Another report has claimed that Paulo Fonseca will try the ‘Rafael Leao approach’ with Theo Hernandez by benching him again in Verona.
Calciomercato.com claim that Alex Jimenez will start again on Friday night at the Stadio Bentegodi against Hellas Verona. Fonseca has made the tough but (in his eyes) necessary choice to give Theo another game on the bench.
It is what he did to try and stimulate Rafael Leao, and in that case it worked. However, Theo has a difference character and it is not a given that the reaction will be the same. If the first instance against Genoa was tolerated without worries, doing it again risks souring things.
One thing is certain: Theo was very disappointed by the protests from the fans he suffered during Milan’s 125th birthday party on Monday night. Despite the difficulties he has had this season, the Frenchman feels he has always given his all for the Rossoneri and has been part of success.
The expression he showed in front of the photographers at the event said it all, and the discussion regarding the renewal also comes into play in a context already full of problems. There is no agreement yet, but positive talks took place earlier in the week.
the parties are not that close to shaking hands and new meetings will be needed. Theo himself could ask to pause for reflection if the situation with Fonseca worsens, so every detail at this stage can make the difference.
Are the players these days so sensitive that a benching requires posts of “support” from their team mates on Socials? WTF…
This is what you get after 5 years of massages and manicures from Pioli…
💯
He never challenged them to be better. Always accepted them in whatever state they were. I feel bad for Fonseca trying to reverse engineer that. He might not even be able to do it.
we’ve got this players injury prone or bench warmer at their previous clubs, the risk is if not body then mental fragility.
Yes Jimenez played well, but if we look at him and his game critically, you will notice having him as a left back will not work, if we play a very good team with a very mobile winger, and an aggressive right back, he will be turn apart, because he is right footed, he cannot do certain tackles, and him using his right foot to attack the ball could be very risky, he could commit unnecessary fouls which could result in cards.
Secondly for all his speed and technical quality, he does not have the physical aspect that a defender needs, he could be easily be pushed aside, he was lucky against Genoa that the right side was not attacked regularly.
Honestly the best position for him is as a right sided midfielder, he would do a better job than Chukweze, he is more mobile. Intelligent and direct.
The best person to be Theo’s replacement should be Barthaseghi, he has a good left foot, the build and the defensive quality to do a good job.
I agree. But I feel he’s still a better “defender” than Theo. He’s more aggressive, attentive and tackles. Theo just doesn’t care. Sulks, nonchalant… just wants to bomb forward and do whatever he wants without care.
Ideally, Jimenez shifts to the right side, let’s see what he does there. I’m warming up on the idea of a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 (I hate 3-5-2 though).
Akwai matsala
Sell Theo and replace him with someone like Emerson Rojal. What a bunch of clowns.
These prima donnas amaze me. A bunch of multi-millionaires needing someone to hold their hands and massage their over-bloated egos, otherwise they do the work they were paid to do. Pioli really did damage to these “Princes” by allowing them whatever they want.
The problem is simple and easy to understand. THEO IS NOT A DEFENDER – REPEAT – THEO IS NOT A DEFENDER. He is often beaten to the ball, slow to recover, exasperates everybody by falling easily to the ground when beaten and loses possession, stays whining on the ground while the opposing team exploits his absence ……. but sometimes makes up for all this by his runs and goals and strong understanding with leao. Why not change his position on the pitch?
Do not see why he should be offended if milan fans protest against him – he is no god after all!!!
Lastly – still milan should not sell theo. No wise management ever sells its best players.