AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao revealed his bold tactical decisions in the match against Empoli, emphasizing that a draw would have felt like a defeat for a club of Milan’s stature. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Conceicao opted for an aggressive approach that ultimately secured a crucial 2-0 victory.

The match was marked by controversial moments, including Fikayo Tomori’s dismissal due to VAR protocol limitations. However, Conceicao’s halftime substitutions proved decisive, with Rafael Leao and Serie A debutant Santi Gimenez scoring the goals that sealed the win.

Conceicao explained his tactical shift: “When we went down to 10 men, I was tempted to reinforce our defense. Instead, I repositioned Musah and Walker, pushing Joao Felix deeper. For Milan, a draw here would be equivalent to a loss, so I had to take a risk.”

The coach praised Gimenez’s performance and highlighted the importance of players adapting to roles outside their comfort zones. He emphasized that football is not just about possession but also about effective off-ball movement and collective effort.

Conceicao concluded by outlining his vision for Milan: “When all players understand their roles, the game becomes simpler and more enjoyable. This is the style of football I want to see. While they may have different ideas from other coaches, right now, they’re with me on this approach.”