Conceicao addresses celebration after second goal, Milan’s comeback and Gimenez’s drought | OneFootball

AC Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao believes that his side deserved to win against Como, praising several individuals including Tijjani Reijnders and the substitutes.

Como played well for parts of the game and took the lead in the first half through Luca Da Cunha. The Frenchman despatched a feed from the left side into the bottom corner with Mike Maignan unable to get down to it.

Milan activated their muscle memory as they were 1-0 down against Cesc Fabregas’ side in the reverse game, equalising through Christian Pulisic’s shot from a narrow angle then winning it through yet another goal from Tijjani Reijnders.

It means that the Rossoneri are up into seventh for the time being while waiting for the other games this round, but they have at least taken advantage of the fact that Bologna play Lazio and Fiorentina host Juventus.

Conceicao spoke to DAZN after the game to offer his analysis of what was yet another tale of two halves involving his side, and MilanNews relayed his comments.

Where does Reijnders do best?

“It depends on the game, he plays well everywhere: today I put him in more than one position. He understands and is very intelligent. They didn’t go too low and were always there, at a high level.”

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Your celebration for the second goal seemed directed at someone, was there anyone important in the stands?

“My family comes to the stadium. The exultation of a coach who saw the team make a couple of mistakes in the first 15-20 minutes. After a bit of difficulty on the defensive level, even if connected to the attacking phase: too deep, out of time to press, Como were very calm.

“At half-time we tried to start doing the things we prepared for this match. It wasn’t a great match but we deserved to win the match.”

Is it a comeback that is less the result of chance than the others?

“It wasn’t easy because the players were 1-0 down and with a team in front of the that are very well coached. We had to start doing more insistently what we had prepared, with and without the ball. We pressed and even with the ball we knew the opponent’s weaknesses.”

Image: AC Milan

What kind of period is Fofana going through?

“Youssouf when I arrived here, you told me that he had played all the games, and it’s true that there are periods where you have to breathe a bit. The main thing I have to say is that every player who comes in is to give something to the team.

“This means a good group, everyone has the desire to do and help. This makes me happy. Tammy also came on and did very well, after Rafa seemed a bit tired, I put Loftus-Cheek who gave a bit more weight because he is very strong physically. I’m happy because they come in with a good attitude.”

Gimenez hasn’t scored for nearly a month, how is he?

“He’s working hard, during the week I see him very focused on all the things we do with him and the other forwards. It’s not an easy period here in Italy, with teams organised on a defensive level: a normal period is needed to adapt. It will be very important for the rest of the season, I’m sure of it.”