Milan’s Manager Conceicao Wary of Feyenoord Threat Amid Leadership Transition

AC Milan’s head coach, Sergio Conceicao, is bracing himself for a tough Champions League encounter against a Feyenoord side that is currently struggling, despite the Dutch outfit only appointing an interim manager on Tuesday.

Feyenoord, positioned fifth in the Eredivisie, will welcome AC Milan on Wednesday under the guidance of Pascal Bosschaart, who has no prior experience as a senior coach following the sacking of Brian Priske.

Conceicao has urged his players to step up after missing out on direct qualification to the round of 16.

“We have a significant match ahead, and we’re in this predicament due to our own mistakes. We accept full responsibility,” the Portuguese manager told journalists on Tuesday.

“The change in coaching staff can provide a massive boost for players. Furthermore, Rotterdam is typically a challenging venue; I experienced it three years ago with Porto, and the atmosphere is electrifying.

“We also have our share of issues. The narrative of this game will be shaped by us, depending on our actions. If we approach it with the right mindset and execute our game plan, we stand a good chance of coming away with a positive result.”

Conceicao hinted at a potentially attacking formation, suggesting that January signings Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez could join Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao up front.

“Our options are limited, as we have just 15 outfield players plus a few young talents available due to injuries and players who have been left off the list,” Conceicao explained.

“Coaches need to find solutions; these four are in the squad, so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

The former Porto boss expressed high praise for Gimenez, who will be taking on his old team Feyenoord after netting his first goal for Milan in their recent 2-0 Serie A victory over Empoli.

“Santi is a player I have followed for many years. He’s young in football terms and has much to learn, but he’s already operating at a top level,” Conceicao remarked.

“He must continue to put in the hard yards, as the team relies on him, both on and off the ball. I’m very pleased with him and the whole squad at the moment.”