Conceicao urges Milan to ´be more solid´ despite late Como win

Sergio Conceicao has urged AC Milan to “be more solid” if they want to embark on a Serie A winning run, after coming from behind to beat Como on Tuesday.

Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao scored in the 71st and 76th minutes to secure a 2-1 win at promoted Como after new signing Assane Diao had given Cesc Fabregas’ side the lead on the hour.

In the process, Hernandez scored his 30th goal in Serie A, becoming the first defender in Milan’s history to reach the milestone in the competition (overtaking Paolo Maldini on 29).

It is the third time in Conceicao’s four games in charge that they have fallen behind in games and had to come from behind to win, with the 50-year-old registering his first Serie A win in charge.

“We weren’t 100% effective, far from it,” Conceicao told Sky Sport. “Better in the second half, but as a team, we have to be more solid, not allow the opponent to come out easily … We have the quality to not concede a goal like today.”

It was a fairly even game, with both teams managing 12 shots, though Milan slightly edged the efforts on target, with six to Como’s four.

The visitors were stunned when Diao beat Mike Maignan with a low strike inside the near post, but subsequently scored with their final two shots and held out to win.

“We faced a good team and it wasn’t easy,” Conceicao said.

“We prepare for the matches with a board and video, but on the pitch, several things are missing in [different] departments.

“We need to be more present in the duels, offensive and defensive, but there is always a good reaction. Working on positive results is easier and we will look for them, but we need to improve a lot.”

Milan, who have impressed in the Champions League with four consecutive victories, have recently struggled in Serie A, winning just one of their previous five games before this one.

“The character is there,” Conceicao added.

“We can improve physically, tactically and technically. As for attitude, they have to get certain things into their heads by themselves, I can talk for two hours but without that it’s difficult.

“Now we also evaluate the players’ muscular problems. We have to improve the physical level to play the kind of game I want. There’s a lot of work.”