AC Milan Coach Sergio Conceicao Praises Team's Character After Comeback Win Over Lecce

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao has shifted his focus to the Serie A campaign after their Champions League elimination, and was pleased with his team's character in their win over Lecce.

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao lavished praise on his players for showcasing their character in the team's comeback win over Lecce in Serie A on Saturday. Milan found themselves trailing 2-0 within the first hour, but they staged a remarkable late-game resurgence, thanks to a Christian Pulisic brace and an own goal by Lecce.

Conceicao revealed that his team's preparation during the week played a significant role in their victory. “We had a little more time during the week to prepare for the match, we knew Lecce's strengths and weaknesses,” he told DAZN. Despite having two goals disallowed, Milan's fortunes changed in the second half, although Conceicao acknowledged that his team didn't start the half as strongly as they had hoped. “We had two goals disallowed, in the second half we didn't come in as we wanted and they scored the second goal.”

The match seemed to be slipping away from Milan, but Conceicao's tactical adjustments paid off. “It seemed difficult to turn it around, then character came out,” he said. Conceicao introduced offensive players, and the move ultimately proved successful. “I put on offensive players and in the end it went well. I have to compliment the team for how they worked during the week with the right attitude that I really liked.”

The victory was a crucial one for Milan, as it halted their losing streak at three games. Conceicao expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance, particularly their aggression and pressing. “I like to work on the pitch,” he added. “Today the aggression and pressing that we (generally) want was higher.”

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao expressed his disappointment over the team's Champions League elimination but is now focusing on their domestic campaign. “I'm not at all happy about being eliminated from the Champions League but now we have more time,” he said. Conceicao praised his players' character, which was on display in their comeback win over Lecce. “The lads have character and you could see it in the match today.”

Milan's Champions League campaign ended in disappointment, as they finished 13th in the league phase and were eliminated by Feyenoord in the knockout-round playoffs. Despite this setback, Conceicao's team has shown resilience in the league, with their latest win over Lecce being a testament to their character.

What a turnaround! 😍🔁#LecceMilan #SempreMilan
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— AC Milan (@acmilan) March 8, 2025

Christian Pulisic's return to scoring form was a welcome boost for Milan. Conceicao praised the American forward's versatility and technical qualities. “Starting from the wing, he feels very comfortable in the central corridor, then it depends on the game,” Conceicao said. “Today he started on the left, he is a player with great technical qualities and very intelligent. He can play behind the striker or on the wings but coming inside is the best position.”

Pulisic, who has scored eight league goals this season, expressed his relief and satisfaction with the win over Lecce. “It's a very difficult moment for us, and this was a very important victory,” he said. Pulisic credited the team's unity for their success, adding, “(But) we are a very united group, we demonstrated it with this very important win.”

Looking ahead, Milan will host Como on March 15 before facing a tough test against second-placed Napoli after the international break.

Post-match reaction from the matchwinner 🎙️#LecceMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/1GOCVvWq24

— AC Milan (@acmilan) March 8, 2025