Seedorf: ‘Milan must have patience with Fonseca’ | OneFootball

Milan legend Clarence Seedorf urges the club to ‘have patience’ with Paulo Fonseca, because the coach ‘has good ideas’ that just need time to be understood by the squad. ‘They just need to be more consistent.’

The Week 16 match against Genoa kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The coach hit the headlines after the midweek Champions League victory over Crvena Zvezda, when he ranted in his post-match interviews about some players ‘not giving their all’ in each game.

He took action, dropping Theo Hernandez for Alex Jimenez this evening, while 17-year-old Mattia Liberali gets his Serie A debut for injured Christian Pulisic.

“I saw the interviews, the coach was very emotional, but also managed to keep it within the limits. He made it clear they need the performance and sometimes the message needs to be sent when you represent a club like Milan,” Seedorf told DAZN.

“The team has too many ups and downs, it is difficult to tell why from the outside. They interrupted an era with Stefano Pioli and Paolo Maldini, so many things have changed and it takes time. The club must have patience and support the choice they made. The side showed in some games it can do it, they just need to be more consistent now.”

Seedorf analyses current Milan crop

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between AC Milan and FK Crvena Zvezda at Stadio San Siro on December 11, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

It has been said that Milan lack leaders, so does Seedorf know who of the current crop could be a key figure in the locker room, perhaps the way he was in his era?

“I don’t like comparisons with the past, because this is a very different generation of players and coaches. I don’t know them well enough to say who can be a leader. I can say that in terms of quality, some players need to keep the level up, but we all know that isn’t enough. You need attitude too,” continued Seedorf.

“If I was to have this team, some things would be completely different, so a coach will always bring his ideas. This team knew what to expect with Pioli, it will take time for them to understand Fonseca’s ideas. And I do think he has very good ideas.”

There is a Serie A debut from the start for 17-year-old Milan Futuro starlet Mattia Liberali, so does Seedorf have some advice?

“I don’t like giving general advice via the television. All I suggest to anyone is to stay curious, be eager to learn constantly and improve every day. I prefer to give advice only face to face, when I know the person a bit better.”

Milan are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the club’s foundation, inviting legends like Seedorf, Marco van Basten, Franco Baresi, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Alexandre Pato and Pippo Inzaghi onto the pitch before kick-off.

“Some of us spent many years on this pitch. People ask if I miss it, but no because I played 23 years,” smiled Seedorf.

“What I miss is hanging out with my teammates in the locker room. Besides, I still try to play some football, as long as my body can handle it.”