The Rossoneri coach: “We play against the favorites to bring home the Champions League, but we always go on the pitch to win”
From our correspondent Alessandra Gozzini
November 4, 2024 (change at 9.46pm) – MADRID
The Champions League is the home of Milan. Even though here, in the immense and renovated Bernabeu in Madrid, the Rossoneri arrive almost intimidated. This is what the results so far say: only one Champions League success in the first three days of the tournament, seventh place in the championship, currently outside the Europe zone. “We don’t start as favourites, this is the only thing that makes tomorrow’s match and the derby in September similar” says Paulo Fonseca. Yet Milan arrives with its load of history, with new players of international standing, with Maignan ready to oppose his compatriot Mbappé and with Leao as the starter. The coach confirms: “Yes, Rafa will start from the beginning and I expect him to be decisive. It’s normal that there is a lot of discussion about this, but I know what is important for me and the team.” Fonseca still puts his certainties forward, he doesn’t back down even in the face of Real’s attacking force. The moment tells of a Milan still in difficulty, but the coach reiterates: “We hope to be up to this great challenge. We have prepared it differently from the others, to face different players with a different strategy. If I would sign for the draw? I always try to convey the desire to win, and tomorrow will be no different. Even though Real Madrid are a great team, the big favorites for the final victory.”
Are you a direct DAZN customer? For you Gazzetta Digital Edition at no additional cost.
strategy
—
What is the strategy Fonseca is talking about? The return of Emerson Royal on the right, Tomori in the center and Leao from the 1st minute. “Two strikers? No, Abraham is not at his best and won’t be able to play from the start.” The coach expects a lot from Hernandez and Morata: “Theo started the season with some physical difficulties but now he is getting back to the top, he is growing and will be able to perform even better. Morata is very important for me, as a player and professional. Soon It may be decisive, but in the meantime it gives a lot of energy to the team.” Energy, courage, motivation. These are the key words on which both Fonseca and Maignan insist. “The challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate our value. We must play without fear and with courage. We believe we can play a good match.” Mike follows him: “We have to think of the team as a family, we will have to be cold and clear-headed, have in mind to do what we know how to do. We will need the courage to attack, to make an extra effort for the team, to play our soccer”. Maignan’s motto is: “Without fear, the only fear must be that of not playing for Milan”. No fear of Mbappé either, six goals in ten La Liga appearances yet criticized for his poor defensive contribution…: “Kylian is a quality player, even if he’s going through a difficult phase. But great players show up in these moments. Not I have doubts, it will be difficult to stop him tomorrow.” Maignan against Mbappé, Fonseca against Ancelotti: “Carlo is a reference for me. Playing against him will be special, I’m a fan of his as a coach and as a person”. We play tomorrow, but first of all there’s something else. Fonseca opened his conference like this: “Our thoughts are with the victims of the Valencia catastrophe, we are close to those who suffer”.
