Conceicao confident AC Milan on verge of turnaround
AC Milan secured back-to-back wins after coming from behind to beat Como, and Sergio Conceicao believes this is their turning point.
Sergio Conceicao is confident AC Milan are on the verge of turning their season around following a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Como.
It was the second consecutive Serie A game in which Milan came from behind to win, after last week's 3-2 victory at Lecce, which had stopped a run of three straight league defeats.
Lucas da Cunha had given Como a first-half lead, but Tijjani Reijnders was at the heart of Milan's second-half display, setting up Christian Pulisic for the equaliser before scoring the winner in the 75th minute.
It was the first time the Dutchman both scored a goal and provided an assist in the same game in his career in the top 10 European leagues.
Milan are now seventh in the table and face a battle to claw their way up the standings and secure Champions League qualification for next season.
"I see results of a group that really wants to do well and gives its all. There's an incredible desire to turn around the moment and Milan's season," Conceicao told reporters.
Milan struggled to contain Como in the first half; the visitors had eight shots before in the opening 45 minutes worth 0.66 expected goals (xG), with three of those on target.
Milan improved after the break, scoring with both of their efforts on target, with Como unable to take their chances despite, again, having more shots.
"There were positive moments, but also some less good ones," Conceicao added.
"We started the game well, then we conceded and doubts crept into the players' minds. It happens. We were too deep, and our pressing wasn't well executed.
"In the second half, we did well exploiting Como's weaknesses: you can see clearly in the goals we scored what we worked on. This break is important."
Since Conceicao's arrival at the beginning of 2025, only Bologna (15) have gained more points from losing positions than Milan (12) in the current five major European leagues.
But Pulisic said he did not know why the Rossoneri had struggled in the first half of matches recently.
"I can't give you a reason, we want to start the game stronger and I don't know why this season we're always in trouble in the first half. The important thing is to do better in the second," he said.
"We have to be more positive because we have won two games in a row. We have the chance to get where we want, but we think game by game."
Reijnders, meanwhile, believes this could be the perfect springboard to help them finish their season on a high.
"This is something we are suffering this season. I don't think it's sharpness, but we are making personal mistakes and these things can't happen when you are playing for Milan," Reijnders said.
"I said multiple times this season, we have to improve, and right now is the best moment to do it."
Como finished the match with 10 men as Dele Alli was sent off just 10 minutes into his comeback. It was his first appearance since playing for Besiktas in February 2023, but he was given his marching orders in stoppage time for stamping on Ruben Loftus-Cheek's leg.
Cesc Fabregas' team have now lost 22 points from winning positions, though they remain nine points clear of the relegation zone.
"Dele Alli is a goalscorer, I tried to give him an opportunity. A serious mistake by an experienced player. Clear red, he left the team at a time when it could have made it 2-2," Fabregas, who also received a late red card, said to DAZN.
"It has been an unlucky season, so many small details that hurt. I never give up, I'm positive and we always move forward."