GdS: ‘No respect’ and ‘more important players’ – Fonseca’s ‘most peculiar’ phrases since joining Milan

Paulo Fonseca is certainly an interesting character, and he has yet to fully earn or lose the faith of AC Milan fans and there have been some moments of confusion when he has spoken. 

Since arriving in the summer, Fonseca has been a heavily debated topic. From his appointment to his system to his personnel, everything imaginable that could be said about a coach probably has, and other things are continuing to be found.

However, it is not just a one-way street, and Fonseca has been through a plethora of different moments as the head coach of Milan, and these can be identified in some of his words to the media, as Gazzetta dello Sport writes.

“The refereeing? No respect for Milan”

We start with the most recent words from Fonseca, those following the defeat to Atalanta, and specifically about the goal scored by Charles De Ketelaere. An emotional Fonseca claimed there was something against the Rossoneri effectively, and the paper suggests this could be frustration over his circumstances blowing into his public words given he is usually ‘measured’ with his words.

However, it comes across as an excuse, rather than focusing on some of the downfalls of his side’s performance. Ultimately, a sign of his situation, and perhaps the internal pressure he is under.

“Leao? Milan is more important than some players”

This quote is one that can easily be taken out of context, and given the situation, it often was. Rafael Leao and Fonseca publically had problems, just as they have now publically been put to bed, but the head coach saying this about his player was quite telling of how poor the relationship was.

Perhaps, it was not meant how it was said, but suggesting that your highest-paid player is not the most important is not a good look at all. Now, the issue is resolved, but what a butterfly effect it could have been had it been the end from a potentially misspoken thought.

“We are Milan and you can’t think about things other than the Scudetto”

In recent weeks, the Scudetto has drifted away from Milan’s grasp (if it was ever there, or in reach in the first place). The concept of winning the league has not been abandoned by the head coach, possibly because it admits fault in his pursuit of the club’s biggest aim.

Fonseca knows the ambition of the fans, and the expectations that come alongside that, and maybe his words of hope are an attempt to manifest this into something tangible. However, there are no signs of this yet.

“More captains are needed in this team”

Finally, we must look at him questioning the leadership of the team. There were three captains when he arrived, but the Portuguese felt that the team needed more. Whilst this is an attempt to share responsibility, trying to eliminate individuality, it, perhaps, could have been worded better.