Milan need to start focusing from first minute, says Conceicao
Udinese vs Milan
AC Milan’s recent performances in Serie A have been a rollercoaster of resilience and frustration, as evidenced by their ability to claw back from conceding two early goals against Fiorentina last weekend, only to settle for a 2-2 draw at the iconic San Siro. Manager Sergio Conceicao, addressing the media on Thursday, emphasized the urgent need for his squad to exhibit greater focus and intensity from the opening whistle, a recurring issue that has plagued the Rossoneri throughout the campaign. The draw against Fiorentina, while showcasing Milan’s fighting spirit, underscored a troubling trend of defensive lapses and slow starts that have derailed their ambitions in a fiercely competitive league. Conceicao’s remarks reflect a manager grappling with the challenge of instilling consistency in a talented but erratic team, one that possesses the potential to compete at the highest level but struggles to translate that potential into sustained results. As Milan prepare to face Udinese on Friday, the Portuguese tactician is under pressure to address these shortcomings, not only to improve their immediate fortunes but also to keep alive their fading hopes of securing a coveted top-four finish. The broader context of Serie A this season adds further weight to Conceicao’s task, with the race for Champions League qualification growing increasingly congested and unforgiving. Teams like Bologna, Atalanta, and Lazio have set a relentless pace, leaving little margin for error for a Milan side that finds itself mired in ninth place, nine points adrift of fourth-placed Bologna. For a club with Milan’s storied history—seven European titles and a legacy of domestic dominance—the current predicament is a stark reminder of how far they have fallen from their early-2000s peak, and Conceicao’s ability to navigate this storm will define his tenure.
The pattern of conceding first has become an alarming hallmark of Milan’s season, with the team falling behind in each of their last six league matches, a statistic that paints a vivid picture of their defensive frailties and mental fragility in the opening exchanges. While Milan have shown admirable character to fight back in several of these games, securing victories in two and salvaging a draw against Fiorentina, the cost of these early deficits is evident in the three defeats incurred during this run. Each loss has chipped away at their confidence and standings, leaving them in a precarious position as the season approaches its critical midpoint. Conceicao, a manager known for his pragmatic approach and fiery personality, did not mince words when addressing this issue, stressing that the attitude and intensity displayed in the second half of matches must be present from the outset. “You need to have the attitude of the second half from the start because games are won from the first minute to the last,” he told reporters, his tone a mix of frustration and determination. This message is not new within the Milan camp; Conceicao revealed that the team has held extensive discussions about their sluggish starts, analyzing game footage and dissecting tactical missteps in an effort to pinpoint the root cause. Yet, the persistence of the problem suggests deeper issues, perhaps a lack of cohesion in the backline or a failure to mentally prepare for the intensity of Serie A’s early exchanges. The San Siro, once a fortress where opponents trembled, has not provided the impregnable home advantage Milan need, and Conceicao’s challenge is to restore that aura while addressing the tactical and psychological factors undermining his team’s performances. As they head to Udinese, a side known for its physicality and disciplined defending, Milan cannot afford another lapse, lest they risk falling further behind in a league that waits for no one.
Conceicao’s tenure, which began in December following the departure of Paulo Fonseca, has been a study in adaptation and pragmatism, as he seeks to impose his philosophy on a squad still adjusting to his methods. One of the most visible aspects of his approach has been his willingness to make bold in-game adjustments, often at halftime or earlier, to shift the momentum in Milan’s favor. Against Fiorentina, for instance, his substitutions and tactical tweaks sparked the comeback, with Luka Jovic emerging from the bench to score a crucial goal. Yet, Conceicao was quick to clarify that these changes are not premeditated acts of showmanship but rather responses to the flow of the game. “It seems like a contradiction, but I don’t line up the players to take them off at halftime,” he explained, offering a glimpse into his decision-making process. He relies heavily on his observations during matches, coupled with insights gleaned from training sessions throughout the week, to craft his game plan. However, he acknowledged that these plans often require mid-game recalibration, particularly when Milan find themselves chasing games due to early concessions. This reactive approach, while effective in moments, raises questions about whether Conceicao has yet found the right starting formula to prevent his team from falling into these predicaments in the first place. The 4-2-3-1 formation, inherited from Fonseca, remains the bedrock of Milan’s structure under Conceicao, providing a balance between attacking flair and midfield solidity. However, the formation’s success hinges on the performances of key individuals like Rafael Leao, whose explosive runs down the left flank can unlock defenses, and Theo Hernandez, a marauding full-back whose attacking instincts sometimes leave gaps at the back. Conceicao’s challenge is to harness these talents while ensuring the team remains compact and disciplined, a balancing act that has proven elusive thus far.
The question of whether to alter Milan’s attacking setup has been a topic of debate among fans and pundits, particularly regarding the possibility of deploying two strikers to bolster their goal-scoring output. Luka Jovic’s recent cameos off the bench, where he scored in consecutive games, have fueled speculation about pairing him with Tammy Abraham in a 4-4-2 system, a formation Conceicao admitted he favors from his own playing days. “The 4-4-2 is one of the formations I like the most; I played there for many years,” he said, hinting at a personal affinity for the setup. However, he was quick to temper expectations, citing the team’s lack of balance and defensive solidity as reasons to stick with a lone striker for now. With Leao and Hernandez already committing heavily to attacking roles, introducing a second striker could expose Milan’s midfield and defense to exploitation, particularly against teams adept at counter-attacking. Conceicao’s reasoning reflects a cautious approach, prioritizing stability over experimentation at a time when results are paramount. Tammy Abraham, who has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency, remains the focal point of Milan’s attack, supported by the creativity of Leao and the industrious Christian Pulisic on the right. Jovic, despite his recent heroics, appears destined to remain an impact substitute for the foreseeable future, a role that suits his knack for finding space in crowded penalty areas. Conceicao’s reluctance to overhaul the system underscores his belief that Milan’s issues stem more from execution than structure, but whether this faith will be rewarded remains to be seen.
As Milan gear up for their trip to Udinese, they face additional challenges in the form of a mounting injury list that threatens to disrupt Conceicao’s plans. Defender Kyle Walker, a recent addition whose physicality and versatility had bolstered the backline, is sidelined with a fractured elbow, an injury that could keep him out for several weeks. Forward Santiago Gimenez, who limped off against Fiorentina, is also unavailable, depriving Milan of another attacking option at a critical juncture. Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, continues his recovery from appendicitis, leaving the midfield short of his box-to-box dynamism. These absences place further strain on an already stretched squad, forcing Conceicao to rely on younger players and fringe members to fill the void. Udinese, managed by the wily Kosta Runjaic, are unlikely to make life easy for Milan, having developed a reputation for their compact defending and ability to frustrate bigger teams at home. For Conceicao, the match represents not just an opportunity to secure three points but also a chance to demonstrate that his message about starting strongly is finally sinking in. A victory could provide a much-needed boost to morale and momentum, while another slow start could deepen the sense of crisis surrounding the club. As the Serie A season progresses, Milan’s ability to address their early-game woes and adapt to adversity will determine whether they can salvage their top-four aspirations or face the prospect of a season defined by missed opportunities.
