Paulo Fonseca defiantly defended his work so far at AC Milan, but again admitted that his team is very vulnerable in defence.
Milan began their 2024-25 Champions League season with a defeat as they 1:3 defeat against Liverpool at San Siro However, things got off to a good start on Tuesday evening when Christian Pulisic fired a low shot into the far post less than three minutes into the game.
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk both scored headers from set pieces to turn the game around before half-time, then Dominik Szoboszlai was there to score a third goal from close range, effectively deciding the game.
In fact, it never seemed as if the Rossoneri would find their way back into the game from then on, and they were booed by the fans who are not satisfied with the results of the season so far and the worrying level of performance.
After admitting his team’s weaknesses in defence in an interview with Sky and suggesting they would not follow his plan, Fonseca spoke out at his post-match press conference and MilanNews relayed his comments.
What do you think about the fan protests?
“I don’t think it was an attitude problem. We started well, both defensively and offensively. However, after their second goal we lost our emotional balance, the team started making mistakes that are inevitable against teams like Liverpool. I have to say that Liverpool were stronger than us and are stronger than us at the moment.”
What is the most serious problem?
“I haven’t spoken to the boys yet. We have several problems. When things are going well, the team wants to play and do things well, when there are problems, the team lacks the courage to do the same. In defence we are vulnerable, we are vulnerable. One-on-one it has always been difficult, there are obvious difficulties.”
Can the problems be solved before the derby?
“Work, observe, show what we did well and what we did wrong. The goals conceded are not very active for this type of competition. But only through work can you change something.”
When you signed for Milan, did you expect it to be so difficult?
“They brought me here to change the way the team plays and that’s what I’m trying to do. I knew it would be difficult. Changing that much is always difficult and it’s not easy because it’s a very big change.”
“I am as strong as I was on the first day, although I know that the results are not what we wanted and that we don’t have time. What got me here is my style of play and that is what I will continue to do with this team.”
