Fonseca: “With Roma, it’s special. I’m pleased that Saelemaekers is doing well.”
The words of the Rossoneri coach: “Pulisic is not ready for tomorrow, not even for the bench, while Bennacer and Morata will be there. Theo? I am really positive: let’s see how it will be”
Paulo Fonseca, the coach of Milan, spoke at a press conference on the eve of the showdown with his former team, Roma. The Portuguese coach has touched on several genuine topics including the excitement of facing a team he has coached in the past and with whom he has fond memories. Here are his words.
It is the first time he faces Roma as an opposing coach. Did he picture it this way? “Yes, Roma is Roma. It’s a grand club, a magnificent city. They possess an extraordinary team graced with talented players, led by an outstanding coach who has won extensively. Returning here to Italy and playing against Roma is special for me. I have friends there, but tomorrow when I step onto the field to play, it will be like playing against any other team, and the desire to win, to have a good game, is paramount. “For 90 minutes, I have but one thought: to win.”
Can you give us a medical update? “I had hoped that we would have Pulisic. He is doing fine but the last two days he has been suffering from an ankle issue, which is something entirely else. He hasn’t been training with us. A problem has emerged during the recovery process; it’s not ready for tomorrow, not even for the bench. Not because of the previous problem, but this new one that has suddenly arisen. Loftus is doing much better, I think he could be a solution for the coming week. Morata is well, ready to take the field. Bennacer is in good health and highly motivated. His physical condition may not permit him to last the full 90 minutes, but he is ready to play and will indeed play. I’m confident that he will play. “Musah and Leao are further behind in their recovery, let’s see if we can get them back for the Super Cup. We will have 11 players (he laughs)”. How is Theo? “We have had Theo training these past few days, he needs to physically recover. It’s true, I believe even he recognizes that he could do much better. “But honestly, in these last two days, that we’ve worked together and had discussions, I’m truly positive about Theo: let’s see how it will be. I am mainly positive due to these past two days.”
Are two days not enough for him to start tomorrow? “We have to wait and see.”
How does it change with Jimenez in place of Leao? “The players are different, Rafa is stronger in one-on-one situations. Jimenez is rapid, perhaps he plays more for the cross and the assist. He is different. But Jimenez is also a player with individual initiative. I cannot make extensive comparisons about players, he has found himself comfortable in this position. I have a certainty for tomorrow: Jimenez will play. Let’s see, as a winger or fullback. “Milan vs Roma: The clash of the biggest disappointments of the championship? “No, I do not think so. I do not have this feeling. We are far from the end of the championship. After reflection, drawing comparisons with other teams, stating that only Roma and Milan are disappointing is quite an overstatement”. Is he happy with Abraham? “It’s true that players have ups and downs. He had a great period when he played with Morata, then he wasn’t doing as well. “But I am satisfied with Abraham.”
What did he ask “Santa Claus” for? A starting midfielder? How does he comment on the possible departure of Tomori?
“We are considering all the situations. The company is on alert. The changes we are going to make will be made with the awareness of what is best for the team. “But now, I am intensely focused on the upcoming match and the Supercup. We haven’t discussed Tomori, this is a novelty for me.” “Is this a normal situation? If we need to talk about it, then we’ll certainly discuss.”
“Is Tomori still useful to Milan? Adding Tomori to Kalulu’s move to Juventus would be a mistake.” You didn’t provide any text for me to translate. “I respect his point of view. Tomori is a great professional and crucial for the team.” Whether playing or not playing, he works in the same way and this is important to me. He has already played, he has already sat on the bench, but he has never changed his attitude. And for me, these players are absolutely vital to the team, and not just those who play in every game. And Tomori, for me, is important. “I cannot tell anyone if he will play tomorrow or more, but for me, it’s crucial”.
Will he strive to achieve a midfield of Fofana-Bennacer-Reijnders?
“I don’t know. I know who will play tomorrow. But what I can say, very honestly, is that Bennacer is not in the physical condition to start in tomorrow’s game. “But I am very pleased with the return of Bennacer. He is highly motivated, working extremely well, bringing a lot of energy to the team. What I feel right now is that he could prove significant for the team, with his energy and aggressiveness in practice: I see a path, with Bennacer potentially playing a crucial role for our team in this part of the season.” Such sacrifice, but disappointing offensive production from Chukwueze. Does it sadden you not having coached Saelemaekers? “I don’t look back. Saelemaekers knows what I think of him. Honestly, I am satisfied that he’s doing well. On Chukwueze, I agree. He is a player who works hard for the team and sacrifices a lot. It’s not easy being the fifth defender, but he’s performing well. He has been lacking in his recent decisions, I believe he can be more decisive. “It’s also a question of trust, there’s a need for improvement and pivotal moments that elevate the quality of players. We are working on this and expect that it can bring more to the team in terms of decision-making on the final few meters.” Sorry, but your instruction doesn’t provide any actual text for me to translate. Could you please provide the text you want translated?