AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao was delighted that his resolution to “gamble” by nonetheless going for a win when lowered to 10 males paid off towards Empoli on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, the Portuguese coach introduced on attacking gamers Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, earlier than his facet went all the way down to 10 males on account of Fikayo Tomori’s second reserving within the fifty fifth minute.
Empoli have been additionally lowered to 10 by Luca Marianucci’s straight pink earlier than Leao headed the opener within the 68th minute, with Gimenez sealing their 2-0 win eight minutes later.
“The temptation at that second was to take off a striker, to place in a defender, however I didn’t do it,” Conceicao informed DAZN.
“I moved (Yunus) Musah to the precise and put (Kyle) Walker in central defence and Joao Felix a bit deeper. A draw right here is sort of a defeat for Milan, so I needed to take the gamble.
“With all due respect for Empoli’s aggressive nature and direct method, we have been the higher group all through and picked up three necessary factors.”
Sérgio Conceição on #EmpoliMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/5vX9sUqa8W
— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 8, 2025
Conceicao was filled with reward for his new signing Gimenez after the Mexico striker made a flying begin to life in Italy, following his transfer from Feyenoord.
“Santi is a high quality participant, I had already adopted him after I was at Porto,” he mentioned.
“High quality works when the gamers are in a position to push exterior their consolation zone and play for the larger good, which is the collective of the group. These particulars can deliver everybody as much as a better degree.
“When the gamers all perceive what must be carried out, it’ll all be a lot easier and likewise extra pleasing for them. That is the type of soccer that I need to see.”
Milan, who sit seventh in Serie A with 38 factors, subsequent play at Feyenoord within the Champions League knockout-stage play-offs on Wednesday.
