QS: Consistency the key – Conceicao wants further momentum in final dress rehearsal

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·5 Mei 2025

QS: Consistency the key – Conceicao wants further momentum in final dress rehearsal

Sergio Conceicao made it clear that he does not feel the need to manage minutes in view of the Coppa Italia final, but the Genoa game will be a dress rehearsal of sorts.

Quotidiano Sportivo recall Conceicao’s answer in his pre-match press conference about the idea of rotating in the next two games, in order to arrive at the final on May 14 in the best possible condition: “I don’t have to manage anything.”

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In other words, he does not want to jump ahead and instead wants to focus on the immediate, and improving the current ninth place, above all. “The league is what it is, but we have the responsibility of being at a club like Milan. Anger and regret for this placing? Yes. Now, every day we have to show that we are a stronger team than the one seen in the past.”

This is why he gets annoyed if you ask him about the philosophy behind tonight’s match and the one against Bologna on Friday at San Siro, a prelude to the Coppa Italia final. Woe betide anyone who changes before important matches: “It’s not like we’re playing for nothing. And what others think doesn’t tell me anything.”

Vital stability

The coach has practically fielded the same XI in the last four games, since he launched the new 3-4-3 that has seen nine goals scored and only one conceded across the last four games. The only (forced) change was against Venezia, with Luka Jovic out due to lower back pain.

The Serbian has worked with the group in the last few days, has recovered and is in pole position to return to leading the attack. In addition to the recovery of Emerson Royal, the good news ends there from the treatment room.

Not everyone is available: Andrea Sottil has a slight muscle issue, while Tammy Abraham has fatigue and will be re-evaluated today). Conceiçao smiles bitterly and continues to hammer on the recent keys: “Consistency”.

This is even the case when he talks about the rebirth of Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao: “They have shown that they can be among the best in the world, but they need consistency.”

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External noise

The latter is a difficult word to say at Casa Milan. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Theo, while the latest episode of the sporting director soap opera sees Tony D’Amico’s candidacy resist, despite Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi publicly shielding him.

There was a corresponding flurry of news about the potential arrival of Maurizio Sarri, who was already sounded out in December by the Rossoneri. Back then, they received a rejection to the proposal of a contract that would practically last six months.

“The moment counts. Everything can change in an instant,” Conceiçao added. The explicit reference is to the Jovic-Gimenez ballot. While the Portuguese’s soul is seething with pride, as someone who has his bags almost packed, but still wants the best ending possible.