Fonseca reflects on defensive errors but labels Milan’s situation as ‘very positive’ | OneFootball

Following the game between AC Milan and Slovan Bratislava, in which the former prevailed 3-2, Paulo Fonseca spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on how the Rossoneri could have done better.

Once again, it ended up being a disappointing evening for Fonseca’s men, struggling to break through Slovan Bratislava defensively. Furthermore, the home side were lethal on the counter-attacks as the defending – yet again – left a lot to be desired.

Speaking to Sky Italia after the game, as transcribed by MilanNews, Fonseca discussed the errors in defence which led to the first goal. He also praised Rafael Leao, who came off the bench and scored a decisive goal, thus earning a high rating from us.

An important victory…

“Very important. We have won the last three games in the Champions League, we have scored 9 goals. It is very positive. Now there are three more games that we have a chance of winning. Today it was important to win and that is what we did.”

Why so many ups and downs?

“I think we dominated during the match, we changed a lot of players. We did some positive things but also some things to improve, maybe because we changed a lot of players. We didn’t do the preventive markings well, then after the break, we improved. We deserved to win, the last goal we conceded was due to a clear error by the referee, there was a foul for us. We deserved to end with a different result.”

Fonseca’s cure for Leao is working…

“I always talk to Rafa, he knows why he didn’t play today. He understood it and when he came on he was decisive. I’m satisfied with Rafa. Having this attitude and this desire even when he’s on the bench is very positive.”

Even today in defense, poor readings… What allows the opponents to get to the goal so easily?

“These things are difficult to explain. On corners, we have three players behind, difficult to explain… Maybe because these defenders haven’t played much… It’s a question of reading, not of attitude. In the first half when we allowed Slovan to come out, it was a question of defensive marking: we were too far away with the defenders and they were always alone to come out. A problem of reading and understanding what was happening.”

Empoli are up next for Milan and a win is needed in the league after two games without one, with the risk of falling way behind the rivals at the top of the standings. They are already nine points behind the league leaders, albeit with a game in hand, so they cannot afford to drop more points.