Conceicao Owns Milan's UCL Failure, Defends Theo Hernandez

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Feb 19, 2025

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Conceição Owns Milan's UCL Failure, Defends Theo Hernandez

The Champions League round of 16 exit stung AC Milan deeply. While collective responsibility rests on the entire squad and coaching staff, Stefano Pioli's assistant coach, Igor Conceição, has stepped forward, shouldering a significant portion of the blame for the Rossoneri's disappointing campaign. He also used the opportunity to defend left-back Theo Hernandez amidst criticism of his performance.

Conceição's forthright admission reflects a commendable level of accountability within the Milan hierarchy. Rather than deflecting blame, he acknowledged strategic shortcomings that ultimately contributed to their elimination. This transparent approach is vital for rebuilding team morale and plotting a path forward.

Conceição's Self-Assessment: Tactical Shortcomings?

While specifics haven't been publicly detailed, Conceição's acceptance of responsibility likely points to tactical decisions made during the tie. He is integral to the coaching team, deeply involved in match preparation and strategy implementation. Speculation points towards issues such as:

• Inability to counter Tottenham's tactical flexibility: Perhaps Milan struggled to adapt to Antonio Conte's tactical shifts throughout the two legs. Conceição's assessment may address shortcomings in pre-match analysis or in-game adjustments.
• Underutilization of key players: Questions regarding optimal player deployment could be part of the self-critique. Were certain players underutilized, or deployed in suboptimal positions? This is a key area where an assistant coach plays a crucial role.
• Failure to capitalize on opportunities: Milan may have had chances to score, but failed to convert them efficiently. A lack of tactical prowess in crucial moments could be a contributing factor.

The exact nature of Conceição's self-criticism remains within the confines of internal discussions, but his willingness to take ownership speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the club's success.

A Shield for Hernandez: Addressing the Criticism

Alongside accepting responsibility for the overall UCL failure, Conceição also defended Theo Hernandez against criticism. Hernandez, while undoubtedly a talented and influential player, has faced scrutiny regarding his defensive contributions, particularly during the Tottenham tie. Conceição's defense of Hernandez suggests:

• Recognition of Hernandez's overall contributions: Despite occasional defensive lapses, Hernandez is a key attacking threat for Milan. His contributions in attack might outweigh his defensive shortcomings in Conceição's assessment.
• A belief in Hernandez's potential: The coaching staff may believe that Hernandez's defensive frailties are correctable, and his positive attributes far outweigh the negatives.
• Sharing the blame: Conceição's defense could also imply that Hernandez wasn't fully supported by the team defensively. The entire backline's performance may be seen as a collective failure.

Looking Forward: Lessons Learned and Path to Redemption

Milan’s Champions League exit is a setback, but it's also a valuable learning experience. Conceição's proactive acceptance of responsibility and defense of Hernandez demonstrate a healthy team dynamic and a commitment to growth. This approach sets the stage for a more robust and resilient Milan in future campaigns. The focus now shifts to learning from past mistakes, refining tactics, and striving for improved performances in all competitions. The club will undoubtedly use this experience as fuel for their future endeavours.

This episode underscores the importance of accountability and team unity in high-pressure situations. While the Champions League dream is deferred, Milan can use this experience to emerge stronger, wiser, and more determined.