AC Milan’s Conceicao Declares Team Can No Longer Rely on Late Comebacks

AC Milan managed to recover from a shaky start, conceding two quick goals in their Serie A match last weekend, but manager Sergio Conceicao emphasised the need for his squad to maintain focus from the outset if they wish to see improvements in their performances.

Despite their spirited comeback against Fiorentina, which ended in a 2-2 draw at the San Siro after falling behind in the first 10 minutes, Milan’s aspirations of climbing into the top four remain dim as they sit ninth in the table, nine points adrift of fourth-placed Bologna.

In a concerning trend, Milan has let in the opening goal in each of their last six league matches. While they have managed to turn two of those games around into wins, three losses in that stretch have hampered their ranking.

“We need to display the same attitude as we did in the second half right from kick-off because matches are decided from the first minute to the last,” Conceicao stated to the media ahead of their fixture against Udinese on Friday.

“Staying focused from the first whistle is crucial; we’ve had extensive discussions about this among ourselves as it’s not a new issue this season.

“We often respond well, but it’s not always possible to come from behind and secure victories.”

Conceicao has frequently made adjustments at half-time or even earlier, yet these decisions are not predetermined.

“It sounds contradictory, but I don’t set the players up with the expectation of substituting them at half-time,” the manager clarified.

“I assess how the match is unfolding and then adjust, aiming to better support the players. My game plan evolves based on my observations during the week, which may shift, particularly if we fall behind.”

Since taking over in December, Conceicao has maintained the 4-2-3-1 formation established by his predecessor, Paulo Fonseca.

While Luka Jovic has proven effective off the bench, scoring in the last two league outings, Conceicao is not considering fielding him alongside Tammy Abraham in a two-striker formation.

“The 4-4-2 is a formation I favour, having played it for many years,” said Conceicao.

“However, we aren’t yet balanced or robust enough to play with two forwards, especially with (Rafael) Leao and Theo (Hernandez) frequently pushing forward. You can still be attacking even with a lone striker.”

In their upcoming match against Udinese, Conceicao will be without defender Kyle Walker, who suffered a fractured elbow, forward Santiago Gimenez, who picked up an injury against Fiorentina, and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is recovering from appendicitis.