Fonseca: ‘Milan problems clear, all coaches under scrutiny’ | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca admits Milan‘s problems are ‘clear’, but he’s already seen improvements and insists ‘all coaches are under scrutiny.’

The Rossoneri have just two points in the opening three games of the season, so tomorrow’s home Serie A match against Venezia is a must-win for them.

The Stadio Meazza will be almost sold out.

“Having 70,000 fans at San Siro after these matches is a great proof of the fans’ love,” Fonseca said at a press conference on Friday.

“And it’s a responsibility for us. We want to continue evolving to make the fans proud. That’s what we want to do tomorrow and repay the support from our fans.

“All games are important, especially because we haven’t won any opening three games. It’s always important to win. I am confident as usual.

“I continue with the same passion and trust, trying to solve the team’s problems in the first three games. I must only focus on my work and the team. This is the key: focus on work, solutions, and players.”

The Rossoneri will meet Liverpool and Inter next week, but Fonseca doesn’t want to look so far ahead.

“We must focus on this game and then think about Liverpool and the derby. Right now, we must think about tomorrow’s game, which is important to us,” he said.

Fonseca argued that Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao snubbing a cooling break against Lazio was “never an open case” to him.

“I don’t know if they’ll start. Let’s see tomorrow,” he said.

“What I’ve seen after the international break is that they have a good aura. They are happy, and they work as they’ve always done.”

Milan’s poor start has led to inevitable speculation about Fonseca’s job, but the Portuguese didn’t seem bothered.

“Every coach is always under scrutiny. We depend on results, but I am only focused on my work,” he said.

“If we are focused on what others say or write, it’s hard to work. We must all work to improve, and that’s what I am doing.”

Tijjani Reijnders has scored a goal for the Netherlands during the international break. Could he play further up the pitch for Milan?

“It’s an option,” Fonseca confirmed.

“When I think about the team’s dynamic, I always try to have players in spaces that fit their characteristics. We haven’t seen Tijji up the pitch because we didn’t have many chances to do so. The first phase was good, but we didn’t go beyond it much. That’s why we’ve seen him close to Fofana, but I always try to have players in the best position for their characteristics. I’ve enjoyed his international games.”

Fonseca was then asked whether he could switch to a three-man defence or a three-man midfield tomorrow.

“I don’t think I’ll play with three central defenders,” he replied.

“This is the beginning; dynamics can change. When discussing structure and system, phase one is unlike phase two. Almost all great teams start with 4-2-3-1, but then, in phase two, they can be 3-2-5. The team’s dynamic and intention are more important than the system.

Maurizio Sarri has recently suggested playing Ruben Loftus-Cheek in central midfield, while Zvonimir Boban argued that Fonseca should play with three central midfielders.

“To me, Sarri is one of the best Italian coaches,” said Fonseca.

“I respect others’ opinions, especially those of Boban and Sarri. They were constructive. It’s their opinion, but I work with the players. We don’t all have the same opinions. We are different coaches. I must follow what I believe in, not what others believe in.”

There have been reports that Milan directors, especially Zlatan Ibrahimovic, are not often seen at Milanello, but Fonseca said he spoke to Ibra on the phone these days and added: “It’s even difficult for me to talk about this. We are in contact daily, either here, by phone or at dinner. It’s hard to understand how this news emerges because we are always in contact.”

Milan players seem to give their best on counter-attacks, and one problem for the defence is that they often concede from crosses.

“We all believe in our ideas. I can’t believe players with these qualities can only play on counter-attacks. Defend deep and counter-attack,” said Fonseca,

“I believe that top teams have the responsibility of being dominant. We are not where we want to be, but this is a big change we have to make. We must improve and avoid conceding many goals. To do so, we must keep the ball more. It’s a change we are working on. It’s different, but the players are understanding the importance of having the ball.

“I don’t want to discuss our problems in detail. It’s clear that we have problems, and this is one [conceding from crosses]. We conceded similar goals, and we have to improve on this.

“We haven’t had many players because almost all of them were with the national teams, but we had many defenders,” Fonseca continued.

“I don’t think it’s only a defence problem, but as I said, we worked a lot on the defensive line and the individual movements.

“Milan must win at all times, not only tomorrow. Always. When we go to games, we always want to win. I watched the Venezia games. They are dangerous on counter-attacks, but we evolved after the Parma game. We suffered against Parma, but against Lazio, we improved. The problem was defensive organisation. We know Venezia’s strong point, and we are prepared for this dangerous match.”

Is the Serie A title still a target for Milan?

“It is. Undoubtedly. It’s important to say so,” insisted Fonseca.

“What I see every day is a team that has belief and wants to improve. A happy team that works well. It is why I am always confident. It’s the feeling that players give me.”

Is Mike Maignan one of the dressing room leaders?

“He has a strong character, and he is already one of the group leaders. He is already an important player and a leader in the dressing room. We need this leadership,” Fonseca replied.

“Other players who have just arrived can also be leaders, but it’s essential to have these players who bring personality to the team.”

The Portuguese confirmed that Silvano Vos and Kevin Zeroli will be used to boost midfield options, given Ismael Bennacer’s injury.

“Vos has started training with us this week, and I can confirm he is a quality player who wants to be involved in the attack and keep the ball like many Dutch players,” said Fonseca.

“He is technically strong and can play in central midfield or as an attacking midfielder. I enjoyed what he did with the first team.”

Lastly, Fonseca confirmed that he won’t necessarily rest players returning from international duty in the next match.

“The performances with the national teams were positive, so I want to use this energy, and I don’t think this will influence my decisions,” he concluded.