AC Milan coach Conceicao hails 'intelligent' new signings after victory over Roma

AC Milan's head coach, Sergio Conceicao, expressed that the recent acquisitions of Joao Felix, Santiago Gimenez, and Kyle Walker are facilitating the implementation of his desired footballing philosophy.

Felix and Gimenez, who were signed on the January transfer deadline day, made impactful contributions off the bench, linking up for Milan's third goal during the 3-1 victory over Roma in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Walker played a crucial role as a starter in the quarter-final match.

When questioned about any similarities between his current Milan squad and the Porto team he led to three championships, four Portuguese Cups, a League Cup, and three Super Cups, Conceicao responded to Mediaset: "I do not yet perceive any parallels with Porto."

"But we are working to be more compact, more aggressive, not allow the opponents to get into our final third so often.

"We're not there yet, but with the players who arrived in the transfer window, their characteristics give me the comfort to go towards the football I like, including with two strikers and the right balance not just to score goals, but also not concede them."

Since taking over Milan in December, Conceicao has noted his satisfaction with the rapid adaptation of his players to his tactical approach.

"Nonetheless, the players accept what we want, they are intelligent and I am happy today, especially as the second goal came from recovering the ball quickly in midfield. That was something we worked on, so I am pleased.

"Joao and Santiago also only had one training session, but understood immediately, confirming their intelligence."

Currently positioned eighth in the Serie A standings, Milan is set to face 16th-placed Empoli on Saturday.