Fonseca: ‘Milan proved we are united’ not winning ‘would have been unfair’ | OneFootball

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca is delighted with the Rossoneri’s attitude in a 1-0 win over Udinese: ‘It would have been unfair not to win this game.’

The Rossoneri dominated in the opening 30 minutes, scoring the eventual winner with Samuel Chukwueze and creating two more goal-scoring opportunities.

However, Tijjani Reijnders was sent off after 29 minutes, forcing Milan to defend deep for the rest of the match.

“I must say that the game had two parts. The first one until minute 30 when we received a red card,” Fonseca told DAZN.

“We played 30 minutes with great personality and quality. It was close to my idea. After the red card, it was a game made of team spirit. We suffered, but we suffered together. If there was any doubt on whether this team was united, today we proved we are united. I am really satisfied with all the players. The players who were introduced were decisive and played for the team.”

Fonseca: ‘Milan proved we are united’ not winning ‘would have been unfair’

AC Milan’s head coach Paulo Fonseca gives instructions during the ‘Silvio Berlusconi’-Trophy soccer match between AC Milan and Monza at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 13 August 2024. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

Fonseca made some strong decisions, including leaving Rafael Leao, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori on the bench.

“From day one, I’ve tried to have a team that works together, suffers and defends together. This is why I am satisfied,” he said.

“This is the spirit I want to see. Be a team at all times and help each other for the team. There was quality in the opening 30 minutes, but I want to highlight the hour we worked together and proved we are united.”

Udinese had two goals disallowed for offside, including one in the stoppages in the second half, but Fonseca insisted that Milan deserved to win the match.

“It would have been unfair for the team. We had the best chances and it would have been unfair not to win this game. The lads deserved these three points,” he said.

Christian Pulisic provided the assist for Chukwueze’s winner and helped the rest of the team defensively after Reijnders was sent off.

“Christian’s game was fantastic. This is the spirit that we must always have,” concluded Fonseca.

Milan’s next game is against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The Rossoneri are now fourth in the Serie A table with 14 points in eight matches.