Fonseca: ‘Rafael Leao is a choice’ on Milan bench | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca hints that Rafael Leao will start for Milan against Real Madrid in the Champions League next week, as the star man is dropped yet again for the trip to Monza. ‘It is purely a choice.’

It kicks off at the U-Power Stadium at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Udinese-Juventus on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri are stuttering badly this season, losing two of their last three Serie A matches and with a delayed start in the Champions League too.

Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders return from suspension after the defeat to Napoli, while Christian Pulisic has shrugged off flu symptoms, but Rafael Leao is dropped to the bench for the third consecutive Serie A round.

Fonseca keeps Milan stars on their toes

Milan’s Rafael Leao reactsafter scoring the goal during the Serie A soccer match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at the Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 31 August 2024. EPA-EFE/RICCARDO ANTIMIANI

“I have to think not just about this game, but another big match against Real Madrid and therefore rotate the squad,” Fonseca told Sky Sport Italia.

“I don’t want to get into details, but I think this is the right team for this match against Monza, while also thinking about Real Madrid.”

The coach was asked what does Rafael Leao have to do now in order to convince these doubters that he deserves a chance.

“I don’t want to get into the details. As I said, it is purely a choice. When a decision has been made, there is no conflict over Leao, Loftus-Cheek or others. I have to look at the team as a whole, dealing with all the players who work with me and talk to them in private.

“What is important for me today is having a team ready to win against Monza.”

Milan are without a single real away victory yet this season, as the win over Inter was in their shared home of San Siro.

“It is very important for us to win here today, we know it is a difficult match, but we must focus only on winning,” added Fonseca.

“The team is sending some very positive signals and it is important to say we want to build on the improved performances with better results.”