Conceicao Commends Milan for Their Character in Victory Against Lecce

AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao commended his players for their resilience as they staged a remarkable recovery from two goals down against relegation-threatened Lecce in Serie A on Saturday.

Milan found themselves trailing 2-0 within the first hour, but made a stunning comeback late in the match with a brace from Christian Pulisic, alongside an own goal from Lecce.

“We had extra time during the week to prepare for this match, and we were well aware of Lecce’s strengths and weaknesses,” Conceicao told DAZN.

“We had two goals ruled out, and in the second half, we didn’t enter with the intensity we needed, which allowed them to score a second goal.

“At that point, it seemed tough to turn it around, but we showed our character. I substituted in offensive players, and thankfully it worked out in the end. I must commend the team for their hard work this week and the positive attitude I really appreciated.”

This victory prevented Milan from extending their losing streak to four matches.

“I enjoy working on the pitch,” Conceicao added. “Today, we exhibited higher aggression and pressing than usual.

“I’m not pleased at all about being knocked out of the Champions League, but now we have more time to regroup. The players showed real character, and that was evident in today’s match.”

Milan, who secured five consecutive wins in the Champions League from October to January, finished 13th in the league phase, being eliminated after a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Feyenoord in the knockout round playoffs.

Pulisic marked his return to scoring after a hiatus of over a month.

“When starting from the wing, he feels quite at ease in the central corridor, but that can vary depending on the match,” Conceicao explained.

“He started on the left today; he possesses excellent technical skills and is very astute. He can play behind the striker or on the wings, but cutting inside is where he shines the most.”

In his second season with Milan, the United States international has netted eight league goals so far, four short of his total from last season.

“It’s a challenging period for us, and this win was crucial,” Pulisic stated. “However, we’re a tightly knit group, and we demonstrated that with this vital victory.”

Milan’s next fixture sees them host Cesc Fabregas’s Como on March 15, before facing second-placed Napoli after the international break.