Fonseca on his Milan future, January transfers and benching Theo | OneFootball

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca insists he doesn’t feel at risk, while Theo Hernandez has ‘not’ been punished, although the Rossoneri must ‘improve.’

Milan coach Fonseca previewed a Serie A game against Hellas Verona during a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“I think I’ve always said the same thing. Every game is important. Obviously, it will be challenging, but we’ve worked to win this match,” he said.

Theo Hernandez was benched in the previous league match against Genoa and could start on the bench again on Friday.

“We talked before the game. To me, Theo’s situation is clear to explain,” said Fonseca.

“He has played a lot, he played for the national team and is not fully fit. Perhaps he needs to ‘renew’ his condition; he’s a very important player to us. It’s never, never, a punishment for Theo. Simply, it’s a decision to make him return to be the Theo we know and who, to me, is the best full-back in the world.”

Fonseca has often criticised the team this season, so what’s the atmosphere like inside the dressing room?

“I know how things are. You can’t watch training sessions, but perhaps one day, we can invite you to see the atmosphere in the team,” he replied.

Fonseca on his Milan future, January transfers and benching Theo

AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Venezia FC, in Milan, northern Italy, 14 September 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

“This week was like the others, with a good atmosphere to work. When this is the situation, it’s easier to work. I’ve never seen a sad team, or with no desire to work.”

Fans have been critical of players and directors but have not blamed the Portuguese coach openly.

“We all understand the fans’ frustration, but I have to say that nobody more than us wants to win,” said Fonseca.

“We understand the fans. The lads are strong, and they understand the fans. What we can do is work honestly to change this situation and get better results, which the fans deserve.

I always respect others’ ideas. Now, it’s easier because of the results, and it’s always easier after the games. Is there room for improvement? We must improve our results, and I am convinced we’ll do so.

“I feel the same as the players and the directors. I hear the whistles, but we are all together here. I don’t think the fans love me more than the players. I don’t step aside at this moment.”

Will Milan bring reinforcements in the January transfer window?

“What I can say right now is that we always talk. The club is focused on the market and is ready to act if needed,” the coach replied.

Several rumours have been spread about Fonseca’s future, and many possible replacements, from Massimiliano Allegri to Xavi, have been linked to the Milan job.

“I don’t feel at risk, honestly, I don’t,” insisted Fonseca.

“Many times, people talk about things they don’t know. I can’t come here and say something I don’t feel. Many people are working here with us, and they are part of the team. If we look at the results, as I’ve always said, there is much work to do.

“I don’t think it’s a technical or tactical problem. We’ve always spoken about the same thing. It’s here [in the head],” continued Fonseca.

“I don’t remember tactical or structural issues. I watch every goal we conceded this week. I have no doubts. I don’t only talk when we don’t win games. I analyse everything, not just the results. This is who I am.”

Many Rossoneri players, including Alvaro Morata, will be unavailable tomorrow.

“Torriani, Bartesaghi, Jimenez, Liberali, Zeroli and Camarda have already played [with the first team],” said Fonseca.

“We are struggling with players now. Pulisic returned from international duty with a problem. Now Musah, Okafor and Loftus [are injured]. Morata has tonsillitis.

“Camarda could play, and other players could play. Some young players will be with us, and some will play.”

However, Fonseca argued that starting Camarda and Tammy Abraham together would be unlikely.

“At the start of the week, I thought about starting two strikers, but with the Morata situation, I don’t think we can start with two strikers,” he concluded.