Fonseca offers more intriguing comments after Napoli loss: “I didn’t expect so much difficulty” | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca has admitted that he did not expect to find ‘so much difficulty’ in changing the way AC Milan play, while speaking about the decision to bench Rafael Leao again.

Milan went into last night’s game against the league leaders Napoli hoping to send a statement that they should be considered in the Scudetto fight. In the end, however, they were beaten 2-0 by first half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The Rossoneri fall 11 points behind Antonio Conte’s side as a result of the defeat and although they have a game in hand, the feeling is that the title train has left the station without them.

Fonseca spoke in the press conference room at San Siro in addition to doing his TV interviews, during which he stated that he was actually very happy with the way his team played and it filled him with confidence. His comments were relayed by MilanNews.

How do you analyse the game? Too many absentees?

“I think those who played played well. I don’t look for excuses, I believe in all the players. And today they showed it. We can say that important players are missing, but I don’t know if with them we would have done better than today because those who played did well.”

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What is your first assessment?

“I expected a few more points. I didn’t expect so much difficulty in changing the way we play, even if this change is starting to show. They scored two goals with two chances. We did a lot of positive things.

“We failed to score with the opportunities we created. What I’m looking at is the growth of the team. We have to improve in defence. But I’ve never seen any team that has put the offensive quality we put on the field today.”

How do you hope to motivate Leao?

“I don’t want to go into details. I handle things with the players differently. There is no conflict between us, it’s just a coach’s option. We try to motivate the players in different ways. Then it’s up to the players to put in the right amount of dedication: I don’t have to beg them.”

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Are you referring to Leao?

“I wasn’t referring to Leao when I spoke about dedication. It’s difficult to play with three wingers. Pulisic doesn’t play in Leao’s position, Okafor does. Today Leao came on and did well, he gave good answers.

“Then if we’re honest, let’s look at Okafor’s game, he played well. It’s difficult for me to decide at the moment. Leao is coming back to get back into the lineup, for me this is the most positive thing.”