Fonseca: Milan coach insists he’s more concerned by Cagliari than Real Madrid | OneFootball

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca insists he’s more concerned by Cagliari than he was before the Real Madrid earlier this week: ‘We can’t drop points.’

The Rossoneri visit Cagliari in Serie A Round 12 on Saturday.

Portuguese coach Fonseca said at a press conference that 16-year-old Francesco Camarda would start up front, replacing the injured Alvaro Morata.

The Serie A giants have just beat Real Madrid in a memorable Champions League game at the Bernabeu, but Fonseca expects an entirely different match tomorrow.

“It’s important for everything. We can make no mistakes in these matches and not drop points. We get to this game after a good performance. If we don’t beat Cagliari, the win over Madrid will make little sense,” he said.

“It will be an entirely different game because of the opponents’ characteristics, but a win is essential.”

Milan have 17 points in 10 league games, but beat Inter and Real Madrid.

Fonseca: Milan coach insists he’s more concerned by Cagliari than Real Madrid

epa11691241 AC Milan�s head coach Paulo Fonseca gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli, in Milan, Italy, 29 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

“There are many explanations. First of all, I have to say that these games motivate the players a lot,” explained Fonseca.

“Honestly, the players prepare for these matches with more motivation. This is why I am more worried today, before the Cagliari game than before Real Madrid. The worst thing that can happen against clubs like Real Madrid is not to have the courage to play. There is space in these games, but the problem is that many teams are afraid to play these matches. It is important to make players aware that they have space to play and time to control the game. When we start doing so on the pitch, the confidence is boosted. That’s why I said that sometimes it’s more challenging to play against Monza or Cagliari.

“I’m sure we won’t have the same space tomorrow, so in this context, the team must have courage, control the game and play together. This is why we did well.”

Does he feel Milan fans like him more after the recent victory in the Champions League?

“It’s normal, but to me, nothing has changed,” Fonseca claimed.

“I must follow the path I believe in. I must always be balanced. I’m always the same.”

Does the Champions League suit Milan more than Serie A?

“Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. I like it, but I also want the team to understand that here in Italy, the priority is to have the same attitude to win games,” argued Fonseca.

“To me, Serie A is our priority. It’s true that we played well against great teams, but we must do the same against other sides, too. That’s my concern.”

A journalist asked if Milan should change their usual tactical approach against Cagliari and add one more central midfielder, but Fonseca replied sacrcastically.

“If you want, you can to advise me on what I can do to win. We do play with three midfielders. Fofana, Reijnders, Pulisic. We added a fourth [against Real Madrid], Musah. We’ve always played with three [midfielders].

“Player selection is tricky now,” he continued.

“For example Chukwueze is in a good moment, but I must explain to the players that I have tactical needs which are not performance-related. I think we have more chances to rotate.”

USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah played a key role in Madrid, but didn’t receive the same recognition as other players.

“The teams’ success is based on these sorts of players,” said Fonseca.

“I’m very sure about this. Musah is very important. He had already played well against Napoli. I asked him to play another role, and he did well again. I know he’s always ready to sacrifice and help. He has many qualities I like. To me, he was decisive in the last game. I didn’t talk about him because all the questions were about Leao.”