Sergio Conceiçao spoke in a press conference on the eve of the challenge between Napoli and AC Milan, sending a message to Antonio Conte ahead of the big match
Sergio Conceiçao did not mince words in his press conference on the eve of the big match between Napoli and AC Milan, an encounter that promises sparks. With his direct style and a hint of grit, the Portuguese coach sent a clear message to Antonio Conte, his old rival from the days when they trod the fields as players.
“Against Antonio I played against as a player, we have faced each other many times, while this is the first time for a team that is 3 points away from first place. It is an important match for both of us. We want to get a result and we will do everything to win.”
The duel between the two coaches is nothing new, but this time the stakes are very high. Milan, in fact, wants to improve its position in the standings, while Conte’s Napoli believes in the Scudetto. A match that could be a crossroads for the season.
Napoli-Milan: Conceicao parla del big match del Maradona
Conceiçao made no secret of his respect for his opponent:
“I expect a quality Napoli, in the image of its coach, with intensity and aggression. They have a spearhead who can bank, Raspadori who sneaks between the lines, McTominay who fits in very well and players like Anguissa and Lobotka, with the latter being a master of the game.”
Words that paint a clear picture: Napoli is a well-oiled machine, with a world-class midfield and an attack that can hurt at any time. Yet, Conceiçao is not intimidated.
“We know by heart how they play and how they come in the last 30 meters. We are prepared, but we are mainly looking at our team. We will create difficulties for Napoli, which is one of the best teams in the league.”
Conceiçao e Antonio Conte: una rivalità che si rinnova
The challenge between Conceiçao and Conte is not only a matter of points in the standings, but also a confrontation between two strong personalities, two leaders who have left their mark wherever they have gone. Conceiçao, with his past as a combative player and his pragmatic approach as a coach, faces a Conte who has turned Napoli into a battleship in a very short time.
“Conte has good players at his disposal and is having a good season.”
He acknowledged the Milan coach, but avoided dwelling on individuals.
When asked if there was a Napoli player to “take away” to win, Conceiçao spread his arms wide with a smile:
“I don’t look at the players, I look at the team. I don’t go on individuals and I don’t want to talk only about them, because there are players who have solutions.”
A response that smacks of strategy, but also of awareness: to beat Napoli will require a top Milan, capable of responding blow by blow.
And while it is true that soccer is played on the field and not in press conferences, Conceiçao’s words hint at manic preparation.
