AC Milan have been without Theo Hernandez for large parts of the season. Despite the Frenchman still being present, the ‘true’ version of him has not been seen, but he has responded recently.
From the cooling break incident to a general drop in performances, Theo has struggled massively this season and it has probably come at the worst possible time for all parties. Milan have needed leaders this year and Hernandez’s shortcomings have made life very difficult for Paulo Fonseca.
Then, on a personal level, with a new contract expected to arrive in the next few months, there are issues with matching his initial contractual demands, simply because at the moment, he is not a player worth €8 million per year to the Rossoneri.
There have been multiple suggestions about why his performances have dropped, with some believing it to be a mental issue, whilst others believing it to be physical. Others believe the two are linked together.
With the lack of good performances then this season, Fonseca opted to drop Theo to the bench against Genoa, searching for a reaction or a change and it seems like one has been received.
According to Corriere dello Sport (via Pianeta Milan), the Frenchman has given the ‘right answers, strong and clear’ to Fonseca, showing him the player that he can be, ‘like a true champion’.
His attitude has impressed his teammates and Fonseca, with the coach even seeing Theo’s understanding of the path forward. For this reason, there could be a place in the backline for the defender on Friday.
Play Theo in the cup but please rest Emrson Rojal to be ready for Seria A. Sure this Fonseka master stroke will work wonders.
Good to hear. Just please do not forget the Jimenez.
Theo and Jimenez in from the start, bench Emerson.
That alone can change our defense and stability in the team and also make Pulisic better.
Of course Jimenez needs to continue developing but right now playing Emerson or Calabria is risky anyway. This might be Jimenez chance.
We do however risk losing him in the summer but our league position is more important.
Now that he saw his backup come in and play better than he has all season, now he wants to give an effort…
He just wants to get on the pitch so he can sabotage the team some more.
If Fonseca is going to trust this player who has been actively trying to get him sacked all season he is dumber than I thought.
Honestly he could use it. I hope the break does him good and resets his batteries;
Yep agreed. And the team we’re playing have one of the worst records defensively (and also offensively). I don’t mind resting him further for these small games. Jiminez is capable of playing against the smaller teams.