Sergio Conceicao conceded that the absence of key gamers hit his AC Milan workforce arduous throughout their 2-1 defeat to Napoli in Serie A on Sunday.
Conceicao watched on as Matteo Politano and Romelu Lukaku fired Napoli two targets in entrance within the first half, however the Rossoneri responded after the break.
However Luka Jovic’s late purpose proved to be a comfort as Milan did not discover a approach via, with substitute Santiago Gimenez additionally seeing a penalty saved by Alex Meret.
Milan now sit in ninth within the desk on 47 factors, 9 factors adrift of the Champions League locations, although their trigger has not been helped by latest accidents.
Forward of kick-off on the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the membership confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek was identified with acute appendicitis and had undergone surgical procedure.
Malick Thiaw was additionally absent, whereas Rafael Leao, who changed Warren Bondo within the second half, was combating a problem picked on worldwide responsibility.
“Since I’ve been right here I’ve by no means made excuses, despite the fact that we performed each three days till two weeks in the past, however at this time completely all the pieces occurred,” Conceicao mentioned.
“The physician known as me to inform me that Loftus-Cheek needed to bear surgical procedure, Thiaw had intestinal issues and Leao felt a little bit ache in his thigh.
“I don’t wish to dwell on unhealthy luck, despite the fact that it was a black day.”
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Conceicao additionally mentioned his workforce wanted to carry out higher after conceding twice early within the first half.
Certainly, Politano’s strike was solely the second purpose scored within the first two minutes of play by Napoli in opposition to Milan in Serie A, after Piero Golin’s effort in March 1955.
However the Milan boss was happy along with his workforce’s response within the second half, with the Rossoneri ending the competition dominating most of the match metrics.
Milan ended the sport with an anticipated targets (xG) whole of two.69 to Napoli’s 0.96.
“(Napoli) managed to flee our urgent too simply within the first half, however we rectified the scenario within the second half and we did it with extra braveness and aggression,” he mentioned.
“We had been lacking one thing, I’ve plenty of confidence, the ambiance within the group is wholesome and I don’t wish to change it.”
Milan now flip their consideration to the Coppa Italia, the place they face bitter rivals and Serie A leaders Inter within the first leg of the semi-finals on Wednesday.
“It’s an vital recreation, the Coppa Italia is without doubt one of the membership’s targets,” Conceicao added.
“The gamers have already proven they’ve character, we have to proceed engaged on our steadiness.
“It’s troublesome for everybody on this place within the league desk, however I’ve a gaggle that desires to alter these outcomes.”