Conceicao previews Napoli clash and reflects on uncertain future: “I need results” | OneFootball

On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Napoli, Sergio Conceicao spoke to the media at his usual pre-match press conference.

Milan are looking to re-establish themselves in the top four race, currently just six points behind, and everything starts with the game against Napoli tomorrow. Without three points in that game, it will be very difficult to make up for the gap.

Speaking to the media at today’s press conference, as transcribed by MilanNews, Conceicao made it clear that he doesn’t care about reassurances for the future. Instead, he wants to respond with and rely on results, which sounds like a good mentality indeed.

How did you work with the players who remained at Milanello?

“The ideal was to work with the whole group, but it wasn’t possible. The remaining players did a different job compared to other weeks.”

First challenge against Conte. What kind of match are you expecting? Why do you need to win in Naples?

“I challenged Antonio as a player; we have faced each other many times. True, as a coach it is the first time. A difficult and important match for the objectives we have, we must not hide our objectives. And for this reason tomorrow’s result is important. We will work to win, knowing the qualities of the opponent.”

Ibrahimovic is back. Did you feel his support?

“He can’t play tomorrow, he’s out (laughs). We talk to the management every day. We work in a healthy, good environment and with a lot of hunger. I have to talk about what concerns the players and nothing else.”

On Abraham: Is it likely that he will play from the first minute?

“We worked with everyone. On the principles of the team, on the moments of the game. We also stimulated the talent, the quality of the players.”

What kind of game do you expect?

“A quality Napoli, with intensity, clarity and a striker who knows how to bring down the ball very well and Raspadori who goes inside, McTominay too. Lobotka, who is the master of midfield. We know everything by heart, we prepared ourselves on these principles and their qualities, while also looking at our qualities. We are ready for a good match, I like to challenge the best and Napoli are one of the best teams in Italy.”

How much does the challenge with Conte stimulate you?

“I don’t need reassurances, I’m here to do the best job possible. Antonio and I have the same passion for the job. I think that beyond the passion we have for football, we live life intensely. Everyone has their own characteristics, I’m different from him.”

Do you believe in a comeback?

“If I didn’t believe in it, I wouldn’t be here. We were able to work differently from other weeks, when we had matches every three days. The atmosphere is good and healthy, with the desire to have a finale at the level of Milan.”

Does Ibrahimovic believe in you? Did you talk about the future?

“I don’t need trust. Let me say one thing: I have to work, I don’t have this weakness of needing someone who reassures me. I don’t need it, I depend on the results. I’m not a child who needs his dad to tell him he loves me. I know I have two goals: Coppa Italia and fourth place. Plus the Supercoppa that we won. Of course, there is disappointment in the Champions League.”

Did you also prepare the match with Inter in mind?

“I think in my experience, if we prepare for two games, it’s not good. So we have focused on Napoli, and then we’ll think about the Coppa Italia. There are players who have played two games for the national team but we have a staff that works very well.”

On Walker..

“He’s part of the group, he’s settled in very well. He’s got a lot of experience, on and off the pitch. Up until now, he has done everything that’s been asked of him, he’s a fantastic professional and I hope he continues like this until the end.”

On Loftus-Cheek…

“He can play more than one position. An important player, with important numbers as we saw last year. Ruben can play as an attacking midfielder, or box-to-box, it depends on the strategy of the match and his condition. Now he is available”.

Who would you take from Napoli?

“All Napoli players have quality and Conte is doing well. I don’t like to focus on individuals, in every department there are good players.”

Tomori is playing little. Do Thiaw and Gabbia give you more guarantees?

“It depends on the cycles, on the form. I have four central defenders in whom I have great faith.”

Some changes could be made to the starting XI, such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but the feeling is that the manager will rely on the main strengths of Milan tomorrow. He doesn’t have any room to experiment or make bold choices, which in a way is positive.