Fonseca promises game time for Milan youth but begs for Camarda patience | OneFootball

Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca has revealed that ‘somebody’ from the Milan Futuro team is in line to play against Genoa in Serie A on Sunday evening, but implored supporters to give time to 16-year-old striker Francesco Camarda, who doesn’t deserve the ‘burden’ of being a ‘decisive’ player just yet.

The Rossoneri coach has held his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit from Genoa in Serie A.

Earlier this week, following Milan’s 2-1 victory over Crvena Zvezda in the Champions League, Fonseca accused some of his players of not having the right mentality, and claimed that he would have no issue in fielding players from the club’s youth sector to replace them.

Doubling down on his pledge, Fonseca hinted that ‘somebody’ from the Milan Futuro is in line for game time against Genoa on Sunday, but wasn’t able to reveal who specifically.

Milan’s head coach Paulo Fonseca gestures during the Italian Coppa Italia cup match between AC Milan and Sassuolo Calcio in Milan, Italy, 03 December 2024. EPA-EFE/Daniel Dal Zennaro

It will be an historic occasion for Milan in San Siro on Sunday night, regardless of the game, as the club celebrate their 125th anniversary.

“It would be easy for me to just talk about the victory against Red Star, but Milan turns 125 tomorrow and we have to live up to its history,” Fonseca began, reported via TMW.

He continued: “In my opinion, on Wednesday, we couldn’t live up to (the standards of) a club that made footballing history. I’ve spoken to the team, I’ve spoken to the players, and we are ready for tomorrow.”

Fonseca was not able to guarantee whether Theo Hernandez will keep his spot in the starting line-up after a string of underwhelming performances this season.

“I have nothing to add to what I said on Wednesday. I won’t say names here, but I’ve spoken to the players, I’ve told them what I think in private and now we have to move forwards.

“Tomorrow the best team will play, I don’t know who will start yet.”

What happened after Milan-Red Star

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)

Fonseca then revealed what went on behind the scenes before and after his post-match outburst on Wednesday night.

“In the dressing room after the game, everyone had the same feeling, and for me that was a positive. The team worked well, the atmosphere is good. We are a family. The problem has to be solved within the dressing room and that is what we did.”

And on whether the club’s senior management had any involvement after the headline-making press conference, he said: “We’ve talked, as always. We were all at the party for the youth sector. Like always, I feel the club’s support.”

But why did Fonseca feel the need to speak out publicly against his players?

“Firstly because I always tell the truth. It’s difficult for me to hide what I feel after the game. Secondly, these are important messages to get across. If you’re not on the inside, you don’t know everything, so I felt the need to speak publicly.”

Fonseca on Milan Futuro opportunities and Camarda patience

Fonseca hinted that there will be an appearance from a Mian Futuro representative against Genoa on Sunday.

“The Milan Futuro project is great for us, having more players ready for the first team. What I can say is that we will see someone out on the pitch tomorrow.”

And on Camarda, he added: “We have to let Camarda grow with balance. The expectations and pressure on young players is not a good thing. Please, let’s not put pressure on Camarda. He’s a levelled guy, let him be that way.

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Alvaro Morata of AC Milan is replaced by Francesco Camarda during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between AC Milan and Club Brugge KV at Stadio San Siro on October 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I’m careful about how we use him, I always think carefully about how and when to use him. These lads have to play at the right moment. He has quality, but he needs to continue to grow. He shouldn’t have the burden of having to decide matches. Let him be a young player.”