AC Milan's recent match against Lazio was overshadowed by fan protests, adding significant pressure to an already struggling team. Manager Sergio Conceicao expressed concerns over the palpable tension affecting his players' performance on the field.

The Impact of Fan Protests

During the match, a notable section of the Curva Sud stand remained empty for the first 15 minutes as fans boycotted the game. Upon their arrival, they voiced their discontent, labeling the players as "shameful" and demanding the sale of the club by the American owners, RedBird.

A Manager's Perspective

Conceicao, speaking to DAZN, shared his experiences: "We discussed the atmosphere, and this is the first time I've experienced this in my career. Mistakes weigh heavier under such conditions. I was a player; I know when it's like that, your boots feel like they're burning. Every misplaced pass or failed dribble feels amplified."

Match Highlights

Mattia Zaccagni gave Lazio an early lead, but Samuel Chukwueze managed to equalize for Milan after Strahinja Pavlovic was sent off. However, the victory slipped away from Milan when former Chelsea forward Pedro scored a decisive penalty in the stoppage time, sealing a 2-1 win for Lazio.

Moving Forward

Conceicao emphasized the need for resilience: "It is not an easy moment. The players feel the tension around the club. The only way forward is to work hard, take pride in our colors, and strive to change the situation." AC Milan, currently ninth in Serie A, finds itself 17 points behind city rivals Inter Milan, intensifying the need for a swift turnaround.