sbet Champions League: Sergio Conceicao Blames 'Lack Of Aggression' For Milan’s Defeat Against Dinamo Zagreb

Sergio Conceicao during AC Milan's 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb Sergio Conceicao during AC Milan's 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb

Sergio Conceicao conceded that AC Milan lacked aggression in their Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb that saw them miss out on a top eight finish. (More Football News)sbet

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Milan knew that a win at Stadion Maksimir would have been enough to automatically qualify for the last 16. However, they came up short and will now go into the play-offs.

Martin Baturina gave Dinamo the lead early on before Yunus Musah was sent off for the Rossoneri after picking up his second yellow card six minutes before the break. 

After a goalless first quarter, Korea struck just 36 seconds into the second quarter with Jungjun Lee finding the net due to a mistake from Pakistan goalkeeper Abdullah Ishtiyaq Khan. The goal remained the difference between the two teams till the half-time.

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At 22 years and 61 days, Musah became the youngest player to be sent off for Milan in a Champions League match, but his team-mates were able to get back in the game.

Christian Pulisic equalised for the visitors after coming in from the right before sending a fierce strike into the bottom corner. 

But just seven minutes after drawing level, Conceicao's side found themselves behind once again, as Marko Pjaca sent the ball past Mike Maignan to seal the victory. 

The result saw Dinamo just miss out on a play-off place, while Milan finished 13th, meaning a potential tie with either PSV, Juventus or Feyenoord awaits in the next round. 

In fact, Milan suffered their first ever defeat against Zagreb in all competitions, having won each of their six previous meetings with the Croatian side.

But speaking after the loss, Conceicao cited a lack of desire and aggression from his players that contributed to their downfall. 

"All the episodes of the match were against us," Conceicao told a press conference. "But with that, I don’t want to hide the lack of aggression in the first half.

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"When the foundation is missing, it’s difficult. Football is made of constant defensive and offensive duels."

"We can talk about tactics, systems, dynamics, but at times we have seen – and this is not new – we have to be much, much more aggressive in the duels and present in the match," he said, adding that he saw some bright spots ahead of their Serie A clash at home against Inter Milan on Sunday.

"I liked the second half, we tried to win it down to 10 men. We didn’t manage it, now we have to focus on the next match and try to change the surrounding environment. We’ve got time to do that, and we must do more."

Conceicao's focus now shifts to the play-off round of the competition, and despite missing out on a top eight finish, he fancies Milan's chances in the competition. 

"I’ve had a conversation with the management to understand where we need to improve. We are looking for solutions that can help us, make us a little stronger," he said.

"We still have everything in our handssbet, both in the league and in the Champions League."