Ex-Milan midfielder urges not to ‘trivialise’ Fonseca’s words after Real Madrid win | OneFootball

Milan manager Paulo Fonseca claimed that playing Real Madrid was ‘easier’ than taking on Monza as he analysed his side’s 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu and former Rossoneri player Massimo Ambrosini warned that his words must not be ‘trivialised’ as they express a right concept.

The Portuguese manager tried to explain how ‘tactical issues’ that teams have to face in Serie A make those games more complicated than European fixtures, and Ambrosini reiterated such a view by adding that a side like Milan have ‘more space’ to hurt opponents on the international stage.

The Rossoneri’s ex-midfielder also said that Milan can ‘hardly gain’ something by keeping Rafael Leao on the bench, but added that the forward now has the ‘keys’ to come out of a troubled moment.

Ambrosini: Milan find ‘more space’ in Europe, Fonseca pushed ‘too hard’ by keeping Leao out

“Games like this [Real Madrid] are more fitting to Milan’s features than fixtures which are easier on paper,” Ambrosini told Radio Serie A, as quoted by TMW.

“We shouldn’t trivialise when Fonseca says it’s easier for Milan to face Real Madrid than Monza.

“When you play in Italy, especially away, you’re on pitches where there’s little space, and you have to stay focused, inside the game, capitalising on any opportunities while always staying sharp.

“You have to keep working even in a scrappy game. In Europe, though, teams don’t speculate against you; they want to play their game and take risks.

“This means there are many more opportunities in terms of space and chances to be dangerous. Of course, the risks are greater too; you’re more likely to concede a goal, but you also have more space, and Milan have players who can turn the game around, players who can be dangerous to the opposition.

“When we talk about the European level, we’re referring to players who can handle things on their own, who can make their quality count even in one-on-one situations.”

Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez (R) in action against AC Milan’s Rafael Leao (L) during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Real Madrid and AC Milan, in Madrid, Spain, 05 November 2024. EPA-EFE/Juanjo Martin

Leao’s contribution against Real Madrid was particularly important, as Morata tapped in a rebound generated from his shot in the first half before the Portuguese star delivered an assist to Tijjani Reijnders for Milan’s third of the night.

“Yesterday, he played a high-level match,” Ambrosini noted.

“His last month should give him the keys to understanding how to get out of it: yesterday, he gave an important response, and now he has another big opportunity at Cagliari.

“When you’re the best player, you can either respond in a self-pitying way or with pride.

“The technical issue with Leao is quite secondary; without a player like Leao, Milan can hardly gain something, so I imagine they kept him out at least 70% for motivational reasons.

“I think Fonseca pushed a bit too hard by keeping him out; now it’s enough.”