Fonseca sees clear Milan problem in 3-3 draw, but ‘This is the Leao we want’ | OneFootball

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca says his players were not enough ‘aggressive’ in a 3-3 draw against Cagliari, losing 69% of aerial duels, but is pleased with Rafael Leao’s performance: ‘This is what we want.’

The Rossoneri were held to a 3-3 draw by strugglers Cagliari at the Unipol Domus this evening. Rafael Leao scored twice, but it was not enough to take all three points as the Rossoblu bounced back with a rare Gabriele Zappa brace.

“Milan’s problem today was not offensive but defensive. We had trouble facing Cagliari’s crosses. Even with a five-man line, we lost 69% of aerial duels,” Fonseca told DAZN, as quoted by Milannews.

“We did good things in attack, scoring three goals, but we could not draw this match. It’s a step back, and we can’t concede three goals if we want to win.”

Fonseca sees clear Milan problem in 3-3 Cagliari draw, but ‘This is the Leao we want’

epa11712038 Milan’s Rafael Leao celebrates with his teammates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan, in Cagliari, Italy, 09 November 2024. EPA-EFE/FABIO MURRU

The Portuguese tactician reiterated that his players should have been more aggressive defensively and that the system was not an issue.

“We always play with three central midfielders. Today, we had Tijji, Fofana and Chris [Pulisic]. This is not the problem,” he claimed.

“The problem was the way we suffered. We were not aggressive individually.”

This also includes French star Theo Hernandez.

“He can do more defensively,” admitted Fonseca.

“We are working to correct important things, but everyone must be more aggressive.”

On the other hand, Leao reacted and scored a brace. The Portuguese had been benched in the previous three league fixtures.

“He’s in a good moment. He is improving defensively. He has always been with the team. This is the Leao we want.”

Francesco Camarda replaced the injured Alvaro Morata, starting his first Serie A game at 16.

“It wasn’t easy, but he did well, and I am satisfied with his performance,” concluded Fonseca,