Fonseca takes Milan stand: ‘Better to start with Okafor than Leao’ | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca explains why Christian Pulisic is not starting against Napoli, the Ruben Loftus-Cheek role and dropping Rafael Leao. ‘It’s simple, I believe it is better to start with Noah Okafor.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Cagliari-Bologna and Lecce-Verona on the Liveblog.

“I think our ambition is clear, we want to fight for the Scudetto,” Fonseca told DAZN.

“This is an important match, it will not be decisive, but we want to do well against a great side.”

The Rossoneri have serious problems going into the showdown, because Christian Pulisic came down with flu symptoms and is only fit for a spot on the bench.

They were already missing Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez through suspension – because Saturday’s game with Bologna was postponed due to severe weather warnings and the bans carried over – plus injured Tammy Abraham, Luka Jovic, Matteo Gabbia, Alessandro Florenzi and Ismael Bennacer.

Fonseca refuses to reconsider Leao

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 05: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is substituted off during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 05, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite all that, Fonseca has still decided to leave Rafael Leao on the bench for the second game running.

“It is very simple to explain: he is an option for the coach, who believes it is better to begin the match with Okafor,” noted the coach.

“We do not have Pulisic today, as he is not in the best condition to start. Loftus will play in that role, a player with some very interesting characteristics. He needs to carry the ball and that makes it tougher for him, he is starting to realise what he must do when there is less space.

“From what I saw, Napoli are a team who defend deep and stay solid. It is an opportunity to see how much Loftus has learned in that context. I think he has the right characteristics to help the team.”

Pulisic is on the bench, but it remains to be seen if he will be brought on in the second half.

“We’ll see. He is feeling a little better, but did not feel comfortable. We’ll see if he is needed.”