Football Italia
·23 dicembre 2024
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·23 dicembre 2024
Milan coach Paulo Fonseca is questioning Theo Hernandez’s status as an undisputed starter and could continue to do so in their next game against Roma, as he currently considers Alex Jimenez the first-choice left-back.
The France international started from the bench in his side’s last two games, and although the Portuguese manager was forced to bring him in against Verona in the first half to replace injured Rafael Leão, he was far from pleased with the player’s contribution and made no mystery of that.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Theo Hernandez of AC Milan is challenged by Manuel Locatelli of Juventus during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fonseca told Theo Hernandez he was not happy with his attitude in front of a bunch of other Milan teammates, adding further tension to an already delicate relationship.
As much as the coach recently called him the ‘best full-back in the world’, suggesting he still has to reach his peak condition, he rates players’ attitude and commitment in training before everything else, which has already led him to bench Leao in the past months.
Alex Jimenez of AC Milan in action during the Trofeo Berlusconi match between AC Milan and AC Monza on August 13, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Jimenez is once again expected to get the nod when the Rossoneri host Claudio Ranieri’s side next Sunday, and things could remain unchanged until the French won’t show improvements in terms of behaviour and displays, as the Portuguese star did after being dropped.
With his contract expiring in 2026, Milan must decide whether to extend his stay at the San Siro or seek lucrative offers from one of the left-back’s suitors, including Manchester United.
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