AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao understood the fans’ frustration after Saturday’s defeat to Torino, as he hit out at his team’s “unforced errors”.
Milan endured a frustrating Serie A defeat as an early own goal from Malick Thiaw and a missed penalty from Christian Pulisic contributed towards a 2-1 loss.
The travelling fans voiced their disappointment after a challenging week that also saw Milan exit the Champions League, with several banners and chants urging the squad to improve their performance.
“They are absolutely right to do so. It is on us that we come here and do not win, so naturally there are higher expectations. We are not satisfied when there is criticism on the directors, players or staff. We are Milan and we take the criticism together,” Conceicao told reporters.
“Torino were 1-0 up at half-time without a single shot on goal, whereas we missed a penalty and several other chances.
“Things happen and we must be stronger when reacting to them. I realise it’s not easy for the players either when Torino’s best player was their goalkeeper and we had 30 attempts on goal.
“I am sorry for the fans who were present for these last few games.
“The last 12-15 goals we conceded were pretty much all unforced errors. It’s not about strategy or formations, these are things I often wonder how they are even possible.”
Full-time at the Olimpico Grande Torino.#TorinoMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/jkHQ3el6fU
— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 22, 2025
The former Porto boss risked some ire from the travelling fans when he substituted Rafael Leao at half-time.
Leao had struggled to make an impact in the first half, having just 29 touches and getting off only one shot.
“Rafa was not at his best, there are other players and they are all important,” explained Conceicao.
“I still say we mustn’t focus on substitutions or formations when conceding two ridiculous goals like that, as anyone would suffer in those circumstances.”
Milan have lost four of their last five away matches (W1) in all competitions – two in Serie A and two in Champions League – as many as they suffered in all their previous 12 away matches played this season (W6, D2).
