Fonseca: “It was a beautiful match both offensively and defensively, we could have scored 7 goals, we know how good Reijnders is, Gabbia is playing very well” | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca during Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Paulo Fonseca was very pleased with Milan’s performance against Empoli, even if they could’ve scored more.

After the so-so performance in the Champions League against Slovan Bratislava, Milan returned to Serie A on Saturday and faced Empoli at San Siro.

The Rossoneri played an excellent match from the first minute and never seemed in trouble against Roberto D’Aversa’s side. Álvaro Morata scored after 19′ minute and then the Tijjani Reijnders show began, with the Dutchman netting twice (44′, 69′).

“It was a different kind of performance. We were aggressive without the ball, reacted well, won the ball back a lot in their half. This allowed us to attack better,” Fonseca told MilanTV after the match. “Obviously, I’m pleased with everything that we did in defence. We were strong, balanced, and aggressive in attack. We scored 3 goals but we could’ve have 6 or 7 if we had made better decisions, because we looked liked we could score more goals.”

The players celebrating at the end of Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

What did you think of Reijnders’ performance?“We all know how good Tijji is. It’s clear to us all. This season he is scoring more and it’s important that he’s more decisive because he is a good finisher. I’m pleased, of course, with what Tijji is doing. Christian is playing really well too. But if we’re talking about the team’s moments, because I will always defend the team, I enjoyed those two moments when Chukwu defended in the box. That’s what makes the difference as a team. I really liked it. We need to have this spirit, which is so important in a team.”

Why did you choose this starting XI?“I expected this for this type of match. You have to understand that Empoli is the team that plays the longest balls in Serie A and pushes five players onto our defensive line. It was important to have Musah, and I think we can use this setup with certain teams, but with others, we might need different approaches.”

Intensity was shown on the pitch, also by the coach…“Yes, sometimes it’s hard to see certain things, and I got angry. We need that energy – maybe it was the opposite, and I was infected by the players and how they were playing. I have to say that the people closest to us know how much we work. Today, I also want to say a word for our fans, who were fantastic.”

Tijjani Reijnders celebrating during Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Fonseca had many reasons to smile to Saturday, but he did take a yellow card from the referee during the match. “I was very angry,” he told DAZN. “I’d like to move on but if you ask me the question about the referee then I have to tell you that I was very pissed off.”

Milan seemed focused tonight…“This is the spirit. It was a beautiful match, both offensively and defensively. This is team play: stepping in with a spirit of sacrifice. We won 3-0, but we had the chance to score 6-7 goals, and we need to improve on this. But of course, I am very satisfied with the team.”

The objective was to be dynamic. Leão played much more centrally tonight…“Today we created a lot; it was a different game against a team that defends in a different way. It wasn’t just Rafa, but also Emerson and Musah, who brought the mobility we needed. The great thing is that we created so much.”

Rafael Leão during Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Was this the most complete performance from Milan under Fonseca?“We were balanced in all phases; we attacked well and were solid defensively. Just like we were against Juve. We were secure defensively, and I never felt the team was in danger. It’s important to have that security to then attack better.”

Will you watch the first 15 minutes of the second half a lot to prepare for the match against Atalanta?“I can’t say [laughs]. They are teams with some similarities. We’ll need to study Atalanta well. Against this kind of team, Mike is an extra player for us. Today, the goalkeeper’s role is different, and when we play against teams that defend man-to-man, he’s a decisive player. And Mike has the quality to start our offensive possession.”

Álvaro Morata and Youssouf Fofana celebrating during Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Fonseca also had a post-match press conference: “I agree it was a great Milan for 100 minutes. We played a great match against a team that is very aggressive defensively, the fourth-best defence in the league. We had a very balanced performance, both offensively and defensively. One very important aspect was ball recovery in the offensive half. We scored three goals, but we could have scored six or seven if we hadn’t made mistakes in our final decisions.”

Does Musah as a wide player provide balance?“I really like Musah in that role. Empoli play a lot of long balls, so it was important to have him there to help the team. I was also very satisfied with how Chukwueze performed in that role; he dropped back into the box twice to act as a fifth defender. This system gives us balance.”

Sixth clean sheet of the season.“I have only good things to say about Gabbia: he’s a great professional. He’s taking on an important leadership role and is playing very well. I told him I’m very, very happy with his contract renewal – if there’s one player who deserves it, it’s him. Today, we didn’t concede any goals and didn’t allow Empoli any chances.”

The players celebrating during Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Morata is back to scoring…“I was never worried about Morata. I know Álvaro very well; he’s an example for the team. Of course, scoring is important because it boosts his confidence.”

Fofana delivered another outstanding performance.“He’s having a good season. I knew him well before, but here he’s playing a new role – he had never played alone in this position in midfield. He’s improving a lot.”