Paulo Fonseca waxed lyrical about Alexis Saelemaekers after AC Milan’s friendly win over Manchester City, while also seemingly confirming that Lorenzo Colombo is set to depart.
As we wrote about in a recent feature, the USA tour will be very useful for Fonseca to assess the squad and bring some clarity regarding some players that are perhaps more on the fringes, while waiting for the internationals and potential new signings.
That also applies to Saelemaekers, who returned from his season-long loan at Bologna after they did not use their option to buy him permanently, with the assumption being that he would be sold to another club.
The Belgian has had quite a lot of attention since being back at Milanello and he was named the MOTM in our player ratings from the Rapid Wien game, while he was also bright against Manchester City too.
Fonseca spoke at his post-match press conference following the five-goal thriller at Yankee Stadium and his comments were relayed by Milan Reports, via MilanNews.
What is the situation with Florenzi’s injury?
“I’m not sure about Florenzi’s injury. I spoke to the doctor and to him, but we have to wait to see the MRI.”
A lot of young players have been given opportunities…
“I think many of the young players have the opportunity to work with us because they have quality, and they are getting their opportunities. All the young players who played today have played very well and they have quality, personality, courage to play our game.
“But, I have to confess, I didn’t decide yet which players will play with us. Maybe they have all qualitiy, but some of them, it’ll be difficult for them… Honestly, I didn’t decide about everyone.”
What is the latest with Lorenzo Colombo?
“When you have young players, we have to understand the space they can have in the team. In some positions it can be difficult for them, in others not. Colombo played a good game today, but he needs to play but with Morata and Luka it will be difficult to play. For the others, however, we will see.”
What did you think of the atmosphere?
“It was amazing to play in this atmosphere. It’s amazing, the feelings during the game, the supporters, it was really nice. The game? We know against teams like City who like to have the ball, it’s important to attract them in, to find some space and some moments of acceleration. I think the team did well.”
Alexis Saelemaekers showed good signs again…
“Alexis? He is a player I love a lot. I like the quality. I think he is a kind of player every coach loves to have, because he can play in different positions. He is more confident, I think he is a player I would love to keep in the team.”