Sergio Conceicao is a man for whom actions speak louder than words.

“Words are cheap. I’m not interested in pre-game interviews,” was his terse response to Italian broadcaster Sky when asked for his thoughts ahead of kick-off against Como.

“We need to get results. That’s all.”

The AC Milan manager elaborated on the exchange at full-time, noting that in 13 years as a manager he had never been asked to do an interview so close before a game.

“Here, there are different rules, and I have to get used to it,” he conceded.

Much to Conceicao’s delight, Milan did their talking on the pitch.

Goals from Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao in five second-half minutes cancelled out Assane Diao’s opener to secure all three points for the Rossoneri on the shores of Lake Como.

Milan have won three of their four matches since Conceicao replaced his compatriot Paulo Fonseca last month and each of those victories has come after they went behind.

Il Diavolo scored twice in three minutes to beat Juventus in the semi-final of the Italian Supercup last week and repeated the feat in the final, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Inter Milan in injury time and lift a first trophy since 2022.

Conceicao’s Serie A debut ended in a draw against Cagliari on Saturday, with Milan’s lead lasting all of four minutes before Nadir Zortea earned the Sardinians a point.

While there is something to be said for the resilience the Portuguese has clearly instilled in his team in less than a month – Milan won just two points from losing positions in 25 matches under Fonseca – the well-worn script of going behind is clearly wearing thin on Conceicao.

“We need to show more intensity right from the start. Was I upset at halftime? Of course, I’m passionate about what I do. There were clear mistakes made,” he said.

“There are significant shortcomings in various aspects of our game. While I’m pleased with the team’s reaction, it’s clear that we need to improve in many areas.”

Against Como, Milan were far from their best in the first half. Devoid of any attacking intent, they moved the ball so slowly they could have chased after their own passes, stopped them and played them again.

On the only occasion they did manage to open the Lariani‘s defence open, Tijjani Reijnders’ finish was so casual he never looked like converting what was a superb chance.

Como’s goal seemed to spark Milan into life, with Hernandez equalising with a scuffed effort, before Tammy Abraham and Leao combined again four days after sealing the winner in injury time against Inter to turn the match in the visitors’ favour.

The identity of the goalscorers was telling, for Hernandez and Leao have arguably benefitted more than anyone else from Conceicao’s arrival.

The pair never took to Fonseca’s methods but have discovered a new lease of life under his successor and have scored a combined three times in the past two outings.

Milan’s renaissance has continued too. The win on Tuesday night moved them up to seventh in Serie A, just one point behind Fiorentina.

Lazio, who currently occupy the final Champions League spot, are five points clear of Milan having played a game more, having been eight clear when Fonseca was sacked at the end of last month.

The next three weeks will provide a litmus test of sorts for Conceicao and his side.

The Rossoneri face Juventus in Turin on Saturday evening, before hosting Girona in the first of two Champions League they must win to retain any hope of progressing directly to the knockout stages.

A home fixture against Parma and a trip to Zagreb in the Champions League follow, before the small matter of the Derby della Madonnina on February 2 followed by the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Roma three days later.

Under Conceicao, Milan have beaten both Juventus and Inter in the space of three days, so can they do it again?

“There’s a lot more to come from these players,” the Portuguese said.

“They have the character, but we can improve in every area. As for their attitude, I can talk to them for hours, but ultimately it’s up to them to understand what they need to do.”

Actions, as ever, speak louder than words.