AC Milan faced a disappointing exit from the Champions League after a tumultuous playoff against Feyenoord, in which a crucial red card for defender Theo Hernández altered the course of the match. Having previously lost the first leg 1-0, Milan found themselves even on aggregate after Santiago Gimenez scored early. However, the game took a downward turn when Hernández received a second yellow card for simulation, allowing Feyenoord to equalize in the second half and ultimately advance with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Milan’s coach, Sérgio Conceição, refrained from placing blame solely on Hernández, who has been a valuable player for the club. He expressed disappointment over the match outcomes, emphasizing that their playoff failures were influenced by pivotal moments, such as sending-offs in both their encounters against Zagreb and Feyenoord.
Before the game, Milan could have avoided this playoff scenario altogether had they secured a win over Dinamo Zagreb in their final league phase match, but a red card to Yunus Musah led to that loss as well. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Conceição acknowledged the challenges they face mentally and committed to learning from these setbacks.
Additionally, Gimenez stood by Hernández in the aftermath of the loss, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football where any player can face a similar fate. Conceição, who took over the managerial role in late December and quickly won the Italian Super Cup, conveyed that he believes the perception of his coaching abilities is sometimes unfair, especially considering he is still in the process of implementing his vision for the team.
Despite the disappointment, the coach reiterated their ongoing achievements, such as being in contention in the Coppa Italia and maintaining competitive league performance. He acknowledged the tough atmosphere within the club and emphasized the need for focus and mental resilience moving forward.
This match underscores the unpredictable nature of sports, where pivotal moments can define a competition, reflecting both the challenges and the beauty of the game. AC Milan has the potential for growth and renewal and can use this experience to build a stronger foundation for future challenges.