Paulo Fonseca spoke to Sky microphones just minutes before the match against Red Star. Here are his words:
On the importance of the match tonight:
"Yes, we all understand how important this match is, this competition. We have a great opportunity that we must seize with discipline and ambition. This is a moment when we can perform well, and that brings a lot of motivation to the players."
On the opponent, Fonseca commented:
"Red Star is not an easy team, but I think this is a competition where everyone is more motivated, and our mindset is that we don’t need to do anything extraordinary because I know my players really want to win this game."
On the balance found with Yunus Musah:
"Yes, I think the team is doing well with Musah’s contribution. I’m confident the team is better defensively; we no longer feel those occasional moments of defensive insecurity. I like how the team is defending, and I believe this can benefit the entire squad."
On leaving Fikayo Tomori out, Fonseca said:
"It’s difficult for me to make these decisions about central defenders when everyone is doing well. It’s not easy for me to leave out Tomori, but also Pavlovic. However, at this moment, the two central defenders who are performing very well are Gabbia and Thiaw. Tomori has played in recent matches, for example, the last Champions League game, but he must keep working because he’s an important player for us, and he’ll have the chance to play again."
