AC Milan's head coach Paulo Fonseca gestures during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Real Madrid and AC Milan, in Madrid, Spain, 05 November 2024. EPA-EFE/Kiko Huesca (Pre-Juventus)
AC Milan's head coach Paulo Fonseca gestures during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Real Madrid and AC Milan, in Madrid, Spain, 05 November 2024. EPA-EFE/Kiko Huesca
Paulo Fonseca has admitted it is difficult to be ‘dominant’ in every Serie A match, has spoken about the form of star attacker Rafael Leao, and noted the differences in Milan’s performances against Juventus and Slovan Bratislava over the last week.
The Rossoneri coach sat down for his customary pre-match press conference ahead of Milan’s upcoming Serie A match at home to Empoli.
Here is what the Milan tactician had to say.
Fonseca on Milan consistency: ‘When we improve, other problems crop up’
“We were more organised against Juve, we were better in transition against Slovan,” he said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s visit from Empoli in Serie A.
“It seems like when we improve on something, other problems crop up. Just because you win doesn’t mean that we can close our eyes and pretend everything is fine. We have to look at the problems.
“Problems arise game by game. We were well disciplined and worked hard against Juve, while we were a better team in transition in Bratislava. We’ve always spoken about defensive problems, but we have the fifth best defence in the league. We’ve conceded the same as Inter and Lazio.”
Davide Calabria and team mates of AC Milan applaud the fans followi the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Davide Calabria and team mates of AC Milan applaud the fans followi the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fonseca on Milan tactics and Leao form
Fonseca admitted that Milan could go back to playing with two centre-forwards in their line-up, like they did with Alvaro Morata and Tammy Abraham in the 2-1 Derby della Madonnina victory against Inter earlier in the season, but only if the conditions allow it.
“It’s an idea that’s still in my head. It’ll be an option when I think it can be an advantage for us,” the coach said.
He later continued: “In Italy, you need to have two faces in attack. We had one against Juve and Slovan, we need another when we face Empoli and Atalanta.”
Fonseca also admitted that it is not easy to go out and be the controlling team in every game that Milan play in, especially in Serie A.
“It’s not easy to be dominant in Italy, it’s not easy against Empoli and it’s not easy against Atalanta.
“What we want is balance: A team that creates opportunities while having defensive security. We had a chance to dominate the game after going 1-0 up in Bratislava, but we conceded the equaliser and the team blamed that.
And on Leao, he added: “With Leao I used two strategies: One had no results, the other did. I’m happy that Rafa had this reaction, but I Want continuity. The team needs this version of Rafa.”
epa11742242 Rafael Leao (R) of AC Milan scores the 1-2 lead against goalkepeer Dominik Takac (L) of Bratislava during the UEFA Champions League match between Slovan Bratislava and AC Milan in Bratislava, Slovakia, 26 November 2024. EPA-EFE/JAKUB GAVLAK
epa11742242 Rafael Leao (R) of AC Milan scores the 1-2 lead against goalkepeer Dominik Takac (L) of Bratislava during the UEFA Champions League match between Slovan Bratislava and AC Milan in Bratislava, Slovakia, 26 November 2024. EPA-EFE/JAKUB GAVLAK
Why Milan do not have a settled defensive partnership
Fonseca was asked why he has not been able to keep the same centre-back pairing over a prolonged period.
“I have a more stable pairing than some of the others, but we also have to understand that we have lots of games and we can’t always play with the same two,” he replied.
“Gabbia was injured, it was tricky to get him to do two in a row. I know it’s important to play the same players in defence, but there are so many games and also injuries.
And, on whether Milan’s league position troubles him, Fonseca admitted: “Yes, but I’m still positive.”
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