After AC Milan’s 3-1 win against Monza in the Silvio Berlusconi trophy, Paulo Fonseca took time to speak to the media, and in doing so, he confirmed who his top target is, among other things.
The mercato has been quite slow for Milan, and there is a growing sense of nervousness about whether the Rossoneri will finalise key deals before the closing of the summer transfer window. Although three players have been added, there is still a desire for more business to be completed – a view which is held by the fans and the club.
To the Diavolo’s credit, two key positions have been sorted – though you could argue that another striker and central defender would be welcomed. A right back was not a pressing priority but was listed in the positions that needed strengthening, and with Florenzi’s injury, this became a must.
However, there is still a gaping hole in the team where a defensive midfielder should be sitting, and it has not been due to a lack of trying. Instead, Milan are struggling to finalise a deal for Youssouf Fofana, and there is a concrete chance that he will sign next summer, rather than this summer, as reports have suggested.
Nevertheless, following the fixture against Monza, Fonseca spoke about the Fofana situation and others, and his words have been relayed by Milan News.
What emotions did you feel today?
“The feeling is very positive. Today was the first game, with our fans it was very positive. We have five weeks of work, we have a lot to work on and to improve. We are starting to see things that are the ideas of our game, but we have to keep working. Milan want to dominate, they want to get the ball higher. I didn’t expect to do everything well now, but something is already showing.”
What do you think of Emerson Royal and Pavlovic?
“There is only one player missing from our market. All the others we want are already with us. I must confess that we have to make exits. For Kalulu we are seeing what is best for the team and the player.”
What didn’t go tonight?
“When we press, it is difficult for the team to go backwards. On defensive movements, we have a lot to work on. It’s not that I didn’t like them, in the first 20 minutes we recovered the ball high and didn’t concede any chances to Monza”.
Is the 9 to Jovic your choice?
“Jovic I didn’t know him well, he has surprised me in recent weeks. He is a player who can help the team a lot in the area. The way he has worked these weeks, I liked him a lot.”
Is there a midfielder missing?
“The centre-midfielder is Fofana, we all know that.”
Saelemaekers and Morata…
“Morata works a lot with the team, both offensively and defensively. He didn’t work so much with us, but he played well. It’s the first time I’ve worked with Saelemaekers, everyone says he’s different. I don’t know if it’s true, but I like him. He works in more positions and always does well. He makes good choices with the ball, I want him to stay with us.”
On Liberali…
“Youngsters like Liberali, Zeroli etc are part of the first team. We work together with Milan Futuro, the problem is that we have so many players now. We don’t have as much space for players like him. But when we do have space it’s important to play them with us, it helps them to grow. I think they have quality. They have all shown that in these five weeks. We have to be careful with them.”
Have any players given him a hard time with his choices?
“We all have something to improve. I don’t have specific players in this regard. We all have to improve. In these five weeks there is so much positive, but I think the team can do much better. We have started now, but I expect more from everyone.”