AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca faced questions about the style of play he is trying to implement, while he also answered queries about the mercato and how some of the key players are doing.
Milan have not had an ideal start to their new era having taken just one point from the first six available, which is their lowest return from the opening two games of the season since 2011-12 under Max Allegri.
A draw against Torino in the first game – one which required a dramatic late fightback after being 2-0 down – was followed up by a 2-1 defeat against newly-promoted Parma last Saturday, and that has dialled up the pressure.
The media have spent the week scrutinising the decisions taken both by the management and by Fonseca, so that first win under the new coach is needed sooner rather than later to avoid things mounting.
Fonseca spoke to the reporters who gathered at Milanello for his pre-match press conference this afternoon, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Has it been a useful week to improve the problems seen against Parma?
“Yes. We are aware that we have not started well, but there is one very positive thing: we are all in agreement, we are united. We want to look for solutions and that is what we have done this week. It is easier to work when we are all together.
“We have had a good week of work. I think we have understood what is really important to improve. We are united, we have worked well, I expect to see a different Milan tomorrow.”
Is it more a technical or tactical problem?
“We talked after the game, we all think the same. We were a bit down the first day after Parma, then we reacted and it was a very positive week. I don’t like depression or looking for excuses: I’m here to look for solutions. Let’s see if tomorrow was the right path.”
Will Tammy Abraham be called up tomorrow?
“I was surprised at lunch because Danso had arrived in Rome and now he is no longer joining them. So, until it is official I will not talk about Abraham. Tomorrow there is no Morata, there is no Jovic because he has lower back pain, we have Okafor and Camarda.”
Are the mercato moves a result of the first two matches?
“I don’t want to individualise the problems. I’m focused on the players we have now and on tomorrow’s match. Then we’ll see.”
Your thoughts on the Champions League draw?
“I have a lot to think about before the Champions League… I like the format, first of all, because there are more matches between the big teams. For us it’s a very balanced draw, there are Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayer who are very strong. A balanced draw, like this format is.”
There’s been a lot of talk about Theo and Leao… how are they?
“It’s easy to understand what we need to improve. I never talk about the players individually, I always talk about us and the team. Individually, I talk to my players, but privately, never publicly. Obviously I talked to Theo, with Rafa and the other players.”
Are you convinced that this squad is suitable for the football you have in mind or could you review your game in some way?
“Yes. I say this because we have already done it. If we had never done it, I might have doubts. But in pre-season we were close to what I want. I have the same confidence as in the first press conference. I have the same confidence in saying that these two games will not change the team that I want.”
How were the relations with the management during the transfer market?
“We are in contact every day and we talk about everything. Then it’s obvious: there are things I can’t decide. But the relationship is as good as it can be. I say that I am very satisfied with the work of the club in strengthening the team.”
Are you convinced that your football ideas have been received by the team?
“I’ve already said that the pre-season was a good example of what we can be. All the players were open to playing this football. I have no doubts in what I believe in. I’m convinced of it.”
Have you thought about switching to 4-3-3?
“I don’t want to argue about this. I respect your opinion.”
Should we expect a Milan squad with two players per role?
“We want it to be like that, to have two players per position of the same level.”
You praised Saelemaekers and Jovic, now they are leaving. What happened?
“Nothing. Camarda, Zeroli, Bartesaghi and Cuenca have been called up tomorrow. Jovic is injured now. Saelemaekers? We have to pay attention to the players’ ambitions.”
If Bennacer leaves, do you expect another reinforcement? Maybe Rabiot?
“It’s an intelligent way of asking mercato questions. I’ve already said I won’t talk about it. I expect to have the players I have available for tomorrow.”
There was a lot of criticism after Parma…
“I don’t expect people to talk well about the team when we lose: it’s normal. We have to find solutions for ourselves, not because others talk.”
Are you happy with Loftus-Cheek in the attacking midfield?
“I’m happy with Loftus-Cheek. His role is important.”
A football club is soley their for it’s fans, that is it’s only function and source of revenue.
Ok if Fonseca does not want to give any info to the media, but Milan better find somebody to represent the club and engage with fans directly or via the media.
I don’t mean Zlatan the mercenary, talking in riddles! I mean someone with a legitimate role
Milan has providing every info about every materialised thing, even Fonseca told to media about salas, they’ve took care of player’s ambition….what else you want they keep blabbing about rumours here n there.
Disagree. The fans are not owed inside information or the answers to their every question. What they are owed is a team that gives maximum effort, and that’s what was missing last weekend. Hopefully we do see a different Milan against Lazio. When this team are fired up and focused they can compete with anyone.
What do you gain with the management talking to the fans.
What is needed is results, actions. Not talk.
What you gain is
1. avoid untrained people making gaffes like Musah sayinng he didn’t know what to do
2. Take the tough questions, giving protection to the players and staff
3. Fan engagement. Football raises revenue from fans, having a charismatic spokesman is a huge benefit, as in every business
For example, when Elliot owned Milan nobody ever talked about Mr. Singer (i dont even know his name). Why? because Maldini and Massara were the face of the club.
Fans don’t engage well with financiers, they want a face that is familiar, friendly and trustworthy!
Well, Fonseca has said about the same stuff before the Parma game, and we lost. Words are easy. I want to see results on the pitch. We’ll see. The way things are going, I don’t exclude that we’ll lose to Lazio and Inter (maybe we’ll beat Venezia).
Also, it is a bit concerning that not even Fonseca seems to know what is going on with the Mercato. Well, we know that they hired him in great part because his is a Yes-Man who doesn’t put pressure on the administration. He praises Alexis, Alexis is gone. He praises Jovic, it seems like Jovic may be gone too. It doesn’t look like management gives any weight to what Fonseca thinks, which is a big problem. If they don’t, how will the players respect him?
Probably get sacked by October.
The way he answer the press remind me of Giampaolo