Fonseca: ‘Great opportunity’ for Milan against UCL favourites Real Madrid | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca insists tomorrow’s Champions League match away against Real Madrid will provide a ‘great opportunity’ for Milan to prove their ability against some of the best players in the world.

Fonseca previewed the Madrid-Milan fixture during his pre-match press conference on Monday evening.

During his talk with the press, Fonseca also confirmed that Rafael Leao will return to his starting line-up after three consecutive Serie A starts on the bench. He also spoke about his respect for Carlo Ancelotti and how El Classico has helped him prepare for Tuesday night.

Fonseca: ‘Great opportunity’ for Milan against Champions League ‘favourites’

Fonseca told the media that his Milan players do not need any extra motivation ahead of the Real Madrid test.

“Games like this bring a lot of motivation, it’s a great opportunity,” he said, reported via TMW.

“Real Madrid are the favourites to win the Champions League. For us, it’s an opportunity to prove our value, facing the best players without fear, with courage, because we believe we can have a good game.”

The coach went on to confirm that Leao will play from the first minute: “He will start tomorrow. We expect him to be able to do what he usually can.

“I know what is important for me and for the team. It’s normal that you talk about these situations, but I have to follow my own beliefs.”

MONZA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Monza and AC Milan at U-Power Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Fonseca also had nothing but good things to say about Alvaro Morata, who will return to his former club on Tuesday night.

“Alvaro is a really important player for me, not only as a player, but as a professional as well. He is a very, very intelligent player, who is doing very well.

“He needs to play. What he is doing is proving decisive for us. Playing here is special for him, but I expect to have the same Alvaro as we have had during the season so far. He has worked hard for the team with a lot of energy.”

Fonseca praises ‘best in the world’ Ancelotti

Milan will be met by their most recent Champions League-winning coach, Carlo Ancelotti, in the Madrid dugout on Tuesday night. Here’s what Fonseca had to say about his counterpart.

“Ancelotti is a reference point for me. He is the best coach in the world, whatever he says must be listened to. It’s good to here his thoughts on Milan, I thank him.”

Fonseca also confirmed that he has used examples from Real Madrid’s recent 4-0 loss to Barcelona in preparation with the Milan squad.

“I watched Real-Barcelona, it’s impossible not to watch it, because they are teams that I like to watch. We’re a different team, of course, but we used the footage from El Classico to prepare for this match.”

Journalists asked if there are any similarities to the build-up before Milan’s 2-1 win over rivals Inter in September. Fonseca understood the question, but did not agree.

“It’s similar in that Milan were not the favourites against Inter, and we are not tomorrow, but they are completely different games. They are opponents with totally different styles of play. We’ve prepared for this game differently.”