Amid Player Absences

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Sergio Conceicao acknowledged that missing key players significantly impacted AC Milan in their 2-1 loss to Napoli in Serie A on Sunday. Matteo Politano and Romelu Lukaku scored for Napoli in the first half, while Luka Jovic's late goal was only a consolation for Milan. Substitute Santiago Gimenez also missed a penalty saved by Alex Meret.

AC Milan currently sits ninth in the league with 47 points, trailing nine points behind the Champions League spots. Their situation has been worsened by recent injuries. Before the match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Ruben Loftus-Cheek was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and underwent surgery. Malick Thiaw was also absent, and Rafael Leao, who replaced Warren Bondo in the second half, struggled with an injury from international duty.

Conceicao expressed his frustration over the injuries affecting his team but refrained from using them as excuses. "Since I've been here I've never made excuses," he stated. He explained that Loftus-Cheek required surgery, Thiaw had intestinal issues, and Leao experienced thigh pain. Despite these setbacks, Conceicao remained focused on improving performance.

The Milan coach emphasized the need for better play after conceding two early goals. Politano's goal marked only the second time Napoli scored within two minutes against Milan in Serie A history, following Piero Golin's effort in March 1955. Conceicao praised his team's second-half response, highlighting their dominance in match metrics.

Milan ended the game with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.69 compared to Napoli's 0.96. "Napoli managed to escape our pressing too easily in the first half," Conceicao noted. However, he commended his team's courage and aggression in rectifying this during the second half.

Looking ahead, AC Milan is preparing for their Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter Milan on Wednesday. Conceicao stressed its importance as one of the club's objectives and praised his players' character while emphasizing the need to work on balance.

The coach remains optimistic despite their league position challenges. "It's difficult for everyone in this position," he said, expressing confidence in his group's desire to change results and improve their standing.