Sergio Conceicao Aims To Find Right Balance For AC Milan Following Champions League Setback

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Sergio Conceicao acknowledged the challenge of finding the right team balance after AC Milan's 1-0 loss to Feyenoord, where he fielded all four strikers. Milan now faces the task of overturning this deficit at San Siro to progress to the Champions League last 16. Igor Paixao capitalised on a Mike Maignan error, scoring from a tight angle in the third minute, securing Feyenoord's unexpected victory.

Despite starting Santiago Gimenez, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, and Christian Pulisic together, Milan struggled offensively. In the first half, they managed only three shots with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.19 and had just 14 touches in Feyenoord's box. By full-time, their xG was 0.57, slightly less than Feyenoord's 0.58, but they failed to significantly test goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.

Conceicao expressed his commitment to improving team dynamics. "I am the one who must find the right balance in the team," he stated. He emphasised that while people focus on the four forwards, there are seven other players contributing as well. Conceicao also highlighted his respect for all opponents regardless of their league status.

Milan has struggled away from home in Champions League knockout stages, failing to win in their last 12 such matches and not scoring in eight of them. This season, they've lost 44% of their away games across competitions, marking their worst away record since 2013-14 when it was 46%. Conceicao expects a better performance at home in the second leg.

"You win games with duels and aggression," Conceicao remarked about Feyenoord's performance. He noted that Milan should have matched their intensity and used the Champions League atmosphere as motivation. Despite early chances like Tijjani Reijnders' shot over the bar and conceding due to unfortunate incidents, Conceicao believes Milan had opportunities to equalise.

Looking Ahead

Conceicao remains optimistic about turning things around in the second leg at San Siro. He stressed that everyone needs to elevate their game for better results. "We must all, starting from me, give a little more," he said. Conceicao aims to make significant improvements over the remaining months of the season compared to earlier performances.

The coach is determined to harness his squad's technical abilities while integrating other crucial characteristics needed for success. Although challenging, Conceicao believes change is possible and necessary for achieving better outcomes as they continue their Champions League journey.