FONSECA: "WE WANT TO REPAY THE SUPPORT OF OUR FANS"

Serie A is back. After the first international break of the season, the Rossoneri league campaign gets back underway. AC Milan v Venezia on matchday 4 is scheduled for Saturday 14 September at 20:45 CEST at San Siro. On the eve of the game, Coach Fonseca spoke in a press conference at Milanello. These are his words, broadcast live on the AC Milan Official App and Milan TV.

AHEAD OF AC MILAN V VENEZIA
"After these first matches, having 70,000 fans at San Siro is a great declaration of love from our supporters. For us, it is also clearly a responsibility; we want to repay their support and make them proud. Every game is important, especially at this moment. Winning is always crucial; I am confident. After Venezia, we will think about Liverpool and then the Derby, but for now, we need to stay focused on tomorrow's match".

PERSONAL REFLECTION
"I'm always under scrutiny; we coaches are judged by results, but I'm focused only on my work. If we worry about what’s said externally, it becomes difficult; we have to work to improve, and that's what we're doing. I move forward every day with the same passion and confidence, looking for solutions to the problems the team has faced in these first three games. The goal for this team remains, without a doubt, to win the Scudetto. Every day, I see a team that wants to improve and works with the right attitude, and that's why I'm confident".

INDIVIDUALS AND NEW POSSIBILITIES
"The situation with Theo and Leão is not an issue for me. Whether they will start against Venezia, we'll see tomorrow, but they returned from international duty just like everyone else. Reijnders in a more advanced position is an option. When I think about team dynamics, I consider placing players where their qualities can shine. Tijjani impressed me a lot in his games with his national team. Mike Maignan has a strong character; he is undoubtedly one of the leaders in the dressing room, and having players like him is important. Vos started training with us this week; he is a quality player with strong technical skills. With Bennacer's injury, he will be part of this team, along with Zeroli".

TACTICAL IDEAS
"I respect everyone's opinions, but I am the one who works with the players. We don't all share the same ideas, and I have to follow what I believe in. Regarding the defence, I don't plan to switch to a three-man formation. If we look at the overall system, big teams have different structures for offensive and defensive phases. The team's dynamics and intentions are more important than the initial lineup. With the quality we have, we can't just play on the counterattack; great teams have the responsibility to be dominant. A team that wants to do this must have more control of the ball, and the players are understanding the importance of managing the game with possession. We certainly need to concede fewer goals".

FROM THE BREAK TO VENEZIA
"We haven't had many players available here at Milanello due to the break, but we've been able to work with some defenders. We've focused a lot on the behaviour of the defensive line, even on an individual level. The performance of the players involved with their national teams has been very positive. I've watched Venezia's matches. It's true that they are dangerous on the counterattack, but that's a situation we struggled with against Parma, not against Lazio. We've worked on the defensive organisation problems we had and prepared to counter Venezia's strengths".

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