Fonseca says Milan ‘created something different’ vs. Inter: “The players believe in our ideas”

Following the crucial win against Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, Paulo Fonseca spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on what went right tonight. Naturally, he was quite relieved and also pleased with how his players responded. 

After the 1-3 defeat against Liverpool, few could have predicted the outcome of tonight’s derby. Matteo Gabbia scored the winner late on, earning himself the MOTM award, but the Rossoneri could have sealed the deal earlier with multiple good chances.

Speaking to DAZN after the game, as cited by MilanNews, Fonseca shared his thoughts on what Milan got right tonight. He also explained that Alvaro Morata had a much deeper role than some perhaps thought, not playing as a conventional striker tonight.

The victory of courage…

“It was an important match. First because it was the derby that Milan hadn’t won for a long time. It was also important for the moment we were going through, but I think the players played with a lot of courage and I think we deserved to win. I don’t remember a team in recent times that created as many problems for Inter as we did.”

Team victory and the right attitude. Where did the idea to play this way come from?

“We didn’t change, we played with the same structure. What we did was create something different, that is, to go with Fofana among the central defenders, if we have some difficulty. For the rest, it was the same, the same structure. Only the players changed, Morata played the same role that Tijji had against Liverpool but the formation didn’t change.”

On Morata’s position…

“Morata played the same role that Tijji had played in the other matches. They are different players because Morata gets forward more easily, but the role and the structure are the same. The closeness with Abraham was important, he did a great job, but the structure was the same.”

Are you happy that you won’t be questioned for at least a week?

“It’s the same for me. I don’t hear, I don’t look, I don’t see anything. It will be a week with a little more confidence but for me what is important is to continue to see the players believe in our ideas and work as they have done so far. Today was a victory for the players.”

Will you bring us pastel de nata?

“When I have the opportunity, you will have pastel de nata. For everyone, even for Boban.”

Milan will be up against Lecce next and that game is scheduled for Friday. It will also be played at San Siro, seeing as Inter were the designated home side tonight, and then a trip to Germany is on the cards (to face Bayer Leverkusen).