AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca addressed the media ahead of the crucial year-end clash against Roma, a match that could have significant implications for Milan’s ambitions and Fonseca’s own position at the club. Despite the usual denials, the Portuguese coach’s status remains under scrutiny.
Fonseca began by acknowledging the magnitude of the fixture: “Roma is Roma, a great team with excellent players and a great coach who has won a lot. For me, it’s a special match. I have many friends in Rome, but tomorrow I’ll only think about Milan. I’ll be eager to win and have a good game.”
Regarding player availability, Fonseca provided several updates: “I hoped to have Pulisic back. He’s better, but in the last two days he’s had an ankle problem. He trained separately and won’t be available tomorrow, not even on the bench. Loftus-Cheek is improving and will be an option next week. Morata will be there, and Bennacer will be in the squad and will play. He doesn’t have 90 minutes in him, but he’s trained with the team all week. Musah and Leao are behind schedule; we’ll see if they’ll be ready for the Supercoppa.”
On Theo Hernandez’s form, Fonseca stated: “He needs to recover physically. I’ve spoken with him, and he’s aware he can do better. He’s worked well in the last two days, so I’m positive. Will he start tomorrow? We’ll see.”
Discussing Alex Jimenez, Fonseca said: “He’s different from Leao, but he’s still a fast player who crosses well, provides assists, and has individuality. When he’s played on the left, he’s done well. He’ll play tomorrow, but I’m not sure if it’ll be as a full-back or a winger.”
Fonseca downplayed the notion that the Milan-Roma match is between the season’s biggest disappointments: “I don’t think it’s a match between the most disappointed teams of the season. The end of the championship is still far away.”
Regarding Tammy Abraham, Fonseca commented: “He’s had his ups and downs, much like Morata. I’m satisfied with what he’s done. Will he play? We’ll see.”
On potential transfer activity, Fonseca was cautious: “We’re attentive to the market and we’re working. Whatever we do will be for the best of the team. Tomori leaving? We haven’t discussed that; it’s news to me.”
Fonseca concluded by praising Fikayo Tomori: “He’s a great professional. Even when he doesn’t play, he always works well. Players like him are important to me, and Tomori certainly is.”
