Clarence Seedorf believes that the AC Milan players are on the side of Sergio Conceicao, at least more than they were the previous coach Paulo Fonseca.
There was a bit of an uneasy air around Milan before the game, given that Conceicao had publicly criticised the squad on more than one occasion – most notably after Saturday’s damaging loss to Juventus – all while protests continue towards the ownership.
The coach called for the fans to get behind the team because of the importance of togetherness during an ‘emergency’, and while the protests persisted at various points, the over 66,000 fans present did see an important win.
After the game, Yunus Musah and Rafael Leao each gave post-match interviews in which they spoke about the feeling of belief that the new manager has transmitted to them.
Seedorf was at San Siro last night covering the fixture for Prime Video and at the full-time whistle he gave his assessments, with his comments relayed by MilanPress.
“I was very struck by the different way Conceicao was spoken about in previous interviews by Musah and Leao. I perceived some differences compared to when Fonseca was there,” he said.
“It means that they feel he is on their side. It must also be said that they probably also feel the responsibility for Fonseca’s dismissal.”
Speaking before the game, the former midfielder said: “Coaching Milan is beautiful, very important, you represent history, you want your team to always go on the pitch determined and competitive.
“In a word? Love. Conceicao doesn’t need advice, he’s an experienced coach and I think he knows what to do.
“Morata, I know that he is often criticised for not spending much time in the penalty area but he is an important player: he gives that intensity that he also transmits to others.
“He is a leader on the pitch, as well as in the dressing room, and he never gives up: on the pitch he certainly brings competitive ruthelessness.”
It’s important to be tough and discipline players when they underperform or misbehave, but it’s equally if not more important to actually get on their good side, earn their trust and have them work for you.
Fonseca’s problem is that he never succeeded in the latter so he essentially alienated himself from the players he supposed to coach and you could tell they neither liked him nor trusted him.
Il professore you should come back and show this kids how men play ball.
It was fonfesca that brought us this far to this CL atlist he tried
Fonseca was a coach who knows what he wants, he only met lazy players who loves to have their ways.
In champion league, Fonseca was a great coach