‘Conceicao is what Leao and Theo needed’ at Milan | OneFootball

Former Milan and Lazio defender Giuseppe Pancaro feels that his ex-teammate Sergio Conceiçao has found the right formula for motivating the Milan squad, especially Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao.

Milan are preparing to meet Cagliari on Saturday after winning the Supercoppa Italiana. Pancaro, a former Lazio and Milan defender, spoke about the new Rossoneri coach in an interview with Tuttosport.

“We are tied by Lazio’s Scudetto. He made such a significant contribution; he was very strong in one-on-one and played a key role in winning the title,” Pancaro said.

“Conceicao has already won a trophy, which is the most important thing. He has transmitted determination to the team. This is what he wants. He will always demand aggressiveness, running, and practicality.”

Milan are the clear favourites against Cagliari, as non-GamStop betting sites highlight. Nevertheless, the Rossoneri have often struggled to find the right motivation against teams in the bottom half of the table, and they’ll need to show a different attitude after beating Juventus and Inter in the Supercoppa Final Four.

Conceicao was hired by Milan on December 30, 2024.

The former Lazio, Inter and Parma winger has signed a contract to 2026, but Milan have an option to terminate the deal at the end of the season.

“Remaining at Milan [beyond the summer] is up to him now,” Pancaro continued.

“He’s had a great start, and I think he has all the characteristics to be the Milan coach.

epa11810250 AC Milan’s head coach Sergio Conceicao gives instructions during the Supercoppa Italiana final match between FC Inter and AC Milan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 06 January 2025. EPA-EFE/STRINGER

“Sergio knew he didn’t have time, so he started from the mentality. He immediately boosted the motivation of strong footballers, and it was evident.”

This is particularly true of Theo and Leao, who didn’t seem to be on good terms with Conceiçao’s predecessor, Paulo Fonseca.

“Both players needed a coach like Conceiçao. A coach with this character who can motivate them to give their best,” argued Pancaro.

The Rossoneri now need to climb the Serie A table as they are eight points below a Champions League placement.

“The table does not reflect the team’s value,” Pancaro noted.

“I think Milan are only second to Inter and this confidence boost can give a big push in Serie A and in the Champions League.”

Milan sacked Fonseca at the end of December, leaving the Rossoneri 8th in the Serie A table, eight points below Lazio in fourth.

However, Milan have two games in hand to be played against Bologna and Como.

Conceicao will make his Serie A debut as a coach on Sunday, but he played 137 games in Italy’s top flight as a footballer, scoring 13 goals and providing 21 assists.