After Leao, Fonseca is not happy with Theo
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 13.12.24. | 14:19
The Milan coach laid it down on players at the training ground
In Milan, there wasn’t much celebration after their victory over Red Star because coach Paulo Fonseca’s post-match comments overshadowed the final result. The Italian media has been abuzz for two days, focusing on the atmosphere in Milan and the dynamics within the locker room. The Portuguese coach openly criticized his players, pointing out their behavior and attitude. The players, in turn, are reportedly unhappy with Fonseca, as evidenced by captain Calabria’s angry reaction when substituted. Although Fonseca didn’t name anyone specifically, the Italian press quickly identified his targets: Calabria, Chukwueze, and, most notably, Theo Hernández. Also, Fonseca‘s rant in the training the day after the game came without Zlatan Ibrahimović and any of the directors, who were notably absent. According to the sources, they knew what was gonna happen and didn't‘ want to be there and diminish Fonseca‘s role, but decided to support him.
Hernández, one of the world’s best left-backs, has been a shadow of his former self since Fonseca took charge. From the start, the two haven’t seen eye-to-eye, with Fonseca attempting to bench Hernández as a wake-up call—a strategy that hasn’t paid off. Known for his offensive prowess and importance to Milan’s play, Hernández has also been the defensive Achilles’ heel of the Rossoneri. Under Fonseca, his defensive weaknesses have become even more apparent. Matches against Torino, Parma, Fiorentina, Cagliari, and Atalanta have highlighted how costly his defensive lapses have been for Milan. In addition to his defensive shortcomings, Hernández is no longer contributing offensively as he once did. With just two goals and two assists this season, his output has been disappointing for a player of his caliber. A moment that stood out was on Wednesday, when he received a yellow card for kicking a second ball on the pitch—a clear display of his indifference. This incident was one of the key reasons for Fonseca’s fiery critique after the match. But it didn’t end there.
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The crisis deepened during yesterday’s morning training session. Fonseca had a one-on-one conversation with Hernández, explaining his expectations, pointing out his frustrations, and outlining how they could move forward. Italian media suggests Fonseca plans to hold similar discussions today with other players, such as Calabria, Chukwueze, and Tomori, whose attitudes he finds troubling. There’s even speculation that Hernández could start on the bench for the upcoming league match against Genoa. The challenge for Milan’s coach is the lack of quality alternatives on the bench to replace players he deems underperforming.
SERIE A - MATCHDAY 15
Friday
22:45: (2.70) Empoli (3.10) Torino (3.00)
Saturday
17:00: (5.90) Cagliari (4.00) Atalanta (1.58)
20:00: (4.90) Udinese (3.60) Napoli (1.85)
22:45: (1.35) Juventus (4.90) Venezia (9.50)
Sunday
14:30: (2.50) Lecce (3.20) Monza (3.20)
17:00: (2.70) Bologna (3.05) Fiorentina (2.80)
17:00: (1.90) Parma (3.80) Verona (4.20)
20:00: (3.45) Como (3.45) Roma (2.25)
22:45: (1.37) Milan (4.80) Genoa (9.00)
Monday
22:45: (3.40) Lazio (3.50) Inter (2.25)
***odds are subject to change***
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