GdS: ‘Changes Milan’s season’ – who Fonseca’s tirade was aimed at and what happens now | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca was not accepting of AC Milan’s performance against Red Star last night, and he is planning a meeting with the team and with several individuals.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport write, his interviews after the match against the Serbian side ‘will inevitably change Milan’s season’. The coach seemed tired, worn out by the pressure and disappointment, and let down by his players.

Fonseca could have limited himself to being a bit more diplomatic in conveying it but instead he attacked the team, at the cost of putting his future at Milan at risk. What did he want to say, and who was he angry with?

The motivation

The meaning of his speeches, quite explicit, revolves around one word: attitude. If you prefer, commitment, application. Fonseca thinks the team is strong but wants more commitment, more dedication, more concentration from some players.

He even made this clear after the defeat in Parma: “I’m disappointed. It’s difficult to explain our defensive attitude. It’s clear that we have a defensive problem.” The concept, three and a half months later, hasn’t changed much.

Fonseca’s attitude is either to be clear and strong, without hiding the problems. In other situations the coach downplays things, lets the directors speak or does his talking in the dressing room. Rightly or wrongly, he doesn’t keep his cards close to his chest.

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Instead, the Portuguese is always on the frontline, as the one who goes against everyone, from the referees to the players. This time he chose to call the players out on their responsibilities, and the fact that the Milan fans are equally dissatisfied can definitely have an impact.

The recipients of his most recent tirade are not made explicit and this is the big premise. However, the report adds that he is speaking about two or three players, not the whole team. In addition, the attitude in training is also being discussed, not just in games.

Fonseca is not happy with the application of Theo Hernandez, and not just because of the Red Star game. Much has been said about Theo’s difficulties on and off the pitch and yesterday’s match did not change the impression of a player who does much less than he could.

Davide Calabria meanwhile came off yesterday with the armband on, visibly unhappy with the change. He did not even acknowledge his coach. Fikayo Tomori even got a yellow while warming up and is suspended for the next match without playing. It is clear that Fonseca expects more.

What happens next?

The question, at this point, is to understand how the relationship between the coach and the team will change. Fonseca and the players will meet again 12 hours after the words in the press conference and they will not be able to pretend nothing was said.

A direction will have to be taken and the fracture will have to be mended, if Milan want to start climbing. Will we see more players benched for Milan-Genoa on Sunday, like has happened before? It’s possible.

After all, Leao now plays with a different fire and has returned to being decisive, to the joy of anyone who loves football. The pride of the players, heavily called into question by the words about the boys of Milan Futuro and Primavera, will have to intervene and for Milan it is better this way.

If things do not work – and the Serie A standings do not improve – it is better not to drag things out, which is where the directors may step in. It is better to make strong choices: win or lose with your own ideas and have a resurgence, or exit with a bang.