Ahead of tomorrow night’s clash against Real Madrid, Paulo Fonseca has discussed Leao’s involvement in the game, and preparing for a fixture of Tuesday’s magnitude.
There are contrasting views in place ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League fixture. Some believe that the game is a write-off before a ball has even been kicked, whereas others think that Milan have as much of a chance to get something as their opposition.
Facing the European champions will not be an easy task, and Fonseca is aware of this. For this reason, he is looking to reliable names for inspiration, so Rafael Leao and Fikayo Tomori should both be brought back into the starting eleven.
Both will be looking to re-establish themselves within the side after some recent time among the substitutes and when better to do so against the reigning champions.
On the eve of the Champions League clash, Fonseca sat to speak with the media, and his words have been relayed by Milan News.
How do you face a match like tomorrow?
“You face a game like this with great motivation. We know that we’re playing against the main candidate to win the Champions League, and for us, it’s an opportunity to prove our value, to continue to grow as a team and to face the best players, the best team, without fear of anything, with courage, because we believe we can play a good game.”
Would a draw be a positive result?
“I honestly think and try to transmit to the players always the desire to win. Tomorrow will be no different. I always think about winning, knowing that Real are a great team, but I only think about winning. Then afterwards if it happens, it always depends on how.”
You Milan always tends to play a certain style, as a team that does not make calculations. But given the calibre of the opponent, would a draw be a positive result?
“I honestly always try to transmit to the players the desire to win and tomorrow will be no different, knowing that Real is a great team. But I only think about winning. Then if it happens, it depends on how it happens. It can be a positive or negative result, it depends on how we play.”
Is Leao playing tomorrow? What do you expect from him?
“Rafa will play from the start. We expect what we normally expect, that he can be decisive.”
How important is Morata?
“Alvaro for me is a very important player, not only as a player but as a professional. He is a very very intelligent player who is doing very well, he is very important for our team. He needs to play, what he is doing for the team is decisive for us.
“Playing here is special for him, but I expect to have Alvaro like we had him during the season. He has worked so much for the team with so much energy.”
Ancelotti said that a coach needs the right amount of time and that this is an AC Milan with potential. What do you think about that?
“Carlo is a point of reference for me. He is the best coach in the world, everything he says is important, to be listened to. I thank him for this thought.”
Did you see El Clasico? Did it help you prepare for anything?
“I saw the derby, it’s impossible not to watch it. They are teams I like to watch, I paid attention to the match. We are different from Barcelona but it was important to see Real Madrid’s intentions against Barcelona, who have a similar way of defending with us. We made the team see the game.”
Doesn’t it bother you that so many people have spoken on the Leao issue? Is it an over-discussed issue?
“Honestly, no. I know what is important for me and for the team. It is normal that people, you, talk about this situation. I have to follow my team, what I believe in and what I think is important for the team.”
Could using two striker be an option for tomorrow night?
“No, because Tammy is not in the best physical condition, he cannot play the whole match. He can maybe play part of the match, but not from the start.”
Is Theo Hernandez growing into his role?
“Theo started the season with physical difficulties. Now he’s better, he’s growing. He also has room to get better.”
What is your opinion on Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or?
“For me, individual awards are not important. There are so many criteria, so many people who decide…. For me we have to respect the decisions. It’s difficult to say which player is the best, for me. We have to respect the response.”
What does it mean for you to play against a coach as important to Milan’s history as Ancelotti?
“Always special, for me he is a reference point. I’m a big fan of Carlo, not only as a coach but above all as a person. He is an example for all of us coaches. For me he is a motivation and a great source of pride.”
Real Madrid-Milan, European derby?
“It is the match between the two clubs that have won the most Champions Leagues. We have many games in the Champions League that are big matches, but it’s obviously a match between two clubs that are attractive. We hope to put on a good show for people who like football.”
On the eve of Real there are several similarities of the eve with Inter…
“What is similar is that Milan were not favourites with Inter and are not favourites tomorrow. But they are different matches, two opponents with a totally different style of play.
“We prepared in the short time we had the match in a different way to Inter, we made a different strategy to face a Real Madrid side that is very strong.”
As always, our full preview – including team news, opposition info and the key stats – is available.