Milan finally won again.
The team is distinguished by its voluntary victories
After Conceição’s arrival, Milan played seven matches. Five wins, one defeat against Juventus, one draw against Cagliari. A victory with minimal goal difference against Girona. And here are four more matches – worthy classic football. Against Parma, Conceição’s former club, the coach unleashed his team. Milan attacked at home and lost the lead twice. In the 91st minute we lost 1:2, but before the final whistle we scored two more goals and won a willing victory.
Overall, both teams created enough chances. There have been some unfortunate episodes for Japanese goalkeeper Parma Suzuki. Zion guessed the direction of Pulisic’s shot on the spot, but did not cover up his mistake. It was the goalkeeper who pushed Milan’s Serbian newcomer Strahinja Pavlovich in the back. The central defender has become one of the most visible on the pitch. His goal was disallowed for offside, as was that of striker Morata. But when the Serbian scored in the 95th minute, Milan were lucky.
Chukwueze scored the winning goal. The fourth voluntary victory with Conceicao. And the second success became significant. The match between Inter and Milan in the final of the Italian Super Cup is one of the most spectacular of the month of January. Conceicao allowed players to take risks. They first conceded goals against Inter forwards Martinez and Taremi, then heroically led the final to a 2:3 victory. Striker Abraham scored against the enemies in stoppage time. Not all comebacks are this spectacular, but every game requires strength.
After Parma’s winning goal, Conceicao fell to his knees, exhausted. They helped him get up. The lanky Portuguese has moved Milan back up the Serie A table. Now Sergio has a game in hand and Juventus are just three points behind. If the Rossoneri do not drop their new coach, they will be in the fight for fourth place and a guaranteed place in the Champions League in a month. In the meantime, they are taking fans on a roller coaster of emotions. And Conceicao definitely doesn’t like the new team’s defensive play.
Coach sparked conflict with Milan captain
Jovic came on as a substitute for the Calabrian defender in the match against Parma. The striker did not assist with a goal, but participated in the comeback. But the captain almost got into a fight with Conceicao after the match. We understand why the Milanese graduate is unhappy. This winter, Ibrahimovic agreed with Kyle Walker. Although the Calabrian has a lot of experience and even has caps for the Italian national team, his level cannot be compared to the Englishman’s skills. Conceicao found a replacement captain during the first transfer window.
Word by word, it had to be separated. Sergio says they resolved the conflict. But it is clear that Calabria is unlikely to be in the lineup. Conceicao’s idea is easy to understand. It needs two equal sides. And the titled Theo Hernández, winner of the Champions League with Real Madrid, runs on the left. The French full-back, in an unsuccessful season for fired coach Fonseca, scored 3 goals and made 2 assists in Serie A. But the defender scored against Inter and Como with new coach Conceicao, Theo played .
Calabria had already lost the fight against Emerson Royal. The Brazilian was signed away from Tottenham this summer. And now, former Spurs defender Kyle Walker will replace new Calabria and Milan signing Royal. Or will Conceicao still play three central defenders? Until the mentor begins to break the schemes used by Fonseca. But with the new coach, even defensive midfielder Fofana actively goes towards the other goal, copying the style of Anguissa from Naples. Another central midfielder also stands out.
The Dutchman Tijani Reynders owes his name to Babangida, a famous Cameroonian footballer. The midfielder scored one of the goals against Parma. Conceicao changes the formation from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1, allowing players to occupy different positions on the pitch. Leau and Pulisic either play out wide, like wingers, or inside. The coach cannot fully trust any of the attackers – Abraham, Morata and Jokic. But he has a choice; they will depend on the form of all the players.
Conceição will be able to attract strong newcomers
Walker left Manchester City, where Guardiola did not send him off. But Kyle is running from crazy personal problems. Divorce from his wife, difficult relationship with his other common-law wife, as it turned out Kyle had a secret family. Lose millions of pounds. The woman wants to completely steal Walker. The court will side with a woman whose husband repeatedly cheated on her. And he started a parallel family, which he hid for years. Walker wanted to leave England, but could choose different clubs.
I chose Milan, because I respect the crazy Conceicao and the no less strong-willed Ibrahimovic. Mentors with a spark have enough drawbacks. But don’t let the behavior of the Portuguese fool you. I allowed Milan to play with cheekiness and sharpness, because I saw that the team lacked freedom. And as soon as Sergio gets used to it, he will remember all the tricks from his Porto days. “Dragons” absorbed the blow perfectly. In principle, the 1-0 victory against Girona reflects Conceição’s second team.
The Portuguese saw that the opponent had more possession of the ball. I asked the Milan players to pass more carefully. They exchanged blows. Leau’s try at the end of the first half proved decisive. Conceicao could suit Milan because the players will trust him. It’s not just the Portuguese. So far, the team only has one compatriot coach. Good foreign players and interesting Italians will kick the ball under the leadership of Conceicao. We’re talking about a grumpy but smart mentor.
Won trophies in Portugal, will gain experience in Serie A. Chose a difficult club to develop. Milan does not indulge in stability. They were first in Serie A a few years ago when Ibrahimovic inspired confidence with his return as player-manager. Then Zlatan helped a lot, his contribution was highlighted by coach Pioli. Milan were also in the semi-finals of the Champions League. A good result that Arteta’s Arsenal can only dream of. But Milan needs to develop.
Inzaghi is incredibly good at Inter. Don’t let the individual results of the Milan derby fool you. Naples has a smart coach again, Conte. Atalanta still has veteran Gasperini. The Bergamo team has been impressive lately with a strong selection. And Milan don’t have all their talents at their peak. The Belgian De Ketelare is good for Gasperini, but for the Rossoneri he has not evolved. One of Conceicao’s tasks is to get the most out of not only Milan’s veterans, but also to develop the youth.
About the Author
