Conceicao makes Pulisic admission, Milan ‘aware’ they must improve | OneFootball

Milan coach Sergio Conceiçao insists players are ‘aware they must improve’ and hints that Christian Pulisic won’t be available against Girona.

The Rossoneri host the La Liga side at San Siro tomorrow in the Champions League Round 7.

“I think every game is different. It’s true that being in the best club competition in the world is always a huge motivation. Big teams like Milan have to work every year to be there. In the league, we are working to have the right continuity to be there once again at the end of the year,” Conceiçao said at a press conference, as quoted by SempreMilan.

“With Porto it was a great pride for seven years, now we are trying to bring Milan to a higher position in this competition, as our history would like. Tomorrow is very important to move forward.”

Milan lost their first match under Conceiçao on Saturday, suffering a 2-0 defeat away at Juventus.

Conceicao makes Pulisic admission, Milan ‘aware’ they must improve

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Sergio Conceicao, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at on January 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“The players are aware that they have to work to improve, and it’s important that there is this basis to have the evolution that we have,” said the Portuguese coach.

“This week, despite the little time we had to prepare, the lads were concentrated and focused. I told them after Juve that this is a job on a mental level and I have to be the one as a coach to help them find the right attitude.

“They are showing me this, they are motivated every day to work and have this evolution that we want. The shirts don’t play, the shirts are worn by players who have to show what we want at all levels and in all competitions, not just in the Champions League.”

Pulisic did not train with the team on Tuesday morning.

“Christian is staying with us, we have training tomorrow morning, let’s see how it goes. I don’t want to risk losing him for a month or two months,” said Conceicao.

“He could be on the bench but it’s better not to risk it. But he’s staying with us in the retreat. After that, on the other things: tomorrow’s match is the most important thing.”