Paulo Fonseca often complained that Milan players did not have the appropriate attitude during his tenure, but the Rossoneri’s Supercoppa victory proves the Portuguese coach was part of the problem, writes Lorenzo Bettoni.
When Milan sacked Fonseca and hired his compatriot Sergio Conceiçao last week, few, including Rafael Leao, expected the Rossoneri to lift the first trophy of the season in Riyadh.
Fonseca left the Rossoneri eight points below the top four after months of highs and lows in which his team beat Inter and Real Madrid, but also lost four Serie A matches from 17, winning just seven times.
Fonseca had made headlines with a strict approach and recurring criticism of the team. The frustration was evident even after some victories. Following a 2-1 Champions League win over Crvena Zvezda last month, Fonseca openly admitted that the team did not give their all, saying it was the “worst thing” for a coach.
The Portuguese took no prisoners. Even Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez, two of Milan’s best players, spent some games on the bench as the ex-boss demanded a better attitude from the pair, and not all Milan fans were against it.
Although he was surely divisive, supporters at San Siro never openly criticised Fonseca. His desire to see different behaviour from some players, especially Leao, matched the request of some fans.
However, Fonseca slowly lost the dressing room as it emerged from some – not so hidden – messages the footballers sent on and off the pitch.
His successor and compatriot, Conceiçao, didn’t have time to influence the teams’ tactics. He only managed three training sessions before his debut on the Milan bench in the Supercoppa Italiana.
The Rossoneri beat both Juventus and Inter in similar fashion, recovering from one goal down against the Old Lady and two against their city rivals. Practically, the last two games were a display of what Fonseca wanted, but with a different coach at the helm.
It would be too simplistic to say that Fonseca was right about demanding a different attitude from his players.
Rafael Leao is the primary example of a top-class star who has yet to fulfil his potential. Even Carlo Ancelotti once said he’d “beat up” the Portuguese winger, but simply, Fonseca didn’t do it the right way.
Milan’s Supercoppa win under Conceiçao once again proved that Fonseca’s managing methods did not suit the entire squad, especially their best players. In modern football, keeping the players motivated and taking the best out of them is just as important as tactical advice for a coach and Fonseca was not the right man for the job.
It was already evident at the end of August when Theo and Leao snubbed a cooling break during an away game at Lazio and in October when players ignored the penalty kick hierarchy against Fiorentina, missing two penalties in a defeat at the Stadio Franchi.
Fonseca received shameful treatment from the management on his final day at San Siro, but this doesn’t change the fact that his approach and decisions were not digested by a team that showed all their temperament and personality as soon as he walked out.
Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
Anything less than 3 points vs Cagliari on Saturday, and this would’ve all been for nothing.
Milan players are lazy. With the exception of Pulisic.
I’ve repeatedly said Fonseca’s appointment was a disaster for 6 months.
Except it wasn’t. One defeat in 11 and 4 wins in a row in europe. He also improved Thiaw and promoted gabbia. even the faux dutch got a few goals under him.
@Rosario: an 8th place is not a disaster, are you out of your mind? Since when we haven’t been in such a place? Long long ago. Lost 4 matches out of 17 in Serie A, roughly equal to a whole season under Pioli. And head-to-head record: except the derby, he failed to win Every team currently standing above. And look at the situation in the dressing room, a whole mess. Don’t blame the players, they might partly be responsible but they hadn’t been that bad under Pioli, and they are not so under Conceicao (even singing his name).
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