AC Milan secured three very important points against Udinese last night, despite playing with ten men for most of the game. If he wanted an answer with the XI choices, as highlighted by Gazzetta Dello Sport, Fonseca certainly got it.
After the defeat against Fiorentina, Milan needed to bounce back and the international break certainly made things complicated. Despite not being able to work with many players, however, Fonseca got the response he wanted as stated by Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below).
Fonseca got his answer
Milan reacted to the red card in the best way possible, fighting for over an hour, and being able to keep Rafael Leao on the bench should not be underestimated. As the pink newspaper points out, Fonseca wanted an answer from his team and that’s exactly what he got.
It was a game that had everything and although the Rossoneri deserve praise, it’s clear that Udinese could have done a lot better. Even in superiority, the away side risked conceding another goal instead of finding the back of the net themselves.
The first 30 minutes were great from Milan, with Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze on the flanks, while Christian Pulisic acted as an all-rounder. The rest of the game, however, depends on the point of view. The truth is that we saw a combination of good defending and poor attacking.
Udinese might see the millimetre offsides as alibis, but Milan had more chances despite being one man down and thus deserved the three points. The question is whether Fonseca will be able to leave Leao on the bench against Club Brugge next week, probably not…
Two keys for Milan
As the newspaper continues, there were two keys for Milan in the win: Christian Pulisic and Youssouf Fofana. The American can make all the difference tactically, and yesterday he had a more central role in the 4-2-3-1 formation (though without a fixed position).
Whenever needed, he dropped down into the midfield to create a numerical superiority and on the front foot, he combined with Alvaro Morata. He ended up getting the assist for the winner, putting just the right weight on the pass to Chukwueze.
Then, we have Fofana. He’s improving for each day that passes and against Udinese, he reminded the fans a bit of Franck Kessie. The newspaper labels him ‘less attacking-minded’ than the Ivorian ‘but an insurmountable dam’.
He was the closest thing to the leader that has been missing since the days of Sandro Tonali, and Fonseca is thrilled with the development. The first few games may have been a bit shaky, but he has been crucial lately and also earned a good score in our player ratings yesterday.
Fofana is the real Insurmountable Dam
we don’t have the coach. Ibra did not fight about Conte and because of that his role in the club is being only a clown.
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do you still not believe my words? people you know what’s going on with the team.
Milan changed its team every year for the last 5 seasons. From unknown on loan cheap players, to owned players like Messias and Krunic, to now, new players, who are bought in last 2 seasons with new coach.
So, it is period of time where consistentcy is needed as soon as possible with so many changes. This team now needs some time to gain results and not only critics.
This ist populistic nonsense!
ridiculous what you wrote. this is what I try to explain in simple way – no spirit in the team. look for Napoli Antonie Conte. there is spirit. simple.
You’re complaining about spirit after the team fought for an hour with 10 men?!??! Are you well? Go and support Napoli. Clown.
If this is how Milan will keep playing then we should just apologise to Stefano Pioli. We criticised him for sticking with a one striker formation, now please tell me what Fonseca is doing