Paulo Fonseca sung the praises of his AC Milan side after they beat Venezia 4-0 at San Siro to record the first win of his time in charge, insisting that there is plenty of belief in his ideas from the group.
Milan scored four times in the first half en-route to what was a rout of a newly-promoted Venezia side who were guilty of some self-destruction as well, and the tone was set after just 90 seconds when Theo Hernandez’s shot found a way through Joronen in the visitors’ goal.
A corner was bundled in to make it 2-0 and though Matteo Gabbia claimed it, it was later given to Youssouf Fofana. Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham converted a penalty each to extend the lead to four goals after Abraham and Rafael Leao had been fouled for the respective spot kicks.
There is still work to be done with Liverpool and Inter to come in the next two games, but it is a step in the right direction. Fonseca spoke to Sky and DAZN after the game to reflect on the result and the performance, with MilanNews relaying his comments.
How do you think the game went?
“It was important to have Pulisic, Reijnders and Loftus-Cheek further forward and have the opportunity to create a numerical superiority and also to look for the moment to accelerate the match. We have to continue working to improve because there is a lot to improve.”
You brought Theo and Leao back in after leaving them out two weeks ago…
“I think we have a group with quality, we need to have more energy and intensity: more moments of pressure and quick ball recovery, this is done with the right attitude and with speed. Great energy makes the difference. The work of the four players up front was very important: Rafa, Pulisic, Reijnders and Abraham.”
Theo was the captain, and Rafa was the vice. Is that a sign?
“No, no. We have already had this hierarchy from other seasons: Calabria, Theo and Rafa who are the players with the most games. The hug with Leao? When we have images of team, of the right attitude it is always important. I think Rafa did very well, I am very satisfied with his defensive work: he learned a lot and his teammates are satisfied too.”
And now, Liverpool and Inter await…
“Tactically we are going to prepare for them now. The most important thing is to maintain this energy and intensity which also brings confidence. There is still a lot of work to do but this must not be missing.”
What are your thoughts on the Theo and Leao saga that developed?
“We have to manage things calmly and with balance, which is what we did. I have always chosen for the best of the team and if one day I think it is better to play without Rafa or Theo, they have to understand, as they understood in the other match because I always think about the team first.
“They are important players, they played today and showed how important they are for us. I don’t need a comparison, then it is normal that in a family you can’t always all agree but what is important is to do what is best for the team.”
Does the season start tonight?
“No, we already started four games ago, dropping points. We have to recover, but it was important to win and also in this way, to give confidence to the players.”
What does it take to get out of a difficult moment?
“I think everything is important now. We can talk about tactics, technique but the attitude is very important for a team that wants to play like this. We did well, the work on the pitch was important but also in the dressing room and the video analysis.”
The derby is in one week…
“This week I have already started thinking about these games. I know how important the derby is, I have to think about Liverpool which will be a great game but I have already started thinking about Inter and what we have to do. I know how important it is for the fans, I know about the latest results and now we are going to work to change thi.”
What are the differences between Serie A and the other leagues you have worked in, and what are the differences between Roma and Milan?
“It changes, it changes a lot. Serie A is different from everything, from England, from France, from Ukraine. I have to manage these moments with a lot of balance, I try not to look and not to feel, staying focused on the work. And making the players understand the importance of our game and working.
“The pressure at Roma versus Milan? I don’t know, but Milan is a club that always plays to win. Not that Roma aren’t, but in these clubs there is always pressure. If we don’t want to have this type of pressure we can’t be coaches.”
🥶Ruben Loftus Cheek 🥶 MOTM. What we need against big teams. Dominant figures off position, him and Fofana. Reijnders is flexible with quick turn’s, quick feet and quick decision making, he will make a huge difference this season🔥.
Now that is good thinking, mister. That’s the right frame of mind.
Avg position was 4-1-3-2 but Leão was well wider. Fofana behind cheek- Reijnders – Pulisic. On position. Off position it was 4-2-4 with Tammy deeper than Reijnders and with lot of recoveries.
This. Why aren’t we talking more about this?
Last game we were 433.
I’m wondering if this is tactical flexibility I am not used to seeing as I only became a fan early in the Pioli era.
I like it how they change formation few times in game. 4231, then after substitutes 4132 and in the end again 4231(433) .. I know it was only Venice , but it’s good to practice something like this for other games
I don’t understand this coach, he is struggling to speak in Italian or its a translation problem in English!!
Why a coach answer different to the questions? and what type of coach banters his players in press meet?
Clearly, Milan should be cautious or the project will not survive it will take another 2 or 3years to bring new players and new project.
What?
he is sad Milan didnt lose so he can complain more
this match still not prove anything apart from the result.. any team could trash this venezia GK.
Pls, guys try say some thing good to some one who is trying to give u result.appricaite his work
Fonseca hasn’t been terrible it’s mostly Emerson royals fault, I’d you go back and look all the goals have been 90% because of him, wether it was bad positioning or just lacking in everything