Champions League
AC Milan Coach Fonseca Confident Ahead Of Clash With Real Madrid
AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca prepares for a big matchup against Real Madrid as he looks to bring back a Champions League title for the first time in 17 years.
AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca expressed confidence ahead of their Champions League clash against reigning title holders Real Madrid, stating that he does not fear the Spanish giants. He encouraged his players to seize the moment as they prepare to face them in the Spanish capital on Tuesday.
Despite having won more Champions League titles (seven) than any other club apart from Real (15), it has been almost two decades since Milan lifted the trophy in 2007, while the Madrid side have done it six times in the previous 11 editions.
Fonseca emphasized that his team would not shy away from the challenge at the Bernabeu, adopting an aggressive mentality as they pursue what he sees as a potential statement victory.
He highlighted the ambition of AC Milan to prove themselves as serious contenders for the Champions League title.
“We’re playing against a team that aspires to win the Champions League every year, and for us, it’s a great opportunity to grow in a different context,” he told a press conference.
“We’ll play without fear of anything, with courage, because we believe we can play a great game and do great things.”
“I always transmit to my team the desire to win and tomorrow will be no different. Real Madrid is a great team, but we will go out there thinking about winning. After that, anything can happen, but that’s the mentality.”
“To win a match like this, we have to defend well, have possession of the ball and create dangerous situations. A match against Real Madrid is a chance to show the world our quality and the way we are growing.”
Real Madrid is 12th in the 36-team Champions League table with six points, while Milan is languishing in the 25th spot, just outside the playoff places, with three points after three games.
Fonseca mentioned that he had meticulously analyzed Barcelona’s 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the recent El Clasico, revealing that he made his players watch the match to gain a comprehensive understanding of their opponents.
“I saw the derby, it’s impossible not to watch it. They are teams I like to watch and I paid close attention to the game,” Fonseca said.
“We are different from Barcelona but it was important to see Real Madrid’s intentions against them because Barca have a similar way of defending with us. We made the whole team watch the game.”
“It (Tuesday’s) is the match between the two clubs that have won the Champions League the most. Many games in the continent are big, but this one is something special, a match between two attractive clubs.”
“We hope to put on a good show for people who enjoy good football.”
