AC Milan's head coach, Paulo Fonseca, spoke to the media in a press conference ahead of tomorrow's match against Slovan Bratislava.
You’ve mentioned before that Milan struggles in matches where the overall level, even media-wise, is lower. Tomorrow’s game is against the team at the bottom of the standings. Is there a risk of underestimating them?
"I don't think so. We've talked about how important it is to win tomorrow. We have to focus on the fact that we’re playing against a team with entirely different characteristics and recognize how crucial it is to approach the match with the right attitude. We cannot underestimate this team."
You mentioned rotation. Could this include a player like Rafael Leao? Or do you believe he needs to play at this point?
"Honestly, I don't know. We'll see tomorrow. Rafa is a key player for our team, and he's in great form. But I trust all my players. If Rafa doesn’t play, someone else will. We’re here to win, not just to play. There’s a possibility Leao won’t be on the pitch, just as there’s a possibility he will. Abraham will play."
Milan has shown that even high-profile matches, like against Juventus, can sometimes go less well. Have you identified what the real Milan is at this stage of the season?
"What I know right now is that we’ve performed well against top teams and struggled against 'smaller' ones. We're working to consistently show the attitude and ambition we display against the top teams and to always be the same team."
Does the Champions League require a different mindset when facing smaller teams? Fonseca answered:
"Yes, I think so. The Champions League is the Champions League. Everyone loves playing in these games, and the motivation is naturally higher. I expect the team to approach tomorrow’s game with that same Champions League spirit."
How did the team react after the Juventus match?
"We’re aware of what we did well and what we didn’t. There were quite a few things we didn’t do well. At Milan, things seem magnified. Watching other games like Saturday’s, it feels like a draw for Milan is treated as a loss, while for other teams, it might be seen differently. What matters is that the team is in good shape."
Are you expecting a team with fire in their hearts tomorrow? Fonseca answered:
"Today, we talked about how crucial the Champions League is for us, especially in games like these. I think we have the chance to win. We’ve discussed how important tomorrow’s victory could be for our future in the competition. We must always maintain this ambition and motivation."
Youssouf Fofana has been the most utilised outfield player this season. Will he get some rest tomorrow?
"We’ll arrive at the hotel soon; he’ll have time to rest and be ready for tomorrow (laughs). No, it’s hard to rest Fofana at this moment."
How has Emerson Royal handled the criticism? And will Davide Calabria play?
"Emerson has an ankle sprain and hasn’t trained in recent days. Calabria will play. This is a good opportunity for Davide to show he’s ready to help the team. As for the criticism, I haven’t discussed it with Emerson. What I always say is that it’s part of our profession. The same people who criticize us now have also cheered for us before. We must do everything to bring the fans back on our side."
What do you think of Bratislava and Slovan?
"It’s a beautiful city, and it’s a pleasure to be here. I know Slovan Bratislava well; I once drew against them with another team. They’re a physical side, and it will be difficult if we don’t approach the game correctly."
You were here a year ago. Have you watched Slovan play since then?
"Yes, they now have some different players. However, their most important ones have stayed, so the team isn’t very different from the one I faced before."
After three months, Paulo Fonseca’s Milan still lacks an identity. What do you say to that? Fonseca commented:
"I respect everyone’s opinions. I can’t comment on who says what, but I respect them. Still, I don’t think it’s fair to say that. If we look at our league results, I understand we could’ve done much better. But if we consider the entire process, I believe it’s unfair. People can judge based on results and criticize, but if they look at the growth process, they might see it differently. That’s my opinion, though I respect others."
