Fonseca discusses Milan’s centre-back pairing: “Choose based on the opponent” | OneFootball

AC Milan’s defending has been under heavy scrutiny in recent weeks as Paulo Fonseca is yet to find the solution to the struggles. Against Inter, the manager is hoping for a turning point and during today’s presser, he was asked about the centre-back pairing.

In his first five games in charge of Milan, Fonseca used the following centre-pairing: Tomori-Pavlovic (X3), Gabbia-Pavlovic and Tomori-Thiaw. Therefore, everything suggests that we will see Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic at the back tomorrow evening.

On the other hand, the Serbian has played the last two games from start to finish and might need some rest. During today’s press conference, Fonseca was asked about the centre-back pairing and what his thoughts are on the matter ahead of tomorrow’s.

The first five games have told us that Tomori and Pavlovic are the best centre-back pairing since they are the ones who have played the most…

“I have managed things in these three games [Venezia, Liverpool, Inter]. It’s true that we didn’t concede a goal against Venezia, but it was a different game. It was another thing against Liverpool, we conceded goals from set pieces. I have faith in all my central defenders. I have the ability to choose based on the opponent and the moment, and that’s what I’ll do,” he stated.

Despite the concern for Pavlovic’s energy levels, the feeling is still that he will play from the first minute tomorrow. He has had some very good moments at the start of this season and with composure, he can become a very good defender.