AC Milan Coach Sergio Conceicao Expresses Disappointment After Champions League Exit, Stands by Theo Hernandez
AC Milan’s journey in the Champions League hit a roadblock as they failed to advance to the round of 16, leaving coach Sergio Conceicao with a bitter taste of defeat. The Rossoneri faced Feyenoord in the play-off round, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw at San Siro. Santiago Gimenez quickly put AC Milan ahead with a powerful header, setting the stage for an intense battle.
However, the tide turned when Theo Hernandez received a red card in the 51st minute, disrupting Milan’s momentum. Feyenoord seized the opportunity and equalized with a header from Julian Carranza in the 73rd minute. This setback ultimately led to AC Milan’s elimination from the 2024-2025 Champions League, as they had previously lost 0-1 to Feyenoord in the first leg of the play-offs at De Kuip Stadium.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Sergio Conceicao took full responsibility for the team’s performance and refused to blame Theo Hernandez for the defeat. In a post-match interview, Conceicao candidly shared his thoughts, expressing his deep disappointment at falling short of the coveted round of 16.
“This is clearly a failure. We wanted to reach the round of 16,” Conceicao lamented, highlighting the team’s strong desire to progress in the competition. Reflecting on the match, he emphasized that AC Milan had shown superiority over their opponents, but crucial moments and Hernandez’s red card made all the difference.
In the heat of the moment, Conceicao defended Hernandez’s red card, recognizing the impact it had on the team’s chances of success. The coach’s unwavering support for his players underscored his commitment to standing by them through victories and defeats alike.
As AC Milan now faces an early exit from the Champions League, Conceicao’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the highs and lows that come with competitive football. The team will regroup, learn from this experience, and strive to come back stronger in future competitions. For now, the disappointment lingers, but the resilience and determination of AC Milan remain unwavering in the face of adversity.
