AC Milan defender Matteo Gabbia has spoken about the very good impressions he has had from Paulo Fonseca so far, while praising the signing of Alvaro Morata.
It was a strange 2023-24 season for Gabbia, who left for the tour of the United States in preseason but then quickly departed because Milan had agreed a deal for him to go on loan to Villarreal for the season.
However, when the Rossoneri suffered an injury crisis towards the end of the 2023 calendar year, the decision was made to bring the defender back from his loan so he could provide a hand.
He would go on to start nearly every game in the second half of the season and was one of the most reliable performers, something that seems to have changed his fate in view of the upcoming campaign too.
Gabbia spoke in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) that was published this morning and he was asked about a number of topics related to preseason preparations.
How do you think the Rapid Wien friendly went?
“We were returning from days of intense work and our legs were heavy, but it was important to put the coach’s ideas on the pitch. We have great room for growth”
What has it been like working with Fonseca so far?
“Very positive impressions. The sessions are intense and require a great effort. We give everything to adapt to the new working method. Fonseca has proactive football in mind. We must take advantage of this start of the season to assimilate the new concepts.”
How much does Zlatan Ibrahimovic help?
“Since he’s been a manager he’s always been close to the team. For us he’s an extra motivation.
What do you think of the Morata signing?
“Alvaro is a European champion and has won a lot in his career. Now we have an extraordinary striker in the team who will help us a lot.”
Are you thinking about the second star?
“Now I’m thinking about starting well and working with maximum concentration. Then, it’s clear, Milan is an important, ambitious, prestigious and unique club.”
Who are the Scudetto favourites?
“I’m not very interested in the favourites. Inter are a great team, there’s no point beating around the bush. I haven’t circled the derby on matchday five on my calendar. I’m thinking about the next training session and then the debut match against Torino. The matches against Inter must be faced at our best, but we also have to do well in the others.
“The season will be very competitive because there are many strong opponents, but it makes no sense to think about what others are doing. It would only mean wasting mental energy.”
