“Juventus are stronger defensively than Real Madrid,” stated AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca during a pre-match press conference ahead of the crucial clash against Juventus at San Siro. With both teams vying for essential points in the Serie A title race, Fonseca emphasized the importance of this encounter, saying, “It’s important, but not decisive. Every match is crucial at this stage.”
Addressing the absence of Dusan Vlahovic, Fonseca noted, “Missing an important player like him is a different challenge for us,” highlighting the adaptability of Juventus. He remarked, “The Juve has a team that adapts well to the players available,” and pointed out that players like Timothy Weah could change their attacking dynamics: “Weah is very fast and attacks depth differently than Vlahovic.”
When discussing his own players, he emphasized the need for key performers: “We need our best Rafa and Morata for this game; they are decisive players who can make a difference.” He expressed confidence in their offensive capabilities, stating, “Scoring three goals against Madrid and Cagliari is a good sign.” However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by Juventus’ defense: “I think at this moment Juventus is stronger defensively than Real Madrid. They defend better as a team.”
Fonseca candidly addressed Milan’s defensive struggles, saying, “Our problem is defensive.” He explained that recent training focused on improving their defensive line: “I think the team can progress; we are working hard on this aspect.” He praised Theo Hernandez as “the best left-back in the world” and noted his recent motivation: “This week he seemed more concentrated and motivated than ever.”
On the mental aspect of performance, Fonseca said, “This team has difficulty motivating itself against smaller teams.” He recognized that players often struggle to maintain concentration after high-stakes matches like those in the Champions League: “After the Champions League, it often happens that we don’t achieve good results.” He believes addressing this mentality is crucial for consistent performance.
He also discussed the need for patience with players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has shown potential but faces competition from teammates in form. “He needs to work hard to be ready when called upon,” he advised.
As the match approaches, Fonseca remains hopeful about Milan’s ability to string together victories. “We need to win several matches in a row; it’s essential for us,” he stated firmly. His belief in the squad’s capacity to improve and adapt fuels optimism as fans look forward to what promises to be an exciting encounter against Juventus.
