The Milan’s coach words: “We had a training session yesterday, nothing more. The various phases of the game are trained, I don’t have this possibility because we play every three days.”

Milan secures a place in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia by beating Roma 3-1 at San Siro, thanks to goals from Abraham (double) and Joao Felix on his debut. Following the match, comments from AC Milan’s coach Sergio Conceicao:

CONCEICAO ON MEDIASET

Did we see the foundations of Milan tonight?
“I was talking about the basics in terms of essential things in football and life. Ambition, passion, the desire to be stronger tomorrow than today.” I am satisfied, the boys did not operate differently from the norm. We are trying to impart upon the team what we desire. We underwent a training session yesterday, nothing more. The different phases of the game were practiced, however, I don’t have this opportunity because we play every three days. This intense schedule leaves little room for rest, let alone intensive training. Our teams display an unswerving persistence to overcome these challenging circumstances, showing once again that no hurdle is too high in the pursuit of the game we love so passionately. We continue to strive, to improve, to conquer, despite the demanding routine. This is our calling, our commitment, our sport. They are smart players and they understand. I’m pleased, the second goal originated from a midfield retrieval that we had planned. In this regard, I am truly delighted. Joao Felix and Gimenez have made a good start, they are intelligent.” On Joao Felix’s Goal. “It’s a beautiful goal, but it didn’t give us anything. We have advanced to the semifinals, but there are still three matches left to clinify this competition. Right now, we need to gear up for the game against Empoli, as matches prove to be quite challenging here in Italy. “We hope to continue on this path, with this consistency, and keep moving forward like this. It’s a progression that I desire at an individual level, which then also reflects on the collective.”

How important is the concept of balance? “It’s crucial, incredibly important. The balance of the team is crucial at all levels. Football is all about balance, both when you have the ball and when you don’t. Today, I saw some signs that I didn’t like, but it’s a work in progress and we’re looking to improve. “Balance is undoubtedly essential for the team,”

Can Leao do more?

“Yes, very much more. In possession of astounding qualities and features, one must consider how pivotal the ball is; when it’s under their control, its importance escalates dramatically. When not, however, there lies a needed understanding that they partake in a team – a collective, where availability for the team at every twist and turn of the game is essential. “Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is not easy, there is always a bit of scepticism and it is a task many overlook, but for me it is vital. We are working and discussing on it every day.” Is this Milan starting to resemble their Porto? “Not yet. We are working to become a more compact and aggressive team, to prevent opponents from reaching our 30-meter mark. “It is not yet so, but with the players who arrived in January, we can begin to work because their characteristics comfort me to play as I like, perhaps even with the two upfront, striving for the needed balance to score goals but also to prevent them.”