Conceicao urges Milan to move forward “With Dignity” after Coppa Italia final defeat

ROME: AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao expressed disappointment but called for resilience following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Bologna in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday night. Dan Ndoye’s second-half strike at the Stadio Olimpico sealed the trophy for Bologna and left Milan to ponder a difficult season that’s been short on highlights.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset, Conceicao acknowledged the nature of the match and how it encapsulated Milan’s turbulent campaign. “It was a hard-fought match, very competitive, where every duel could be decisive. I think that reflects our season,” the Portuguese coach said.

The defeat leaves Milan with only the Supercoppa Italiana, won back in January, as their sole piece of silverware this term. In Serie A, Milan now sit eighth on 60 points, four behind Juventus in the race for the final Champions League spot, with just two games remaining.

Conceicao declined to address his future at the club directly, choosing instead to focus on the immediate emotions of the loss. “The cup is lost, there’s nothing else to do but look forward, with dignity,” he said. “Right now there are thoughts about the game, the choices made and other things. I haven’t been in football for two days, now my head is just trying to understand what didn’t work and what more could have been done.”

With questions mounting over his future and Milan’s direction, the final weeks of the season will be critical for both club and coach.(Reuters)