A Growing Synergy Between Rafael Leao And Sergio Conceiçao After Derby Triumph

Written By Onyeka Daniel

It is just two matches into his reign as coach of AC Milan and Portuguese manager, Sergio Conceicao has already won a trophy and the new coach could not have asked for a better start to his career on the Rossoneri bench, having completed a comeback in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final to beat Juventus 2-1, then repeating the trick in the Final. In his post-match interview, the former Porto coach insisted that the most important thing is that Milan ‘have character’ after their comeback win over Inter.

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His men were 2-0 down until the 51st minute to Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi Inter goals, but the introduction of not fully fit Rafael Leao made the difference, as he had a hand in all three goals from Theo Hernandez, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham. It took a very long time for Conceicao to reach the media centre for his post-match interviews, having been spotted dancing with a giant cigar in the locker room. “I am very happy for the players, because it was not easy.

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“The atmosphere wasn’t the best when I arrived, there wasn’t much time to work on the details before these two games and we were up against two top level sides,” Conceicao said. “The players were magical, they absorbed everything we discussed and clearly there are things we need to improve, but they are aware of that. I feel that with humility, we can have some great months together in the Champions League, Serie A and to take Milan where it deserves to be.

“Now we are happy, we celebrate and from tomorrow we will begin to focus on Cagliari.” After saying he got angry with Milan players at half-time in the semi-final against Juventus, turning that around to win 2-1, what did Conceicao say to them during the break on this occasion? “There were a few things we had to adjust both when defending and attacking, but it was a heavy blow to concede on a throw-in and then let in another goal straight after the restart when not reading the long ball.

“However, this means the team has character, because it managed twice to turn games around and beat big sides. A coach has to make adjustments during the course of a game, that is what they pay me for.”Conceicao was frustrated during the semi-final against Juventus that his team defended too deep, whereas this evening they seemed to press Inter much higher. “Exactly, if we want to be solid, then we need to keep the team close together and hold the shape,” confirmed the coach.

“We can do even better, but the defenders and midfielders must have courage. If we talk about the great Milan, it must not be afraid or sit back in defence. “It is very important for me to do that, it’s not easy to articulate the defensive movement with so little time to work on it, but these are all internationals, they are intelligent and learned quickly what we had to do in order to win. ”Rafael Leao was not 100 per cent fit, but made a huge difference when he came on and had a hand in all three goals.

“Leao is phenomenal. I’ve known him for a long time, he is Portuguese like me, but he is more relaxed Portuguese and I am more tense,” explained Conceiçao. “He needs to learn a few things and then I believe he can become the best player in the world. I’ve told him this too, he has so much individual quality and if he puts it to the service of the team, he can be even better.“I have no doubts, he can become the best in the world next season if he learns those things.” He further added.

Meanwhile, for Leao, he said that Conceicao brought ‘the energy everyone needed’. ‘I know he will push me on to be my best.’ The Portugal international was not fully fit after a muscular problem that ruled him out of the 2-1 semi-final victory over Juventus, but came off the bench in the Final. “I did not know Conceicao personally, I had heard from friends at Porto who worked with him that he had a strong character. What he has done in only a few days is incredible,” said Leao.

“What he’s saying, I need that, and I felt that energy everyone needed. I feel like the change is visible on and off the field, this mentality helps us to win and do what we managed today. “Against Juventus and Inter, we never gave up. You can’t always have your best match, but you can still win games with character.” Fonseca had been particularly frustrated with Leao and Theo Hernandez for their tendency to disappear from matches or not help out defensively.

But both were decisive this evening to win the Supercoppa Italiana. “It is hunger and energy. At times you make mistakes, you can place the wrong pass or a dribbling, but the desire is what makes the difference. We had that desire against Juventus and today too, it is fundamental. “Nobody can be comfortable in their place just because they are at Milan. Everyone must be ready to help the team, give their best. I know the coach will push me on to be my best.

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“And I in turn will help the coach because I know he’ll push me.” Leao only had one training session yesterday with the squad after picking up a muscular problem, so was nowhere near fully fit. “There wasn’t a great chance of me playing, but I really wanted to be here. The medical staff and coach believed I could play in the Final, I worked every day to get back in shape and help my team. I thank everyone for helping me get this opportunity.” He concluded.

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