Conceicao insists Milan squad ‘have character’ and explains Pulisic’s important tactical role | OneFootball

Sergio Conceicao believes that his AC Milan side show the character that they possess during their remarkable comeback win against Lecce.

Milan had already come from behind several time under Conceicao’s brief tenure in charge: the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final and final plus wins over Como and Parma.

They found themselves 2-0 down against relegation-threatened Lecce too this evening, with Nikola Krstovic – who has been linked with a summer move to Milan – scoring either side of half-time.

However, the Rossoneri summoned that fighting spirit once again, halving the deficit through an own-goal, equalising with a Christian Pulisic penalty and then getting a winner thanks to the American too.

Conceiçao spoke to DAZN at the end of the game to give his analysis of what was a rollercoaster game at the Stadio Via del Mare, with MilanNews relaying his comments.

The first half was maybe one of the best for intensity and fluidity, but you were behind. Second half not at the same pace, then the reaction from the bench…

“You built a really correct picture of the game. We had a little more time during the week to prepare for this game, we knew Lecce’s strengths and weaknesses and we prepared very well, with the players applying themselves to do what I asked.

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“We created chances, scored two goals that were disallowed and then we went behind. In the second half we didn’t come back as we wanted and they scored the second, and at that moment it seemed difficult to turn it around.

“Then the players’ character came out and we got back on track. In the end it went well. For the team’s attitude and for the work done during the week, my compliments if we are like this at a basic level. They had an attitude that I really liked.”

So is there the correct attitude? How come it doesn’t always show?

“Sometimes it’s not the attitude, it’s also the opponent who has quality. I really like working on the pitch, it’s not an excuse. This aggression today was more organised, this comes from the work on the pitch.

“I’m not happy because we went out of the Champions League, but we have a little more time to work on these situations and we take advantage of it. I think the lads have character, you have to always let it out, it has to be a habit. Then comes the match of course.”

What is Pulisic’s ideal role?

“Starting from the wing, he feels very comfortable in the central corridors, then it depends on the strategy of the match. It is true that today he started on the left, but I wanted him and Musah between the lines, with Reijnders and Bondo attracting their midfielders to have that space that we exploited very well in the first half.

“He is a player of great technical quality and is also very intelligent in the different roles he has. He can play behind the striker, he can play on the wing coming inside: it is his best position. Then whether he starts on the right or left, or if he plays there already, depends on the strategy.”

Now a slightly quieter week…

“Let’s see (laughs).”