Maignan insists Milan must ‘act and react’ under Conceicao: “We have to do better” | OneFootball

Mike Maignan has admitted that a mid-season coaching change is not easy for the AC Milan squad, but they are fired up for the game against Juventus.

The last few days must have been quite difficult to process for the team, given that Paulo Fonseca was the head coach going into the final game of 2024 against Roma, then less than 24 hours later Sergio Conceicao had been named as his replacement.

As one of the leaders of the dressing room, Maignan will no doubt feel a sense of responsibility to ensure that the transition is as seamless as it can be, even if there is the challenge of a trip to Saudi Arabia straight away to contend with.

Speaking of which, Maignan spoke alongside the new coach at a press conference at the Alawwal Stadium in Riyadh on the eve of the match against Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals. MilanNews relayed his comments.

How did you find the last few days?

“A change of coach is never easy, but we were immediately attentive to listen to the manager.”

What disappoints you?

“You only get disappointed at the end, but now we have to do everything we can to do our best. Tomorrow there is a semi-final, it is very important for the club and for us.”

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What do you feel like saying to the fans?

“I don’t like to talk too much, because when you talk too much it’s always difficult. We are here to act and react, we have to do better. I know my team-mates and we will try to do our best. The fans don’t like the results, but neither do we: we have a lot of ambitions.”

Did you say goodbye to Fonseca?

“We have respect, we are great men. We greeted him.”

What do you think about the Saudi league?

“I don’t have time to watch it. But it’s growing because they’re taking European players. My future here? I don’t know.”