Moncada: ‘Milan total faith in Conceicao’ who was ‘clear’ on controversy | OneFootball

Milan director Geoffrey Moncada assures they have ‘total faith’ in under-fire coach Sergio Conceicao, who was ‘very clear’ about the controversy caused by his spokesman.

The trip to Lecce kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

There can be no doubting that the Rossoneri are in a deep crisis, as after Champions League elimination in the play-offs to Feyenoord, they have lost three consecutive Serie A matches and dropped to ninth place in the table.

There was also controversy yesterday when Conceicao’s spokesman Francisco Empis resigned after telling the Italian media the coach was unhappy with the players’ attitude and club management, prompting an angry response from the Portuguese tactician.

Moncada and Milan back Conceicao

Santiago Gimenez Zlatan Ibrahimovic @acmilan

How did the Milan hierarchy handle this bizarre situation?

“The coach spoke to us and was very clear, there are no problems between us, we have a very good rapport. I am always at Milanello with him, so is Zlatan (Ibrahimovic), for once we finally had a whole week to prepare in training and we want to build on that,” Moncada told DAZN.

It just adds to the speculation that the club is seeking a director of sport for next season, most likely Igli Tare, because the duties aren’t entirely clear for the current crop.

“I think in football the role of a director of sport is important. If there is someone who can help Milan, then we are pleased to look for them, but without stress.”

Milan are ninth in Serie A, so while planning for next season, how much will qualification for Europe change their budget and project?

“It is important because there are still 11 games to go. The season is not over, we also still have the Coppa Italia semi-final derby with Inter,” continued Moncada.

“We are not happy, we are fired up, but we want to get Milan back on track.”

Sergio Conceicao takes drastic action against Lecce, because while Mike Maignan and Strahinja Pavlovic are suspended, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Emerson Royal injured, big stars like Joao Felix, Rafael Leao and Youssouf Fofana are dropped to the bench.

Santiago Gimenez and Theo Hernandez keep their places, while January arrival Warren Bondo gets his debut.

“We are here to win this evening, we have total faith in the coach and work with him every day,” concluded Moncada.