AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca feels the support of the fans and is keen for there to be a turnaround in results, while he explained his selection choices for tonight’s game against Venezia.
The need for results could hardly be greater for the new manager Fonseca, given that Milan are without a win in their first three games of the new campaign, with 2-2 draws against Torino and Lazio either side of a 2-1 defeat to Parma.
There has been speculation which has claimed that Milan’s upcoming trio of games against Venezia, Liverpool and Inter are ones which Fonseca cannot afford a mistake in if he is to keep his job, and that his position will be evaluated after them.
However, contrary to reports doing the rounds that have suggested otherwise, the Milan management do not consider the next three games decisive for the former Lille man’s fate as per La Gazzetta dello Sport this morning.
Tonight’s game against Venezia simply has to be a win and there are several changes to the starting line-up from the Lazio game. Fonseca spoke to DAZN moments before kick-off at San Siro, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Do you feel the passion from the Curva?
“It’s very important to feel the love of the fans, it’s important that 70,000 of them are here even after the first results. We have to repay them with a victory and a good match, especially for the fans who deserve it.”
Are you hoping to see more of an identity on the field?
“We want to be a team with a strong identity. The pre-season was different, the players who started from day one started well. After that the others arrived and we have some who have two or three weeks of work, we want to get them to understand our game. In football, however, we don’t have time and we need results. No one wants to win more than me and the team.”
Will Tijjani Reijnders play more advanced?
“Let’s see. I think we can have both moments. The structures are different in different areas of the pitch: one moment when Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders are closer, another when he will be more advanced.”
What did you see in Theo and Leao’s eyes?
“They have worked very well, they are motivated and important for the team. I expect them to be Theo and Leao.”