AC Milan's head coach, Paulo Fonseca, has spoken to the media in a press conference ahead of tomorrow's Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade which is set to take place at the San Siro. Here are his words:
Milan with 9 points, Red Star with 3. But beyond that, is it important to convey that there are always challenges in the Champions League?
"Yes, especially because we're facing a team that won 5-1 against Stuttgart. It will be an important match for us; we want to win and secure the three points."
Tomorrow you'll have to do without Pulisic: how is he? Who will replace him?
"Loftus-Cheek will play in Christian's position. He has a minor issue. I have full confidence in Loftus-Cheek."
Why is this Milan so inconsistent between Europe and Serie A? Fonseca said:
"They are completely different matches, but even in the league, we’re getting closer every day to what we’re achieving in the Champions League."
There was a lot of talk about the post-match in Bergamo and your comments. Three days later, with a cooler head, do you still think Milan is not very respected?
"I understand the curiosity, but today I want to focus only on the Champions League match."
How do you help Theo Hernandez get back to his best form?
"I see him doing well; he trains well. We’re showing him the actions on the field that he needs to improve. I think he has improved in what I’ve discussed with him. He still needs to work on other areas, but he’s making progress."
On Loftus-Cheek replacing Pulisic, Fonseca said:
"Obviously, they’re different players with different characteristics, but the role is the same. What I want from Loftus is the same as what I expect from Christian. But we can achieve the same with Loftus. Of course, Loftus is a player who carries the ball more. Here in the Champions League, the matches are a bit more open, and there’s more space for him. I’m confident in him."
Is this a Milan that always needs to aim to score one more goal than its opponents?
"I think we've improved defensively a lot recently, not just in the Champions League but also in the league. In Bratislava, it was a particular game, and the team learned a lot defensively. I’m sure tomorrow we’ll be strong defensively because the team is much better now."
Could there be some changes tomorrow?
"Maybe we’ll change something, but not the central defenders."
For Theo Hernandez, could he be managed like Leao? It’s been a couple of months since he was decisive...
"They're different situations."
Do you feel protected and supported by your management?
"Yes, always. I've always felt the support of the club. Always."
The club, however, can’t be happy with what’s happening. It’s December, and there’s a lot of disappointment and distrust around. How can this be turned around?
"We’re working to change things. I’m here, and I still believe that we’re improving and will end up in a different position by the end. I have no doubts about that. That’s why I continue to work every day with the same confidence and positivity I’ve had since day one. I understand, looking at the standings, the fans’ feelings. But we’re working to improve."
What kind of opponent is Red Star? Fonseca commented:
"They are a physical team that tries to play but relies mainly on counterattacks as their main weapon. They have three fast forwards. They are very dangerous on the counter."
Is it possible to see Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata playing together again tomorrow?
"They won’t play together tomorrow. It’s always an option, and I’ve considered it. Not from the start, but it could happen in future matches. It’s always a possibility."
Is the goal to reach the top 8 in the Champions League?
"I think the most important thing is to win the next game, but I can’t say we’re not thinking about that possibility. If we don’t win the next one, it will be difficult. Let’s focus on the next match, and then we’ll think about the others."
Is preparing for European matches with Milan different?
"The Champions League is always a different competition, and even for the players, the motivation is different. But the way we prepare for the match is always the same. What changes might be the opponent, the strategy, the structure. In my mind, I know Milan’s prestige in Europe is immense. We need to understand this and perform well because Milan is a Champions League team. It’s a different, special competition."
