Fonseca wants Milan momentum after Inter: ‘Derby is over, it’s irrelevant now’

Paulo Fonseca has implored his Milan team to forget about their victory over Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday, as he feels that result will count for nothing if they are unable to pick up a win against Lecce in Serie A on Friday night.

The Portuguese tactician gave his customary pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon. 

Fonseca explains why Milan have to beat Lecce to capitalise on Inter win

Fonseca believes that momentum is the most important thing for the Milan squad after Sunday’s encouraging victory over Inter. While he is happy with the result, one that has helped him keep his job, he warns there is a possibility of a slip-up if the team are not at full focus against Lecce.

“It’s very, very important. We have to confirm that we are growing,” Fonseca said when asked how important it is to capitalise on the momentum from Sunday’s win.

He continued: “The victory in the derby makes more sense if we also win against Lecce, because we need to start recovering some points.

“There are lots of motivations to win tomorrow. For me it’s a dangerous match after the derby, we have to be careful, we can’t make any mistakes. We have to win.

“I don’t want to go back to the derby, it’s over. The mental part was more important than the tactics and technique. These games are very emotional. Being in a good place, balanced, motivated and energetic is what’s important.”

Morata doubt, Leao revelation, Abraham praise

Fonseca revealed that Alvaro Morata is a doubt for Milan ahead of kick-off against Lecce when asked if he would keep the same starting line-up as the Inter game.

“We have to have continuity, and in order to find continuity, you want to play the same team if you can. Morata has a knock and is a doubt, we’ll see tomorrow.”

He also revealed that Rafael Leao is undergoing individualised training to work on the defensive aspects of his game.

“We’re working hard, also individually on defensive things with Rafa. And it is clear to everyone that Leao is growing. He can do better, but he is improving defensively. We have to defend with all our players, including Rafa.”

Fonseca is pleased with what Tammy Abraham has brought to the table after his arrival on loan from Roma on deadline day.

“Abraham has a contagious energy about him, which is important for me. Bringing this energy, him and Morata, is important in training as well as in games.”

If Morata is unable to play, it is more likely that Tijjan Reijnders or Ruben Loftus-Cheek steps into an advanced role, rather than centre-forward Luka Jovic.

“Jovic doesn’t have the right characteristics to play in that position. Without Morata, there is Loftus-Cheek or Reijnders.”

Fonseca: ‘People will say that Milan could be relegated’

Fonseca gave one more reminder why the victory over Inter will mean nothing if Milan slip up against Lecce on Friday.

“A win in the derby brings confidence, it brings a different atmosphere. But I am like that, I always try to be balanced. One match can change everything, it helps the players’ confidence, too. But it’s just one match. If we don’t win tomorrow, people will say we could be relegated.

“For this reason, we have to forget about the derby, focusing on the next game, which is the most important. The atmosphere is positive, we are happy, but it’s important to understand that the derby is over, it’s irrelevant now.”