The Fonseca era begins at Milan. We talked about it with our colleague Alessandro Grandesso, correspondent from France for the Gazzetta dello Sport who followed him carefully in his two years at Lille. Exclusively for MilanNews.it.
Alessandro Grandesso, how do you evaluate Paulo Fonseca’s journey in these two years at Lille?
“The path taken says that when Lille before Fonseca’s arrival came from 10th place in the standings. And in his two years he led the team first to 5th and then to 4th place in the standings. A team that has also grown in terms of personality, with the coach who has developed one of the best games seen in these two years in France. Furthermore, there have also been improvements from a defensive point of view: 10 fewer goals conceded compared to last season they are positive for a club that is good but not a top club.”
The Milan fans are not particularly enthusiastic about his arrival, to put it mildly. Did the experience at Roma and the lack of knowledge of many people about Ligue 1 have an impact?
“Inexplicable skepticism. I believe that not everything about Roma’s experience should be thrown away. It was a particular period and we know that Roma are quite complex to manage. And perhaps those who criticize do so despite not having followed the French championship sufficiently, where they done well in a tournament that is perhaps less tactical than the Italian one but certainly more physical and faster. I say that if Fonseca finds the right environment he can do well.”
The valorization of young people is a parameter that the Milan management considered important
“Fonseca has done very well in this regard, with clear rules, discipline and well-defined ideas. The young man par excellence is Leny Yoro, 18 years old, followed by the big European clubs. Fonseca has set the defense around him and this is indicative of how the Portuguese understands football. In fact, thanks to him, many players have improved: I think of Jonathan David, of Edon Zhegrova, of Yusuf Yazici: if put in the right conditions he can do well.”
Milan is looking to Lille not only for the coach but also for the players: above all Tiago Santos
“Another young man launched by Fonseca. He has improved a lot and he himself said he has acquired greater tactical skills thanks to the work done with the coach. Certainly one of the most interesting players.”
He doesn’t play in Lille, but we remain in Ligue 1: is Youssuf Fofana the right man for Milan?
“We are talking about a French international, called up by Deschamps for the European Championships. We are at very, very high levels. He was the leader of Monaco, vice-champions of France, he has matured and today he can also find space in a club like Milan. He has excellent physical characteristics and is capable of scoring some goals, the one seen this year. Of course, it remains to be seen if he will be able to confirm himself by making the leap to another club and another championship but if he is the one seen this year. He’s a player who can do very well.”
