Fonseca comments on Leao exclusion, Pulisic’s condition and Loftus-Cheek’s role | OneFootball

AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca has justified his decision to not start Rafael Leao, while commenting on Christian Pulisic’s condition and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Tonight’s game presents a chance for Milan to prove their Scudetto credentials after a rocky start to the season as they take on a Napoli side that are currently four points clear atop the table.

However, the numbers of key absences that the Rossoneri have must be mentioned. Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders are suspended, while Christian Pulisic starts on the bench due to flu.

Matteo Gabbia sustained calf injury which will see him miss at least the next couple of games, plus Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham will miss the game. Alessandro Florenzi, Ismael Bennacer and Marco Sportiello remain out after surgery too.

The match will carry some extra meaning for Antonio Conte given that Milan snubbed him in the summer as per reports, plus he has Juventus and Inter among his past associations.

How important is tonight’s game?

“I think our ambition is clear: to fight for the Scudetto. It’s an important match, not decisive but we want to play a good match against a great team.”

Leao is on the bench for the second consecutive match: why?

“Simple to explain: it’s an option of the coach who thinks it’s better to start the match with Okafor.”

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Tonight Loftus-Cheek starts again. A player who is unable to consistently show his qualities…

“Today we don’t have Pulisic who is not in the best condition to start the match. Loftus will play, a player with very interesting characteristics. A player who has to carry the ball, he has more difficulties. He is understanding what he has to do when there is no space.”

How will Napoli defend? Could that be an opportunity for Loftus-Cheek?

“From what I’ve seen, Napoli is a team that defends low and compact. An opportunity to see Loftus grow in this context. I think he has good characteristics to help the team.”

Will Pulisic come on during the match?

“Let’s see, we’ll put him on the bench in the meantime. He’s better but he wasn’t confident. Let’s see if we need him.”