Fonseca: “I am most pleased with the team’s serious attitude, I’m satisfied with Leão, Reijnders has the potential for an extraordinary career” | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca during Milan-Sassuolo at Stadio San Siro on December 3, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

Paulo Fonseca appreciated the approach of his team as they faced Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia.

Milan’s game plan against Sassuolo last night worked to perfection as they killed off the game entirely in 23 minutes, scoring 4 goals in the process through Samu Chukwueze (12′, 21′), Tijjani Reijnders (18′) and Rafael Leão (23′).

In the second half they added two more goals with Davide Calabria (56′) and then Tammy Abraham (61′) and also conceded once, winning 6-1 to advance to the Coppa quarterfinals.

Coach Paulo Fonseca rotated his squad for the match, allowing rest to basically of all his key men.

“We played really well but I’m most pleased with the team’s serious attitude, the way we started the game with intensity. We need to start strongly. Obviously, we did a lot right, so I’m pleased with the team,” Fonseca told MilanTV.

Milan players celebrating at the end of Milan-Sassuolo at Stadio San Siro on December 3, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

You found consistency in results despite the many changes…“We made some changes. All the players responded really well. When a coach makes a lot of changes and sees the team maintain the same level of consistent performances, it obviously makes you more pleased. We were almost perfect tonight.”

What response did you get for those who’ve played less?“The main thing for me tonight is getting to see some players who haven’t featured as heavily; they played today and played really well.”

Atalanta are coming up next…“We have a really tough game coming up. We’ll start preparing tomorrow, but Atalanta are such a strong side. But we’re getting better, we’re strong. We’ll go to Bergamo with the aim of winning the game. I’m sure the team will play with courage. It’s not an easy kind of game, because Atalanta are a good team. But we have our objectives and we want to use this week to prepare for the game.”

Milan players celebrating during Milan-Sassuolo at Stadio San Siro on December 3, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

Speaking to Italia 1, the coach said: “We played a great game; we played very well. A magnificent first half, and it also helped me to rest some players. I have only positive things to say, as we took it very seriously, I am very satisfied with the attitude of the players.”

Can this Milan think of having two teams to compete on multiple fronts?“I’ve always said I trust all my players, which is why everyone plays. Today, I’m very satisfied because there are players who’ve had less game time but delivered a magnificent performance. They’ve shown me they’re always ready to play, and that’s exactly what I want to hear.”

In the quarterfinals there’s the chance of facing your ex-side Roma…“I haven’t thought about it [laughs]. Now I’m going home and start thinking about Atalanta.”

Davide Calabria celebrating during Milan-Sassuolo at Stadio San Siro on December 3, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

You played a high pressing game tonight…“I told the players before the match that it was important to start strong, intense, win the ball back high up, and press aggressively. They did that. I’m very satisfied with this. In the past, I think the issue was about attitude. Against the big teams, we had the perfect mindset, but against others, we lacked this seriousness. Tonight, though, I’m very satisfied.”

Do you take any responsibility for games Milan didn’t approach well?“Yes. I am responsible for everything that happens with this team. I am always the first person accountable – I don’t shy away from it.”

How would you rate Leão?“It’s hard to single anyone out when everyone played well. I’m satisfied with Rafa, but I’m also very happy with all the other players.”

Rafael Leão and Tammy Abraham celebrating during Milan-Sassuolo at Stadio San Siro on December 3, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

The coach also held a post-match press conference: “I felt the team was improving; we’ve worked on many things. Wins bring more confidence to the players. It’s a natural consequence of our work, what the team is learning, and an improvement in attitude. It’s important to note the seriousness of the team, stepping onto the field with intensity. Today, it’s a sign of the team’s mental growth.”

What’s the status of the unavailable players?“Theo was not well and I decided not to play him, Maignan had an operation. They will be ready for Atalanta, maybe tomorrow they will train. With the wide lead, I wanted to sub off Rafa, Fofana, and Tijji, but Loftus-Cheek had a minor calf issue, and we decided not to risk it. Sportiello also had a knee problem, so managing other players after halftime was harder. I’ll wait for updates from the doctor on Sportiello, but for Loftus-Cheek it shouldn’t be anything serious.

Leão scored the goal from the position of a center-forward…“All credit to Loftus-Cheek and Rafa – they read the moment perfectly. Leão timed his movement and positioning well, and Ruben delivered a fantastic assist. I’m happy that Rafa is scoring again here at San Siro.”

Tijjani Reijnders celebrating during Milan-Sassuolo at Stadio San Siro on December 3, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

Reijnders has been showing his class…“I see him here at Milan continuing what he’s doing and improving. Tijji is a player of great calibre and has the potential for an extraordinary career. He has the time and space to develop further.”

Do you believe in winning the Coppa Italia?“I believe in it a lot. We last won it in 2003, and I’d love the chance to reach the final. I think we have a real shot at winning it. The next match is here at San Siro, followed by two semifinal legs. Like the other teams, we have a chance, but this is a competition where we can achieve something significant.”