Milan coach Paulo Fonseca on Rafael Leao’s form: “He made the reaction which I wanted against Real Madrid”

Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca restored faith in starman Rafael Leao after a dip in form.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference (via Gianluca Di Marzio) ahead of Milan’s clash with Cagliari, Paulo Fonseca lauded Rafael Leao for his performance against Real Madrid earlier this week and confirmed his place as a starter for tomorrow. The Portuguese football coach said: “He will play from the first minute. I said after Madrid that he can do even better, especially in certain situations. He played a great match and I expect he can play at that level again. We must continue to work on him. He had a reaction which is what I wanted.”

The Rossoneri manager hailed his team’s showing at the Santiago Bernabeu as they won by a margin of 3-1, dumping the reigning European champions in their own backyard. This victory could prove to be a turnaround in form for Milan after a slow start to the new campaign. Fonseca added: “It’s important to keep the spirit and courage seen at the Bernabeu. In Cagliari, however, it will be a different and very, very important match, we will have to be a different team. We will need the right attitude”.

Finally, Fonseca confirmed the absence of Alvaro Morata against Cagliari and remarked that youth star Francesco Camarda will deputize. He said: “He’s [Morata] fine but he’s not ready, he can’t play. There’s a protocol: after a clash like that he can’t do anything. I don’t know how the Spain coach can say he won’t play. Who will play in his place? Camarda will be there. It’s not surprising to me.”

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN