Fonseca: “The real Milan is not close yet, we have a lot to improve” – Football Italia

Paulo Fonseca from Milan (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca insists his team is far from finished as they still have plenty of improvements to make, has tipped Antonio, Conte and Napoli for the Serie A title and explained why he is unlikely to make too many changes will make Sunday's game against Fiorentina.

The Rossoneri coach held his usual pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of Sunday's Serie A away game against Fiorentina.

Fonseca began his press conference by explaining why it is important not to make too many changes to a team that has shown clear signs of improvement in recent weeks.

Fonseca explains why Milan needs continuity

“Continuity is important at this point. If the team is doing well, it is important to give players extra days to recover and keep as many players in the starting lineup as possible. That's not because I don't have confidence in the players.

“Loftus-Cheek and Chukwueze have done a good job and worked hard, but I think it’s important to have a starting point.”

He also hinted that he is likely to stick with centre-back pairing Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori for Sunday's Serie A clash.

“It's important to have stability, especially in defense. Gabbia and Tomori played great games and I think Pavlovic has to keep working hard because he will have chances. The two of them, Gabbia and Tomori, are doing well and I think it’s important to keep it up.”

Fonseca is particularly proud of Gabbia's recent form, which has led to a call-up to Luciano Spalletti's latest Italy squad.

“I'm the coach of Milan and I don't want to influence Spalletti, but I think he made the right choice. Gabbia is having a great moment, I'm really happy. If there’s anyone here who deserves it, it’s Gabbia.”

Regarding Milan's recent defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, Fonseca said: “We didn't win in Leverkusen, but the group was very disappointed and angry.” I had a good feeling, the team was functioning well again. We want to win. Playing in Florence is always difficult, they have a very good team.”

Fonseca also explained why he believes Napoli have a chance of winning the Scudetto this season.

“There is still a lot to play for and there are many strong teams that have the same goal as us. Obviously, Napoli has the advantage of not participating in the European Cups. They have a very strong coach and a very strong team. I'm not trying to put pressure on them, that's the truth. Napoli are a real candidate for the Scudetto.

“We are in a time of growth. It's not that we got there because we won against Lecce and Inter, we have to keep growing. We are improving, but we still have a lot to improve on. The real Milan is not that close yet, we have to do more.”