AC Milan’s defending has been under heavy scrutiny in recent weeks as Paulo Fonseca is yet to find the solution to the struggles. Against Inter, the manager is hoping for a turning point and during today’s presser, he was asked about the centre-back pairing.
In his first five games in charge of Milan, Fonseca used the following centre-pairing: Tomori-Pavlovic (X3), Gabbia-Pavlovic and Tomori-Thiaw. Therefore, everything suggests that we will see Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic at the back tomorrow evening.
On the other hand, the Serbian has played the last two games from start to finish and might need some rest. During today’s press conference, Fonseca was asked about the centre-back pairing and what his thoughts are on the matter ahead of tomorrow’s.
The first five games have told us that Tomori and Pavlovic are the best centre-back pairing since they are the ones who have played the most…
“I have managed things in these three games [Venezia, Liverpool, Inter]. It’s true that we didn’t concede a goal against Venezia, but it was a different game. It was another thing against Liverpool, we conceded goals from set pieces. I have faith in all my central defenders. I have the ability to choose based on the opponent and the moment, and that’s what I’ll do,” he stated.
Despite the concern for Pavlovic’s energy levels, the feeling is still that he will play from the first minute tomorrow. He has had some very good moments at the start of this season and with composure, he can become a very good defender.
Tomori- Pavlo =9 goals in 4 games.
Gabbia – Pavlo = 0 goals in 1 game.
Seems pretty clear what the best pairing is. And I don’t care if the one game was venezia
Thought pavlo was subbed on vs Torino but wasn’t. So 3 games 7 goals..
I don’t know man. Pavlovic was so bad against Liverpool they didn’t bother pressing him. He is a “left” footed CB but what he “left” during that game was a terrible impression.
I might say Tomori-Gabbia but honestly at this point whoever we choose as a pairing CB won’t make that much of a difference.
Tomori/Pavlo = 9 goals against Serie A/EliteEuro teams.
Gabbia/Pavlo = 0 goals against a Serie B team.
Don’t take things out of context or anything.
Parma is elite nowadays?
Context is that Tomori and Pavlo don’t click. I don’t care if they play 3 games back to back vs real or shíty, bayern etc.etc.
You
Do
Not
Eat
9
Goals
In
Those
Games
Period!
Parma Torino and Lazio are head and shoulders better than Venezia on their worst day. Elite was referring to Liverpool clearly.
You have seen Gabbia play plenty last season to realize he’s just a squad player. Of course Tomori and Pavlo are no world beaters at present, clearly, but I would start them and sub Gabbia in later if I have to.
I’ve seen Gabbia being vastly underrated and is our best cb by a distance.. But you do you.
Even before last season i thought he was underutilized and underrated by Pioli the bald.
Fonseca lost so many points in first three games.
Now, he needs results against stronger opponents.
Only luck can save him