Conceicao discusses ‘best in the world’ Theao, Jovic’s fitness and Coppa Italia rotation | OneFootball

AC Milan have a big game against Genoa tomorrow, and Sergio Conceicao previewed the game and discussed the current situation.

Whilst focus may wander to the games against Bologna later this month, Milan must stay grounded and continue to look at what is directly ahead of them, which is Genoa in this case. Failing to do so will only be a worry in the long run.

Throughout this year, we have often seen the team’s mentality be scrutinised, and this is where the Rossoneri have to show that they are able to manage a calendar, not just singular fixtures – after all, a club of the Diavolo’s size should always have other games and prizes to keep focused on.

So, Monday’s game against the Grifone is, in some ways, a test for next season, and Milan must prevail. Before the game, Conceicao spoke to the press about a multitude of topics, and Milan News have transcribed his words.

What kind of match is tomorrow’s Genoa-Milan?

“The speech I’ve had so far is that we think game by game, improving what we think needs to be improved, trying to be a stronger team every day that passes. We’re thinking about Genoa tomorrow and then the two with Bologna.”

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There are now guarantees with the formation… also, how is Jovic?

“This continuity and consistency that we need to have in the team with the new module, we work on this day after day: defensively, offensively, in terms of balance. The players are starting to understand better what we want in the dynamics of the team.

“Then there are the setbacks, maybe tomorrow something like what happened with Jovic in Venice could arrive. My feeling is that everyone is important, I count on everyone. They are prepared to play, trusting everyone. Jovic is better, he did three training sessions with us. Abraham stopped due to a physical problem: him, Bondo and Sottil.”

Will you rotate in Serie A for the Coppa Italia?

“I don’t have to manage anything. Every day we come to work here, there is the responsibility of working for a club like Milan. Serie A is what it is, but we have the responsibility to demonstrate quality every day, a different team from what we have been in the league at times. That’s what we are working for.

“The management that other coaches do doesn’t mean anything to me. I respect Capello a lot, he has his thoughts and I have mine. We don’t manage anything, then the game is not just about the 11 who start. We think game by game, that’s our thought.”

Are Theo and Leao back?

“Everyone recognises the quality of Milan’s players. You need to have continuity. But we’re talking about two players who have already proven themselves and have already won a Scudetto at Milan: they are two of the best in the world. Sometimes things don’t go as they should, but the moment counts: they are doing well, I count on them as on everyone else.”

Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images

Walker as a centre-back or a full-back?

“He can play both positions. It’s a good solution because he knows both roles. He’s physically fit, he’s available like the others to help the team.”

At the moment, who starts between Gimenez and Jovic?

“They have great qualities. Then it’s up to me to decide who should play, or if they should play together. It depends on the situation.

“They have interesting qualities for the team, different from each other. We have faith in them. Then, in football, everything can change at any moment. We look at the games day by day, we’ll see what happens tomorrow night. I know who plays, maybe they both do, but I won’t say it now.”

What is the ideal role for Alex Jimenez?

“He has quality. He has to improve in terms of concentration and continuity. He is a young guy, and like all young people in this area of ​​focus, he has to improve something. On a technical and tactical level, he understands.

“He is a good footballer, he has to continue his journey and grow every day. Not only in his training but also outside, to become a high-level professional.”

What is the best role for Loftus-Cheek?

“He is very capable. In my opinion, he was born as a box-to-box. Then it depends on the game, on the strategy. He is physically strong, he gets well into the opponent’s area, technically very good. Every day he is better, we count on him for this finale.”

How do you keep clean sheets on the road?

“You have to work. It’s not that you can do everything with the system. There is teamwork, we work on this to give continuity to this level.

“On an offensive level, the team has shown in all the games that they create a lot. Then we lacked balance and defensive solidity. We are working on all this, it is important not only on a team level but also on individual errors that cannot be made at high levels.

“In the end, it is our job to improve the team.”

Is there any regret, anger or disappointment for the Serie A standings?

“Yes, for everything.”