Fonseca insists Milan ‘can and must’ improve: “The players understood the message” | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca clinched his first three points with AC Milan last night, beating Venezia 4-0, and he thus got some more breathing room ahead of Liverpool and Inter next week. After the clash, the manager shared his thoughts with the media.

Pressure was indeed on Fonseca, as well as his players, to turn things around on Saturday evening and they responded in the best way possible. Liverpool and Inter are up next week and the Rossoneri will now head into these clashes with some confidence.

Speaking to MilanTV after the game, as cited by MilanNews, Fonseca shared his thoughts on the game and how much the fans’ support meant to them. He was also asked which he was more happy with, the four goals scored or the clean sheet kept…

Arriving at San Siro with a great welcome from the fans. How much energy did it give you?

“A very emotional moment to have our fans here waiting for us. Today they confirmed the great love they have for Milan. We must reward this love from the fans. The players understood the message, we played with a lot of energy and we also won for our fans, who deserve the energy of our team. This victory is for our fans.”

Is this the right attitude?

“I think it was the most important thing, the energy we put in from the first minute. This desire to recover the ball immediately. The four in front did a magnificent job and it was very important for the team. They also know that they gave this energy to recover the ball higher up, it was the most important thing of the match, this energy and this intensity.”

Milan were more laid-back in the second half…

“We had good moments in both halves, even in the second half with the entrance of Morata who is full of energy and intensity. Then they finished with 10 men, it’s easier to press. We had a good attitude in both the first and second half.”

Tonight, have you started to see the game identity you have in mind? Are you happier with the four goals or with the clean sheet?

“I spoke to the players, I told them that it was important not to concede goals to have stability. We played with great desire and great energy. We had good moments with the ball, but I think we can improve our ball management a lot: in the second half we forced too many situations, we need to improve our ball management and find the right moment to attack. It’s a process that needs time. Today several good things, but we can and must improve.”

The Liverpool clash is scheduled for Tuesday evening, more specifically 21:00 local time, while the Derby della Madonnina will be played on Sunday evening. Two very important games for Fonseca and Milan, now hoping to build on yesterday’s comfortable win.