Sergio Conceicao, the new AC Milan manager, had to complain after one press conference about the failure of the media to show him respect. He fears how all of this might affect his future. He took over from Paulo Fonseca in December. He did not wait long to make an impact, winning the Italian Super Cup in his first three matches. A recent defeat against Atalanta has left the team struggling, sitting ninth in the standings, and raised questions about his position ahead of an important Coppa Italia semi-final clash with Inter.
At a recent press conference, one of Conceicao’s reporters posed the key question. Would the result of the next game against Inter determine his fate? He firmly stated, “My future doesn’t depend on anything, I have to prepare for the next match against Inter to win this trophy.” This resolute vision is indicative of his commitment to continue concentrating on near-term obstacles instead of conjecture about his time in the big chair.
Struggles on the Pitch
That result 1-0 loss to Atalanta unmasked the lack of lethargy settling into his side as well as the influence and timing on his costly substitutions. Conceicao expressed dissatisfaction with their contributions during the match, stating, “Those who come on during the match usually give us something more while today it was not like that.” This recognition of troubling performance should be seen as an opportunity, not a moment of despair or resignation. PAC Milan are hoping to get their season back on track.
With the pressure building and consequences all around, Conceicao preached the need to stay tuned in on the next match. He remarked, “For me, a player must be aware that the most important game is the one he is playing.” This mentality is so important. Having drawn the first leg 1-1 in Seattle, the team is preparing for their crucial second leg against Inter.
The Weight of Media Attention
In particular, Conceicao spoke out about the effect that media narratives can have on player morale and team stability. He was worried that bad press influences players’ on-field performance. For me that is OK, I am inside soccer from 40 years, but in players time read the news and so there is no stability. We need to do a much better job in a proactive way,” he said. Yet perhaps most importantly, his comments show a vivid understanding of football’s psychological side, illustrating how outside pressures can have crippling effects on performance.
The manager’s frustrations don’t stop there. His anger is exacerbated by what he sees as a growing disrespect for the game by pundits and analysts. “It isn’t easy for me because there is not much respect; they talk as if the Milan manager has never coached, and it’s not like that,” he lamented. With 40 years of experience in football, Conceicao believes he deserves recognition for his capabilities.
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