Fonseca left scratching head after defensive failures: “It’s honestly difficult to explain” | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca was frustrated that three goals were not enough to win the game for his AC Milan side against Cagliari last night.

Milan twice led the game after trailing inside two minutes as Rafael Leao scored a brace and Tammy Abraham netted in the second half, yet that wasn’t enough to earn three points.

It is a draw that probably feels more like a defeat given that the Rossoneri were leading up until the 89th minute, when Gabriele Zappa arrived at the far post to finish off a cross and get his second goal of the night.

Fonseca spoke in the press conference room at the Unipol Domus to try and assess what was a rollercoaster game that didn’t have the best outcome. MilanNews transcribed his comments.

What was the main fault?

“This game is very easy to explain. We scored three goals, but we can’t concede three like that. We have to work on crosses, we have a problem. Cagliari won 100% of the aerial duels, that’s not good.”

Is it a small step back?

“We still have a lot of points available. A great team can be seen over time. We are growing offensively, less so in defence.”

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Are you disappointed or angry?

“No, I think the team did well in management, less so in tackles and duels. It’s honestly difficult to explain.”

These are problems that happen away from home. At home you concede much less, is it a coincidence?

“We faced a healthy team, that plays in a direct way. We must grow defensively, I repeat.”

Who impressed you for Cagliari?

“I don’t focus on my opponents. We were prepared for this type of football, aggressive. Cagliari does very well.”

Leao, a winning choice…

“He understood where he had to improve. Today he was decisive, even in defending with the team.”