Sergio Conceicao explains why he brought some FC Porto players to Milan amid injury doubts, recognises Inter’s Champions League strengths and insists he has ‘never’ been close to a coaching role in Italy.
The first leg of the Round of 16 tie kicks off at San Siro on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT.
The coach has already caused a few surprises by bringing several players along on the journey who are nowhere near fully fit, such as Evanilson, Mateus Uribe, Otavio, Galeno and Fabio Cardoso.
“Some of the players I called up had muscular injuries, so every hour can make the difference for a recovery,” said the coach in his press conference.
“They are not ready to play 90 minutes, but they came with us anyway. They are in a transition period between the treatment room and the pitch, so hopefully tomorrow we can have good news from the medical staff.”
This is a return to Italy for Conceicao, who was a midfielder in Serie A for Parma, Inter and Lazio, where he was teammates with current Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi.
“It is always emotional for me to be here, you all know the affection I have for Italy, a country that welcomed me when I was only 22-23 years old. I played less at Inter, as I got injured early on, after great seasons with Lazio and Parma. But that is all the past now.
“It is not a challenge between Inzaghi and Conceicao, but between two clubs with rich histories. I am very pleased to see Simone again, we worked together in Rome and won important trophies together.
“Now we are in a different profession, more difficult, but just as exciting. I expect a difficult game, Inter are a side with a lot of quality, a clear playing style and some interesting variables.
“They are also accustomed to a packed fixture list and play in one of the most competitive leagues in the world, losing only once in the last three months.
“We know their qualities, but are also aware of our own strengths. We are used to being on this stage, are an historic club and the objective is to play with great confidence.”
FC Porto topped their Champions League group ahead of Club Brugge and left Atletico Madrid in last place.
“On paper, Brugge and Porto were a step below the opponents, but on the field we always give our all. Also, if you look at the record since 2006, Porto have won numerous national and international trophies.”
The biggest doubt tomorrow for Inter seems to be between Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku to start upfront as partner for Lautaro Martinez.
“I am not Inzaghi, that is a question for him. I think he has excellent strikers at his disposal. Playing against Inter is an enormous challenge, the details will be crucial. The objective is to qualify for the next round, we know it is played over two legs and remember the precedent with Roma.”
Because of his history in Italy as a player, Conceicao has been linked with clubs including Inter and Napoli, so has he ever been close to taking those jobs?
“No, never. I love Italy, it is a marvellous country, I learned so much as a player here and from the coaches I worked with, you can always learn from everyone, even the gardeners. My experience in Italy was important, but not decisive, because everyone has their own ideas.”