Fonseca positive ahead of Real Madrid test: “Why can’t we think about winning?” | OneFootball

AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca wants his side to fully believe that they can win against Real Madrid, despite what the media are saying.

On paper it seems like it could be a long night for Milan given the attacking firepower that Real have and the fact that they are the champions of both LaLiga and the Champions League at present.

The Rossoneri have found themselves on the periphery of the Serie A title race heading into November and in the elimination places in the new UCL ‘league phase’, meaning it has been a rocky road so far in 2024-25.

One way for Fonseca to respond to his doubters would be to produce a tactical masterclass against Los Blancos, and the indications this morning are that Yunus Musah will start as a right winger.

Fonseca was interviewed by Sky on the eve of the game in the Spanish capital, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.

Do you have a comment on the situation in Spain after the floods in Valencia?

“It is important to say that we must have a thought for what happened here in Spain, here football is not the most important thing, people’s lives are more important.”

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This is a European derby, with over 20 Champions League titles between the clubs. What are your thoughts on the match and on Carlo Ancelotti?

“It’s a source of pride to be able to play a match like this. I’m a big fan of Ancelotti, not just as a coach but as a person. We talk about what coaches win for, other things are also important to me.

“For me he’s the best in the world, but I admire him above all as a person: he’s the best example in the world for us coaches. I’d like people to have this thought and feeling about me one day, as a person.”

Are problems solved through dialogue?

“I believe a lot in relationships. Dialogue is important to manage a team with the size of Milan. I believe a lot in dialogue, both individual and collective. I have always done it, since the first day I arrived in Milan.”

Are you coming into this game thinking you can win?

“It’s a possibility. I always believe I can win, tomorrow will be no different. It’s true that we’re facing a great team but why can’t we think about winning?

“We have to stick to our strategy, be rigorous, know that to win we have to defend well and as a team. We come here and we want to be Milan, play our game. It’s difficult but we can have this ambition.”

How is Leao?

“Leao is used to playing this type of game, as it should be. What I think is important is that tomorrow he must be well and motivated to make the difference, to be special: that’s what I want and what we all want.”

Even Real Madrid, Ancelotti said, do not yet have a precise identity…

“I think so. They are different teams, different players. Carlo has already had time here, 80% of the team is still the same. Maybe he talks about bringing in new players.

“For us it’s different: new coach, the way of playing has changed. We are creating this identity but we need time. But in any case you can see the growth of the team and the birth of this identity.”