The AC Milan leadership still have confidence in Paulo Fonseca, a report claims, but he now has no more excuses and the team must turn a corner.
As Calciomercato.com write, the defeat in Bergamo against Atalanta has effectively removed Milan from the Scudetto race in December and has put the spotlight back on the Portuguese coach, who has returned to the crosshairs of criticism.
The club supported the coach in voicing his irritation over Charles De Ketelaere’s goal being allowed to stand despite a push in the back of Theo Hernandez. Not only that, but his position as the manager is not under question at the moment.
There is no reflection therefore on his position for the moment, but there are also no more alibis. The directors are convinced that they have built Fonseca a squad that could at least be in the title fight, and yet they remain way off the pace.
The problem was not the Atalanta game directly, because losing a tight game against a quality team like La Dea can happen, but rather the other dropped points this season against the likes of Torino, Parma, Cagliari and even Juventus.
The attitude against Atalanta wasn’t appreciated though, as Milan seemed to settle for a draw with plenty of time to go in the second half. They also conceded to two set pieces, once again highlighting the lack of concentration and attention in defence that has plagued the team consistently.
A change of pace is needed, also because it is not only the Scudetto that is slipping away but also the Champions League places, which are nine points away. The first challenge is obvious: beat Red Star at San Siro to keep pushing for the top eight in the Champions League.
Then come three huge league games before the end of the year: Genoa at San Siro, Hellas Verona away and again at home against Roma. Nine points are needed to safeguard Fonseca’s future, because qualifying for the Champions League is the minimum objective.
With clownseca champions league spot is already lost.
And in champions league we will exit very soon with clowns 🤡