It is fair to suggest that if AC Milan lost the derby last night, Paulo Fonseca may have been relieved of his duties. However, the Portuguese head coach took a risk, and it paid off with a report suggesting the win belongs to him.
Milan’s start to the season has been woeful but after last night things can be viewed in a much better light. Not only are the Rossoneri level on points with their rivals, but they earned that by beating them as the away side.
The biggest positive about the night is that the Diavolo can build on the performance. In many ways, Milan were brilliant, however, some areas could be improved. Defensively, the Rossoneri could have been better, allowing Inter several chances. At the other end, there were several chances to score which Fonseca’s side did not take.
Above all, the derby was won, and that is due to Fonseca’s gamble, as Tuttosport (via Milan News) claims. His fate seemed to be written, and an exit seemed guaranteed, but his tactics quickly erased the future.
Perhaps, the pressure lessened the worry about trying something new, and it worked fantastically. However, the report questions whether Milan can rise again after the victory. With games against Lecce, Bayer Leverkusen and Fiorentina coming next, the Rossoneri must continue on this track, rather than returning to the previous one.
A win brings confidence and enthusiasm, potentially even serenity for everyone. It must be built upon, and after his big victory, Fonseca must continue to rewrite his fate.