AC Milan conquer Como with a comeback: two goals in five minutes in the second half. The Rossoneri play poorly but win, and that’s what matters. Sergio Conceição, the Rossoneri coach, spoke to Sky Sport 24.
Here are his statements.
On the match:
"A lot of suffering because we faced a good team with quality players and well-coached. It’s not easy; we prepare matches with videos and tactics boards, but the field is different, and we lack many things in various departments and sectors of the team. In offensive and defensive duels, we need to be more present. Still, there is always a good reaction and a positive atmosphere. It’s easier to work on things with positive results, but we still have a lot to improve."
Was the first half worse than the one against Cagliari? Conceicao replied:
"We play against quality opponents. Of what we had prepared, we weren’t effective. The second half was better, especially after we conceded the goal. We need to be more solid as a team; we can’t allow the opponent to break through so easily. I need to say this, and I tell the players as well: we need to change and work on certain things. The foundation of football is solidity: if you don’t concede, then the quality we have will create scoring chances."
How much more can you get out of these players?
"A lot, in terms of gameplay. They are receptive. We’ve made comebacks in three consecutive matches, which shows character. We can improve them physically, tactically, technically, and in terms of attitude. I could talk for two hours, but if they don’t take it to heart, it’s difficult. Then there are the players’ muscle issues—we’re evaluating everything that was done before my arrival. We need more pressing, with greater intensity. There’s a lot of work to do."
Do Ismael Bennacer and Youssouf Fofana get in each other’s way?
"True. You’re right. Isma came off because he already had a yellow card, and in midfield, that’s risky. It’s also true that they need to improve how they occupy space, both with and without the ball."
Can offensive players press effectively? Conceicao commented:
"Everything you say is true. We have clear ideas. The players at this level weren’t used to certain types of work; they think pressing high means running more. That’s not true—you don’t run more, you run less. That’s my idea of the game. Of course, we have players who don’t naturally have those characteristics, but we’re trying to adapt them. We have everything to gain. It’s true that Leao, Morata, and Pulisic don’t have those characteristics, but it’s the team that needs to improve."
