Debuting Milan coach got angry at halftime: 'I definitely didn't hand out kisses'

AC Milan faced a 1-0 deficit with just 20 minutes left on the clock, but under the guidance of debuting head coach Sérgio Conceição, the team managed to completely turn the game around in a dramatic four-minute span.

The comeback, which ultimately secured Milan’s place in the Italian Super Cup final, highlighted a shift in mentality instilled by the Portuguese manager. At halftime, Conceição made it clear that he wasn’t pleased with his team’s first-half performance, delivering a stern message to his players. "I’m not here to make friends; I’m here to win. I definitely didn’t hand out kisses at halftime," he stated during the post-match interview.

Conceição’s dissatisfaction stemmed from what he described as a lackluster first-half performance that reminded him of Milan’s struggles earlier in the season. "In the first half, I saw a Milan that did things reminiscent of the team from the first half of the season. We made a lot of poor decisions in defense and in pressing as a collective," he explained. However, his fiery halftime speech seemed to light a spark within the team, as Milan emerged from the break looking like a completely different side. "Based on our performance in the second half, we deserved this victory," he added, praising the resilience and determination shown by his players.

The win marked a significant moment for Conceição, who was appointed in late December as the replacement for Paulo Fonseca. Taking over a team in transition, the former Porto manager was tasked with restoring Milan’s competitive edge. Reflecting on the victory, Conceição expressed his excitement but also tempered expectations. "Football is about passion and excitement. These are the special moments," he said. "Yes, we’re in the final now, and I’m happy about that. But we’ve achieved nothing yet and must now prepare for the final against Internazionale," he concluded, signaling his focus on the challenges ahead.

One of the more personal storylines of the match involved Conceição’s son Francisco, who plays for Juventus. The younger Conceição had to withdraw from the game during the warm-up due to a suspected hamstring injury. Sérgio Conceição reflected on the situation with a mix of emotion and pragmatism. "Of course, I’m happier because we won. He was sad because he couldn’t play and then also lost. But that’s life in football," he remarked. The family dynamic added an intriguing layer to the match, showcasing the unique challenges of a father coaching against his son at the highest level.

On the other side, Juventus head coach Thiago Motta didn’t hold back in his criticism of his team following the defeat. Motta described his players as "lacking character" and voiced frustration over their inability to maintain control after taking the lead. "We cannot be satisfied with what we did. We had a great opportunity to beat Milan," he lamented. Motta pointed out that Juventus’ recurring struggles to capitalize on advantages have become a theme this season. "Today, we took the lead and were better than our opponents in many areas, but with little effort, our opponents managed to turn it around. Negative incidents happen, but we didn’t respond the right way," he added, highlighting the need for a stronger mentality within the squad.

Juventus’ season so far has been marked by inconsistency, with the team drawing more matches than they’ve won. Motta admitted that the team has taken a step back compared to previous campaigns and emphasized the importance of finding solutions quickly to salvage their objectives. The loss to Milan also exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of composure in key moments, raising questions about the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.

Looking forward, the two sides are set to meet again in two weeks in a Serie A clash at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. With a five-point gap separating the sixth-placed Juventus and eighth-placed Milan, the match will carry significant implications for both teams’ standings. Milan, however, has the advantage of a game in hand, which could further tighten the race for European qualification spots.

The upcoming rematch adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already competitive rivalry. For Milan, it’s an opportunity to build on their momentum under Conceição’s leadership. For Juventus, it’s a chance to regroup and prove they can rise to the occasion against tough opposition. As both teams prepare for the next chapter of their season, the stakes continue to rise, ensuring that their paths remain intertwined in a battle for supremacy in Italian football.