Corriere della Sera report how Milan find themselves on the brink of a nervous breakdown following a chaotic match against Fiorentina that exposed deep-rooted issues within the team. Coach Paulo Fonseca’s authority was openly challenged as players disregarded his instructions regarding penalty takers, leading to two missed spot-kicks and a damaging defeat.
The drama unfolded in two acts. First, Theo Hernandez snatched the ball from designated taker Christian Pulisic to take the initial penalty, which he missed. Then, in an even more bizarre scene, Fikayo Tomori intercepted the ball and handed it to Tammy Abraham for the second penalty, again pushing aside Pulisic. Both attempts were saved, costing Milan valuable points.
Fonseca revealed his frustration post-match, stating he had explicitly told the team at halftime that Pulisic was the designated penalty taker. The coach’s anger was palpable as he declared, “I’m furious. Pulisic is our penalty taker. I don’t know why the players changed this. I’ve already told them it must never happen again.”
The incident has raised serious questions about the team’s discipline and hierarchy. Theo Hernandez, who was wearing the captain’s armband, not only disobeyed the coach’s orders but was also sent off after the final whistle for protesting, an action that will likely result in a fine and a potential two-match suspension.
This latest controversy adds to Milan’s mounting problems. The team now sits five points behind league leaders Napoli and has zero points in their Champions League group. The inconsistency in performances and the apparent lack of unity within the squad are major concerns for the club’s leadership.
While Fonseca’s position seems secure for now, the pressure is mounting. The upcoming fixtures against Udinese and Bologna, followed by a crucial match against Napoli, will be critical in determining the team’s trajectory for the season.
