Paulo Fonseca insists Milan ‘must understand where we have improved’ and he sees them ‘working as a team’ ahead of the trip to Monza. ‘It is positive for a coach when players make it difficult to choose.’
It kicks off at the U-Power Stadium on Saturday at 19.45 GMT.
The Rossoneri are feeling the strain after losing two of their last three Serie A games, 2-1 at Fiorentina and then 2-0 at home to leaders Napoli.
With that in mind, the coach decided to forego the usual press conference and only spoke directly to Milan TV about the current situation.
“We are aware of what we did against Napoli and it’s true that we are not satisfied, because we lost a game that we should’ve won,” said Fonseca.
“We played to win, but must understand where we have improved. The team has faith, it certainly helps if you have positive results to work on, but I still feel the lads are motivated and mentally strong at this moment. We are ready for this difficult match against Monza.
“The objective must always be to win, whether we are home or away, and we want to start getting better results on our travels. Monza are a strong side, they held Inter to a draw and I told the lads this is going to be a difficult test. Only after that will we think about Real Madrid.”
Fonseca sees Milan improvement
Matteo Gabbia, Tammy Abraham, Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi are still out of action, but Luka Jovic could be fit for the bench.
Most importantly, Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders are available again for Fonseca following suspension.
However, there are reports that Rafael Leao will be dropped to the bench for the third Serie A game in a row.
“We have the return of important players who were not available against Napoli, but those who did play proved how important they can be,” continued Fonseca.
“I am satisfied with the performance against Napoli and the fact I can choose between many different players is positive for me. They are all working well and it is positive for a coach when the players make it difficult for him to choose. I think a team wins on these things.”
Milan had more possession in the midweek round 2-0 defeat to Napoli and Fonseca insists there is plenty from that game they can build on.
“The important thing is to see how the team is playing. It’s not just about the quality of the football, but how they are working together. I feel the team working as a team, with the ball and without it.
“We are progressing in many areas. We don’t lose the ball as cheaply as we did before, the side understands there are different moments in the match. It’s true we must improve defensively, as we allowed Napoli some opportunities they did not waste, but even there I do see us more solid than we were.
“This is all important to me. Obviously, the results are the most important thing for everyone, but this type of form can create confidence going forward,” concluded the coach.