tayabet Feyenoord Vs Milan, Champions League Preview: Conceicao Expects Difficult Challenge From Dutch Opponents

AC Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao during a training session AC Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao during a training session

AC Milan boss Sergio Conceicao has said that Feyenoord's decision to appoint an interim coach on the eve of their Champions League meeting will be a boost for the opposition players. (More Football News)

Feyenoord gave Pascal Bosschaart the Eredivisie side's temporary charge after sacking Brian Priske, only eight months after he replaced Arne Slot, who joined Liverpool. 

The Dutch side, who sit fifth and are 12 points behind leaders Ajax at home, will welcome the Italians on Wednesday for the first leg of the tie that will decide who among them will reach the Champions League last 16. 

Bosschaart, a former Feyenoord player, was previously an assistant coach at Cambuur and Dordrecht, but has no experience managing at the senior level. 

However, Milan head coach Conceicao is expecting a difficult challenge against Feyenoord nonetheless. 

"We have an important match, and we're in this situation because of our own mistakes. We take full responsibility," the Portuguese manager said, ahead of Wednesday's game. 

Feyenoord Appoint Pascal Bosschaart As Interim Boss Ahead Of AC Milan Clash

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"The change of coach is huge motivation for players. Plus Rotterdam is traditionally a difficult place to play, I was here three years ago with Porto, it's a fiery atmosphere."

Together, towards #FeyenoordMilan #UCL #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/ojvCuWi8kT

— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 11, 2025

The Rotterdam outfit have lost just one of their 11 home games in major European competitions against sides from Italy (W6 D4) while Milan have not won any of their last 11 away knockout games in the Champions League (D4 L7). 

"We have our problems too. The story of this game will be written by us, it depends on what we do," Conceicao said. 

"If we go out there with the right attitude and do what we prepared, then we're more likely to get a good result."

Meanwhile, South Korea were knocked out by the defending champions, India, with a 1-4 defeat in the semi-final. In their pool stage encounter, South Korea had previously played to a 2-2 draw against their next opponent, Pakistan.

On the other hand, China have qualified for their maiden Asian Champions Trophy final. Their journey to the summit clash has been a rollercoaster ride. They started with a defeat to India but bounced back with a 4-2 win over Malaysia. The hosts then faced a 2-3 loss to South Korea and were also routed 5-1 by Pakistan in the pool stage.

The Milan boss has strengthened his side's attack in January by signing Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez, who joined the likes of Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao at the club.

Pulisic has scored four goals in Europe this season, with Olivier Giroud the last player to net more for the club (five in 2022-23) in a single campaign in the competition.

"We don't have many alternatives, because we've only got 15 outfield players plus the youngsters due to injuries and the lads who aren't on the list," Conceicao said.

"Coaches have to find solutions, these four are in the squad, and so we'll see."

Conceicao was also full of praise for Gimenez, who will face his former side after joining from Feyenoord last month.

Gimenez's six goal involvements for Feyenoord in the tournament this season was the most a player has had for the Dutch side in the Champions League's history.

"Santi is a player I've been following for years. In football, he's young and has a long way to go. But he's already a top-level player," Conceicao said.

"He needs to keep working hard because the team needs himtayabet, both with and without the ball. I'm very happy with him and with everyone else right now."