Sept 21 (Askume) – AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca said ahead of Sunday’s derby with Inter Milan that he has full confidence in his squad, although he admitted the team needs more time to develop.
Pressure is mounting on the Portuguese coach after a disappointing start to the season. A 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday further complicated the investigation and put Fonseca’s job at risk.
In Serie A, Milan have five points from four games, having scored nine and conceded six, while defending champions Inter Milan are eight points ahead of the Derby della Madonnina.
“There is a bit of disappointment at the moment, but there is also a lot of determination to get out of this situation. I have full confidence in the team,” Fonseca told reporters on Saturday.
“They have done well in the last few days. Strong players have been brought in during the transfer window and we have leaders, but we are still not a strong team.”
“We need time, but I won’t make any excuses.”
Fonseca praised Liverpool’s tenacity in recent games and pointed out that despite conceding early goals, they are still capable of dominating.
He said: “Liverpool are a good team. They conceded a goal after three minutes but they didn’t make any changes.”
“I want my players to have that same confidence. If we make a mistake or concede a goal, nothing will change.”
“That’s the confidence I want to see in my players. They can do it too and Liverpool are a great example of that.”
Milan go into this derby with a poor record, having lost their last six matches against Inter Milan.
“It is an important and difficult game for us. We will be facing a very good team but we have to think positive; this win means a lot,” Fonseca said.
“We prepare for the game based on the strength of our opponents, but we want to play according to our principles. We have to play better than them and score more points,” he said.
