Coach Reluctant to Blame Theo Hernandez After Being Knocked Out of Champions League
AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao said Theo Hernandez should not be blamed after Milan were knocked out of the Champions League after being held to a 1-1 draw by Feyenoord at the San Siro, Milan, Tuesday (2/18/2025) evening local time.
After losing 0-1 to Feyenoord in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 playoffs, Milan had to win by a two-goal margin in the second leg if they wanted to ensure their progress to the last 16.
Santiago Gimenez’s goal after just 37 seconds seemed to revive AC Milan’s chances. However, everything changed after Theo Hernandez received a red card in the 51st minute.
Hernandez received two yellow cards for diving. Feyenoord then equalized through Julian Carranza in the 73rd minute and ensured the Dutch team qualified with a 2-1 aggregate win.
Conceicao said AC Milan did not deserve to be eliminated because they played well and dominated against Feyenoord. The Portuguese coach was also reluctant to blame Theo Hernandez who was sent off by the referee. According to him, Feyenoord could not actually do much when the number of players on both teams was still equal. The away team could only play better when the Rossoneri played with 10 men.
“This is clearly a failure. This match showed that we are stronger than our opponents and the decisive moments make the difference, the red card today. You can say the referee was too harsh, but we have to be stronger mentally.” He added.
“I am responsible, not Theo. Theo has given a lot to Milan, and I have [also] made many mistakes in my career. Until Theo’s red card, Feyenoord didn’t know how to score goals,” Conceicao was quoted as saying by Reuters.
AC Milan were not the only Italian representatives to lose in the Champions League playoffs earlier today. Atalanta were also confirmed to be eliminated after being defeated by Club Brugge 1-3. Atalanta lost quite badly on aggregate 2-5 to the Belgian club.
Image source: detiksport.com
