Conceicao on Calabria confrontation: ‘If kids are behaving badly, you have to act’

Sergio Conceicao says that he and Davide Calabria have already settled their differences after being involved in a heated exchange at the end of Milan’s 3-2 win over Parma on Sunday, and has revealed that both Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao will keep their positions as starters despite being subbed off at half-time.

Milan fell behind twice at home to Parma, and had been trailing 2-1 in the 91st minute, but fought back to record an important 3-2 win by the end, with goals coming from Christian Pulisic, Tijjani Reijnders and Samuel Chukwueze.

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Conceicao on Calabria fight, Theo and Leao subs and Fofana suspension

It was a hectic afternoon for Conceicao, who made a big call in replacing two of his highest-profile players at half-time. There was also a big argument with Calabria after the full-time whistle with the pair both being pulled away by their colleagues.

“Sometimes with the adrenaline that comes during games, you have to live with passion in this sport, I think it’s a good thing,” Conceicao said while explaining the situation to DAZN after full-time, quoted via Milanpress.it.

He continued: “It’s fine with me because it was an in-game situation. As it is with your kids: If they’re behaving badly, you have to act on it. I am direct, they know that we are creating a bond and the spirit showed by the end.”

Assessing the chaotic 90 minutes against Parma in San Siro and his choice to hook Theo and Leao after 45 minutes, the coach said: “I wanted to win earlier, I didn’t want a comeback. The performance showed character and spirit, though.

“We have to improve our game. The choices at half-time were made to improve the team, regardless of the names. Theo and Leao have always given everything for this team, they know how I think.

“I’ll clarify, these are just choices, everything is fine with them and they will be starters in Zagreb.”

Conceicao also knows where Milan have to improve if they are to keep better control of matches.

“In my opinion, there’s a lack of balance between the defensive and offensive moments. The whole process is important. Defensively, we have to improve more, we also have to have courage in defending as well as pressing.”

Youssouf Fofana picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Parma and will now have to sit out of next week’s Derby against Inter through suspension. Conceicao takes full responsibility for the booking, though.

“He is sorry because he will miss an important game. It’s my fault, I put him on the pitch. I know that three points in the derby are important for the fans, but I couldn’t risk losing either game and it was very important to win today.”