Daniele Bonera, coach of Milan Futuro, spoke to the club's official channel ahead of the Coppa Italia Serie C match against Lecco on Saturday. Here are his statements:
What did the summer friendlies tell you?
“We received very good feedback, we assessed many players, including those from the Primavera with whom we started. This project will focus on developing players from Primavera to Milan Futuro and from Milan Futuro to the First Team. It’s been an intense month of work, and I must say the boys make me proud.”
How is the squad building going?
“Having plenty of players is always good for a coach, but I will need to make choices later. The fact that some players have already made important contributions with the First Team is part of our goals.”
Your journey as a coach?
“It is definitely the step I wanted to take, and doing it with this shirt is something unimaginable. I have always been a Rossonero, and being able to manage a team fully, individually, was one of my goals when I started this career, first as an assistant and now as a head coach.”
The relationship with Fonseca and the shared playing style:
“With coach Fonseca, we shared the first week of work, meetings with the staff and with him to understand the idea. We will have a common line that will lead us to do similar things. Of course, there will be my personal touch and the characteristics of the players available for each match. It will be a work in progress all year long.”
On the Coppa Italia challenge... Bonera commented:
“Our goal will be to progress through this Coppa Italia round. There are logistical difficulties; some players have returned from the United States with the First Team, and I’m still not sure if any will be part of the squad for the match. However, I must say that being here gives me ample confidence that we can have a good game.”
What have you asked of the team?
“Maximum effort, which I’ve told the boys from day one. Total availability for the needs of the First Team. And great enthusiasm. Wearing this shirt, even as young players, you need to stand out with enthusiasm, that’s beyond doubt.”
What kind of season do you expect?
“It will be a season that sees us at our first edition, with all the related difficulties, as seen with other clubs starting with challenges. But I am a positive person, I always try to see the bright side. What the club has provided me with so far is something unimaginable for this category. No excuses, we aim to have an important season.”
