GdS: ‘Revolution is reaction’ – how Conceicao engineered another comeback win | OneFootball

Results matter over performances at this stage, but Sergio Conceicao’s AC Milan had to come from behind again to beat Como last night.

This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes that ‘Conceiçao’s revolution is reaction, for now’. Milan seems to only click into gear when they fall behind, as happened in the Supercoppa Italiana, and a few minutes are all they need to show their technical quality.

However, there is merit to be dished out too because the last time that Milan came from behind to win a game in the league was 3 February 2024, almost a year ago. It is perhaps also the result of Conceiçao’s changes during the game, too.

Christian Pulisic and Alvaro Morata came off with physical problems while Ismael Bennacer only lasted a half, so Yunus Musah, Tammy Abraham and Alex Jimenez came on to shake things up, and that’s what they did.

The moves

If the first half against Cagliari was the worst of Conceiçao’s career, the Portuguese coach must review the rankings, because at Sinigaglia Milan did even worse. Tijjani Reijnders was placed in the attacking midfield spot behind Morata, with Rafael Leao and Pulisic theoretically on the wingers.

In reality, the two wingers tighten their positions a lot to combine in tight ‘block’ combinations with balls in behind to move up the pitch. However, it worked in the only way in which it also seems capable of hurting Milan, that is in transition.

Como meanwhile played a 4-4-2 which was irritating for Milan because it kept Emerson Royal pinned back, as Assane Diao did with Theo Hernandez on the other side. Only Fofana keeps fighting, but that doesn’t really translate from recovered balls into good plays.

Milan’s shock

After Como took the lead following a sweeping counter that was finished by Diao (questionable defending from Theo again), the Rossoneri seemed to spring into life finally.

Emerson and Jimenez began to link up on the right, then Leao’s increasingly frequent central runs created density around the box. A bit of luck was needed for the equaliser, which Theo scuffed.

Again the bench provided the jolt needed. Francesco Camarda came on for Fofana marking the change to a 4-4-2 which was almost a 4-2-4. And after five minutes Milan went ahead: Abraham’s through ball perfectly finding Leao who finished over Butez.

The end is worth mentioning too: Conceiçao ordered a 5-4-1 system – and it seemed more like an experiment for tough times than a necessity – and that allowed the home side to push again. With pressure invited, Maignan denied Cutrone from close range.

Milan have three points on the board and gained on Juventus who drew, but a better performance will be needed on Saturday in Turin, based on how Thiago Motta’s side rattled Atalanta.