Paulo Fonseca addressed the media in a press conference on the eve of Milan’s Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade. The Portuguese coach shared his thoughts on various topics, including team preparations, player performances, and the club’s support.
Fonseca began by acknowledging the challenge ahead: “We’re facing a team that won their last game 5-1. It will be a difficult match, as all Champions League games are, and it’s important for us. We want to win and secure the three points.”
Addressing the absence of Pulisic, Fonseca confirmed, “Loftus-Cheek will play in Pulisic’s position, who has a minor issue. I have full confidence in him to play this role. They’re different players, of course, but the position is the same. What I want from Loftus is the same as what I expect from Pulisic. In the Champions League, we might have more space for him; he’s a player who carries the ball more.”
When asked about the differences between European and Italian football, Fonseca noted, “They are different matches. Even in the league, we’re increasingly approaching what we do in Europe.”
Regarding Theo Hernandez’s performance, Fonseca expressed optimism: “I’m seeing him do well; he’s training well. We’re showing him the on-field actions he needs to improve. I think he’s improved in the areas I’ve discussed with him. He needs to improve in other aspects, but he’s working well.”
Fonseca also addressed the team’s defensive improvements: “I think we’ve improved a lot defensively recently, not just in the Champions League but also in the league. The Bratislava game was unique, and the team learned a lot defensively. I’m confident we’ll be strong defensively tomorrow because the team is doing much better.”
When questioned about his relationship with the club, Fonseca was emphatic: “I’ve always felt the support of the club. Always. We’re working to make changes. I’m here, and I continue to believe that we’re improving and will finish in a different position. I have no doubts about this, which is why I continue to work every day with the same confidence and positivity I’ve had since day one. I understand the fans’ feelings if we look at the standings. But we’re working to improve.”
Discussing the upcoming opponent, Fonseca analyzed, “Red Star is a physical team that tries to play but has counterattacks as their main weapon: they have three fast attackers. They’re very dangerous on the counter.”
Looking ahead to the possibility of reaching the round of 16, Fonseca stated, “I think the most important thing is to win the next game, but I can’t say we’re not thinking about the possibility of finishing in the top 8. But if we don’t win against Red Star, it will be difficult. We’re focusing on the next game, and then we’ll think about the others.”
Fonseca concluded by reflecting on the significance of European competition: “The Champions League is always a different competition; there’s a different motivation for the players too. But the way we prepare for the match is always the same. What might be different is the opponent, the strategy, the structure. In my mind, Milan’s prestige in Europe is great, we need to understand this and do well because Milan is a Champions League team. It’s a different, special competition.”
