Milan Boss Paulo Fonseca Contemplating Insane Line-up Changes Vs Udinese | OneFootball

Under-pressure Milan manager is contemplating a significant squad overhaul ahead of Saturday’s home match against Udinese. According to Calciomercato, the Portuguese tactician is considering dislodging several first-team regulars from his starting line-up, including Rafael Leao.

Leao has suffered a significant decline in form at the start of Fonseca’s tenure at San Siro. However, the out-of-sorts Milan ace impressed for Portugal during the international break. He was at his best against Poland, after which he aimed a dig at Fonseca, going, “Here, there is a coach who believes in me.“

The 25-year-old’s statement has seemingly not gone well with the former Roma boss. Leao could start today’s encounter against Udinese on the bench as a punishment. Milan desperately need three points after slipping to a 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina on the stroke of October’s international break.

Nonetheless, Fonseca considers playing Noah Okafor over his compatriot. A missed penalty against Fiorentina, compounded by ‘disobeying’ Fonseca’s orders, will reportedly cost Tammy Abraham his starting berth. Alvaro Morata will take his place in a center-forward role, with Samuel Chukwueze ready to return to the Fonseca’s XI.

Given the circumstances, the new Milan head coach couldn’t have picked a worse moment to quarrel with his best players. The Rossoneri will be without Theo Hernandez, who picked up a red card after the final whistle at Stadio Artemio Franchi. Therefore, nailing Leao to the bench looks like a suicidal move.

The left flank has been a critical source of creativity for Milan. Without Hernandez’s trademark runs and Leao’s flair, beating Udinese could prove an arduous task.