AC Milan fought back to secure a 2-1 win over Como on Tuesday evening, and although it wasn’t entirely convincing, we picked up three important points.
It was a struggle for the Rossoneri as we eventually fell behind on the hour mark, with Assane Diao giving the hosts the lead.
READ MORE: What Sergio Conceicao said in assessment of Milan’s win vs Como
Fortunately, Milan struck back not long after as goals from Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao turned the game around in our favour, as we made the short trip home with a crucial victory secured.
The result lifts us to seventh place in the Serie A table, as we look to now close the gap on those above us in order to try and secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Conceicao’s personality, character comes across in performance
Whether it’s through how Porto played under his stewardship or the impression he gives when speaking to the media, Conceicao has a determined, committed and relentless attitude to winning games.
That’s coming across in our performances under him so far, as we’ve not lacked personality and character in battling back from behind to pick up three wins in his first four games in charge.
Ultimately, that’s a crucial foundation on which to build, as the minimum expectation is that we play with full commitment to match the opposition’s energy and intensity.
Milan still lacking quality to be convincing
That said, it must be balanced with quality to make the difference, as we have individuals in the squad who are capable of performing at a higher level than most.
It’s one thing digging in and getting a foothold and control in games, but we must make that count rather than get dragged into a scrap and playing below our capabilities.
We’ve seen with the goals that we’ve scored under Conceicao that we’re capable of playing good football, but it’s about finding consistency, fluidity and a clinical edge to our play.
Theo, Leao decisive
While Theo’s defending for Como’s goal should come under scrutiny as he’s continuing to struggle defensively, he made up for it with our equaliser, which was a big moment in the game.
Leao then produced the winning goal as two of our main protagonists secured the victory, and Conceicao will be delighted with them but demanding of more as they have to produce consistently.
It was evident that there were problems under Paulo Fonseca in the dressing room with some of our key figures, but hopefully we’re seeing them start to get back to their best.
Blow to lose Pulisic to injury, other concerns
The win was soured by some of the injury issues that we sustained, most notably with Christian Pulisic coming off with what looked to be a hamstring injury.
Such has been his influence so far this season and given he fits Conceicao’s style so well both in and out of possession, that will be a real problem to lose him again having only recently returned from a previous knock.
The Milan boss noted that Alvaro Morata and Malick Thiaw were also replaced as a precautionary measure, and so it’s hoped that we get positive news from further tests and scans which rule out lengthy spells on the sidelines as they will be integral in their respective roles in helping us continue to improve.
Critical improvement needed ahead of Juventus test
Milan will need to step up through the gears now as we prepare to face Juventus this weekend, which is followed by our Champions League meeting with Girona.
Conceicao has a few more days to work with the players at Milanello to continue to get his ideas across and for them to adapt and more effectively execute his game-plan, and so it’s crucial things continue to click.
He noted in his post-match interviews that we’re still not playing the way he wants despite all the work at the training ground, and this will be a test of not only our desire and character, but also our tactical adaptation to get the desired outcome.
