The 20th round of Serie A matches will be held on January 12 at 3:45am Beijing time, AC Milan will face Cagliari at San Siro Stadium. Prior to the match, Milan manager Conceição held a press conference at the San Siro, where he had an in-depth exchange with the media on the team's dynamics, tactical deployment and transfer rumors, among other topics.
Talking about the adjustment of mindset after winning the title, Conceição emphasized: "Calmness after winning the Super Cup is crucial. If someone is complacent because of the victory, he doesn't deserve to represent Milan at all. We are happy about this, we deserve it, but there is still a 17-point gap to the top of the table. As a club that has won Serie A 19 times and Europe seven times, we can't be satisfied with just one Super Cup. We have to go all out for the league from tomorrow and the Super Cup is a thing of the past."
Speaking about his first appearance at the San Siro as Milan's manager, Conceição admitted: "I don't have any special feelings. It's exciting to represent a club with a long history, but during the preparations my mind is so full of things that I don't think too much about the challenges I'll face. Of course, I will feel something before the whistle blows, but my main task is to make sure the players are fully prepared."
On the reason for Mynion's captaincy, Concepcion said, "Every player should take responsibility and I shoulder that responsibility as the team's supreme leader. Everyone has their own responsibilities and I will not start a controversy over captaincy or otherwise."
Talking about the activation of players such as Te'o and Leo, Conceição believes that "the change of manager is a change in itself and they have to trust the information I provide. I found a positive atmosphere in the dressing room and the players were open to everything we did."
Talking about the transfer market and the injury situation, Conceição revealed that the management tried to discuss a transfer with him but it was premature as the team is facing important matches. Meanwhile, he confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek will not be available for tomorrow's game due to injury.
On the tactical level, Conceição said that the team needs to find a balance, the current three midfield configuration is more stable, but will be adjusted flexibly according to the game situation. He emphasized that the players must be clear about their responsibilities and give their best.
Facing the fans' praise, Conceição said: "Every coach has his own ideas and way of working, and success or failure depends on the result. I thank the fans for their support and I emphasize the importance of teamwork. When talking about how to build consensus in the locker room, he mentioned that the players' humility and pride are crucial to him."
Finally, when asked if Rashford could lift Milan, Conceição responded humorously, "Always think of everything. Rashford is a brilliant player, let's wait and see. Although the end of the season may not be perfect, the team is working hard to reach the top four."
