Milan coach Paulo Fonseca following draw to Lazio: “I understand that it is a moment that is not positive”

Following the Rossonerri’s 2-2 draw to Lazio this evening at the Stadio Olimpico, Milan coach Paulo Fonseca provided his insight on the roller-coaster display.

Prior to the match, an immense amount of controversy and pressure was surrounding the Portuguese tactician as he decided to drop star players Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez to the bench.

His choice seemed to pay off initially as central defender Strahinja Pavlovic broke the dead-lock with a superb header from a corner.

However, poor defending in the second half paved the way for the Biancocelesti to come back into the fixture as Valentin Castellanos and Boulaye Dia scored two quick-fire goals to gain the lead.

Instantly, Fonseca made a four-man substitution, which turned into an influential switch and perhaps the turning point as subs Theo Hernandez, Tammy Abraham, and Rafael Leao all combined for the Portuguese international to obtain the equalizer 30 seconds after coming onto the pitch.

Hence, Milan managed to seize a point from the match on Roman soil, resulting in the Rossonerri entering the international break with no wins and a total of six goals conceded in three games played thus far.

While speaking to DAZN, relayed by MilanNews, coach Paulo Fonseca provided his insight on his side’s display:

“We managed the game well with the ball, I think the team did well because we controlled the game with the ball. In the second half it went differently, we let them play. I understand that it is a moment that is not positive, perhaps the players in their heads would rather avoid this rough period. We have to manage the game with the ball but in the second half we didn’t want to play.”

Was there a man missing in midfield?

“For me, there isn’t a player missing in the middle of the pitch. We haven’t taken any more risks, that’s the problem. When other teams press higher it should be easier for us.”

On the responsibility of the players

“I didn’t talk about a lack of responsibility but about the team’s intention to play. I think we made a mistake, we know what the team’s intention is but in the second half we played a different game.”

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN