Fonseca in a frenzy: MIlan, with Genoa chance for Camarda and the boys

From words to deeds. Paulo Fonseca is not one to talk nonsense. Thus, after the outburst following the victory against Red Star in the Champions League, the Milan coach will immediately follow up with strong decisions in the championship, endorsed by the club, not surprisingly represented yesterday at Milanello by RedBird’s senior advisor, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In a nutshell: Theo Hernandez on the bench tomorrow against Genoa, on the day of the celebration for the 125th anniversary of the Rossoneri club. A bit like what was done in the past with the other star of the team, Leao. At Milan they hope that the strategy that straightened out Rafa’s season will replicate the results with the Frenchman. There are no doubts, in this sense, about leaving the coach free to make choices. On the other hand, Paulo had said it in unsuspecting times: “I don’t give a f… about the player’s name, I don’t look at anyone if there’s a problem”. And the sentences uttered on Wednesday evening after the match against the Serbs, albeit without directly mentioning Theo or other players in the squad, highlight what is the mother of all problems. “I work every day to give my best, others in the team don’t.” Bomb. And so who knows, sooner or later the provocation launched shortly afterwards by Fonseca himself will also become reality. “If there is a need to bring the boys from Primavera or Milan Futuro, I will do it.” You have to believe him.

Camarda & Co.

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Words that were liked by a good part of the fans. Also because you arrived a handful of minutes after a 16-year-old boy had contributed to the Rossoneri’s fundamental victory in the Champions League. We are naturally talking about Francesco Camardathe face of Milan of the future who could take the present much sooner than expected. The striker born in 2008 actively participated in the action that led to Abraham’s 2-1 goal in the final against Red Star. And if his signature was not directly on the three points, instead of that of the Englishman, it is only “due to” Gutesa, exceptional in deflecting his header onto the crossbar. He will soon have another chance to make up for it, Francesco. Maybe already tomorrow, given that Morata’s injury inevitably shortens rotations in the center forward role. Abraham will start from 1′, but probably there will still be room for Camarda during the match. Fonseca’s sentences, however, also fuel the hope of the other young Rossoneri talents. Yesterday Jimenez, Bartesaghi, Vos, Liberali, Hodzic and Chaka Traore trained with the first team. Also given the many absences due to injury (Okafor at risk, Jovic, Bennacer, Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek and in all likelihood Morata out), many of them are likely to be called up against Genoa. Today we will know more.

Theo out

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And with the exclusion of Hernandez from the starting lineup, it is above all the full-backs who can aspire to climb the Rossoneri hierarchy. Alex Jimenez and Davide Bartesaghi, both born in 2005, are immediately candidates for a shirt with Genoa, even if in front of them there is always Filippo Terracciano, the substitute chosen so far by Fonseca in the matches in which he could not count on Theo. The two play regularly with Milan Futuro, but have already tasted Serie A. Jimenez was also a starter in the Italian Cup with Pioli, while Bartesaghi has more first team appearances (already ten), but none from the 1st minute. Who knows, their time may come.

The club

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As mentioned, the club is with Fonseca and yesterday too Ibra reiterated the management’s unconditional trust in the Portuguese coach. Zlatan – as usual when he visits Milanello – also spoke with the team, but without real individual ad hoc conversations. In the management’s opinion, there are no punitive measures to be taken towards one or the other. Rather, the hope is that the coach will find the key to motivating those who in his opinion are not giving their best. The results cannot be considered satisfactory, especially in the championship, but there is no target. If anything, solutions must be found quickly, because the top-of-the-table train travels fast and Milan risks being left behind irremediably. It would also be a problem from an economic point of view if the minimum objective set in the summer, i.e. qualification for the next Champions League, was not achieved. This is why the three points are a must against Genoa. The rossoblù have not lost since October 31st and the change on the bench from Gilardino to Vieira was well absorbed by the team. Fonseca knows that now every match has the weight of being almost decisive. Tomorrow Emerson Royal will feature again in defense in place of Calabria, while on the right on the third chance for Chukwueze. Abraham in attack, with Camarda ready from the bench. It would be an encouraging sign if a boy of just 16 years old blew out the 125 red and black candles.