Conceicao: ‘Milan deserved victory, despite difficulties’ | OneFootball

Sergio Conceicao insists Milan ‘deserved the victory’ against Como after another comeback, giving updates on Tijjani Reijnders, Youssouf Fofana and Santiago Gimenez.

The Rossoneri once again were forced to complete a comeback from a negative situation in order to keep themselves afloat.

After last week’s return from 2-0 down at Lecce to win 3-2, they overturned a Lucas Da Cunha opener to get the 2-1 victory against Como thanks to Christian Pulisic and Reijnders.

Considering his goal-scoring record, is Reijnders better in the supporting trio as a trequartista or in the midfield two?

“It depends on the game, he can play well everywhere and today I used him in more than one position,” Conceicao told DAZN.

“He is very intelligent and understands the different roles. Como were pushing and always keeping a high line.”

When Reijnders scored the winner, the coach turned and celebrated pointing to someone behind him in the stands.

“My family comes to the stadium, but the celebration was one of a coach who saw his team miss a couple of sitters in the first 15-20 minutes,” explained Conceicao.

“There were some difficulties defensively, also connected to the attack, because we were too deep, the timing of the pressing was all wrong, so Como were very comfortable.

“We tried to change things during the break and try to start doing what we had prepared. It was not a great performance, but we deserved the victory.”

Conceicao sees normal Milan progress

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 15: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There was also a bit of luck, because the second Como goal from Da Cunha was disallowed for a few millimetres of his shoulder being offside.

“It was not easy for the players being 1-0 down against a well-trained Como side. We had to be more insistent on what we had prepared, both on and off the ball. We knew that the opponents had weak points we needed to exploit.”

Conceicao was pushed on some of his tactical and personnel choices, such as leaving Yousouf Fofana on the bench to begin with.

“When I arrived, I was told Youssouf had played practically every game this season and so inevitably he needs some rest. What makes me happy is that every player who comes on wants to give something extra to the squad with the right attitude.”

If there is one negative from this evening, it is the performance of Santiago Gimenez, who has looked sluggish in recent weeks.

“He is working hard during the week, focused on all the things we do with him and the other strikers. It’s not easy for a forward to come to Italy, where the teams are all very well-organised defensively, and it’s natural that he needs time to adapt.

“He will be very important for the rest of the season, I am sure,” concluded Conceicao.