Paulo Fonseca downplayed the importance of subsequent week’s Champions League conflict with Actual Madrid following Milan’s gritty 1-0 away win over Monza.
Milan are seventh in Serie A following Saturday’s win, which got here courtesy of a Tijjani Reijnders header.
The Rossoneri, who’ve been topped champions of Europe on seven events, are twenty fifth within the new-look Champions League standings, having taken three factors from their opening three matches.
However Fonseca didn’t assume his group could be overawed on the prospect of going through 15-time European champions Madrid on the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
“I’m all the time fired up for each recreation and don’t assume that Actual Madrid is any extra vital than what we performed tonight,” Fonseca informed Sky Sports activities Italia.
“I strongly consider in teamwork. These days, soccer is difficult; we have to operate as a group always, and that’s what we’re striving to attain.”
Chatting with DAZN, Fonseca added: “On Tuesday, we face Actual, but it surely doesn’t matter if it’s Actual Madrid or another group; we want factors to enhance our place within the standings. I hope will probably be an excellent night time for all of us.”
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Whereas Monza dominated the primary half, they may not discover the margins to attain. Milan rallied within the second half, with Fonseca acknowledging that the first-half efficiency was under par.
“I used to be involved within the first half as we weren’t aggressive sufficient and didn’t win sufficient particular person duels, however I don’t actually keep in mind Monza’s possibilities within the second half,” Fonseca mentioned.
“We adjusted what we wanted to do through the half-time break and it was a completely completely different recreation after that.”
Substitute Rafael Leao entered the match late and got here near scoring twice within the closing levels.
“He got here on effectively, it is very important have this response from Rafa and that’s what I wish to see. I feel he is able to play in Madrid,” Fonseca mentioned.
