Fonseca: ‘Milan face Empoli like Real Madrid, need to win fans back’ | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca expects Milan to face Empoli this evening with a ‘similar approach to Real Madrid’ and wants to get the fans ‘on side’ after recent jeers.

It kicks off at San Siro at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Como-Monza and Bologna-Venezia on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri took some of the pressure off with a midweek 3-2 Champions League victory away to Slovan Bratislava, but need to get back on track in Serie A after disappointing draws with Cagliari and Juventus.

They were already missing Luka Jovic, Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi, but Noah Okafor was a late addition to the absentee list after coming down with flu symptoms.

Yunus Musah is again used on the right side of the attacking trio behind Alvaro Morata, a role he also played against Real Madrid.

“I think our approach will be similar to the one against Real Madrid, because Empoli are very direct, they always have five players in front of the defensive line, so it is important for us to have that stability when defending,” Fonseca told DAZN.

“Musah helps us to find that balance in protecting the defence, but I feel that in general we need more balance around the squad.”

Fonseca warns Empoli will attack Milan

epa11675529 AC Milan�s head coach Paulo Fonseca gives intructions during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between AC Miland and Club Brugge, in Milan, Italy, 22 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

Although Empoli are relegation battlers, they are currently fairly comfortable in mid-table and have a better defensive record in Serie A than Milan so far this season.

“Considering the characteristics of Empoli, I expect a game where they will press high, go man for man, so we need mobility and to attack quickly when we win the ball back,” added Fonseca.

Milan were jeered off the pitch after the dismal 0-0 draw with Juventus at San Siro, so how do they plan to change that mood in the stands?

“We just have to play good football and win the match. That is the main way to make the fans happy and get them to believe in the team. This is normal in football, it is an opportunity for us to get the fans on side by the final whistle today,” smiled Fonseca.