Sergio Conceicao claims the primary half towards Cagliari was ‘most likely the worst in my 13 years as coach,’ warning he’s ‘offended’ . ‘Soccer is easy.’
The coach had the perfect begin to his Rossoneri expertise after changing Paulo Fonseca on December 30, successful each video games in cost towards Juventus and Inter to carry the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh.
Nonetheless, the previous issues reared their ugly head once more in Serie A with this disappointing 1-1 draw towards relegation battlers Cagliari.
“I anticipated a lot, way more in each space. Contemplating the standard of the squad at my disposal, the primary half was most likely the worst I’ve had in my 13 years as coach, to be sincere,”
“We lacked vivacity, the tempo was too sluggish, Cagliari had everybody within the remaining third to defend their objective, that’s their technique, however we should always’ve finished what we ready to seek out these areas. We weren’t sensible sufficient to do this.
“The second half was higher, we had 25 photographs on objective, Cagliari began time-wasting, I realise that is the technique in Italy, that’s not an issue, however the referee has to present greater than 5 minutes of added time.
“This isn’t an excuse, neither is the fatigue from the Supercoppa, we should always’ve finished extra, however these are nonetheless components I can not ignore.”
Alvaro Morata had opened the scoring when assembly the rebound from Christian Pulisic’s effort off the woodwork, however inside 4 minutes the Sardinians had equalised when Mike Maignan let a Nadir Zortea counter-attack squirm by way of his grasp.
That they had quite a few alternatives, however failed to complete them off, largely because of the heroics of recent Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile.
Conceicao inherited Milan issues
Milan had been additionally held 3-3 by Cagliari in November, so contemplating the fightback within the Supercoppa, is that this a problem of focus within the large video games that’s missing right here?
“It’s a little bit of all the pieces. It’s mentality, physique, a whole lot of work we have to do as a way to enhance, as a result of there have been spells in that sport I didn’t like in any respect. A draw is dropping two factors. I’m offended as a result of we didn’t do what we had ready, so we have to do a whole lot of work.
“We didn’t have sufficient width or motion. Rafael Leao towards two or three, he wants assist and completely different motion from these to supply him with choices. The identical goes for Pulisic on the opposite aspect and the full-backs.”
Milan have two video games in hand, however the truth stays they’ve solely gained seven Serie A matches this season, drawn seven and misplaced 4.
Among the many largest issues this season is the shortcoming to complete off the attacking strikes. Are the forwards too beneficiant in comparison with a few of the ‘grasping’ centre-forwards that Conceicao was teammates with in his Serie A profession?
“The strikers are altruistic and that could be a good factor, I like that. There are occasions when they should hold it easy, it seems like they all the time need the magic contact, the tough transfer. Soccer is an easy sport, generally we attempt to make it too tough and that’s not proper. Soccer is easy.”
There have been stories this week that Conceicao launched new guidelines on the Milanello coaching floor, together with strict routines and retaining the squad in a lodge the evening earlier than a match.
“That is how I’ve finished issues for a few years. These are easy issues, being concerned every day to enhance. If I used to be employed mid-season, it means one thing wanted to be improved. If we’re rigorous off the sector with timing and organisation, then we will be extra rigorous and organised on the pitch too,” concluded Conceicao.