Fonseca, Futuro and Friendlies [Bonus Article]

Paulo Fonseca has set foot at Milanello for the first time, having landed in Milano on Saturday morning, and the new AC Milan era can officially begin. The first training session is scheduled for Monday and even though the last few weeks have been dull, to say the least, optimism is gathering steam. Or rather, expectations are rising.

There is no doubt about the fact that many Milan fans suffered towards the end of Stefano Pioli’s tenure at the club. While positive results and even winning streaks were achieved relatively often, the manager’s tactical abilities kept holding the team back and it created a foundation for frustration. With Fonseca, however, it’s a clean slate and this inevitably affects the fans as well.

While there hasn’t been a lack of criticism for the management, with no signings made yet and the No.9 pursuit becoming complicated, many fans have decided to look on the bright side. Milan know that signings and reinforcements are needed, they have the budget for it, and that will come in due course. Dare I say, we almost have a ‘sit back and relax’ situation for the fans.

This will not be possible for most, but the point is that everything hinges on the club from here on. The fans must show their support and some will do that as well at the Raduno next week (not Curva Sud), but there is no need for any protesting or uproars. Everyone agrees that Fonseca must be given time to work and that the upcoming pre-season will act as that, then we can chime in with more opinions.

Fonseca’s compactness key

Is this cautious optimism, as we would like to call it, justified? Based on the business that Milan made last summer, and the clear will to keep their stars this window, there is ample reason to be positive about the future. Even though the playing style will change significantly, as it always does with a new manager, it’s more a case of elevating the good foundation that is already there.

Perhaps even a return to the ‘roots’ of Milan’s success since the turnaround in 2020. I listened to a podcast a while back which featured a tactical expert as a guest, and he talked about how Fonseca’s Lille was one of the most compact teams in the top five leagues. Then, when in possession, they would move quickly and make the most of their wingers as well as a mobile striker.