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Paulo Fonseca downplayed the significance of next week’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid following Milan’s gritty 1-0 away win over Monza.
Milan are seventh in Serie A following Saturday’s win, which came courtesy of a Tijjani Reijnders header.
The Rossoneri, who have been crowned champions of Europe on seven occasions, are 25th in the new-look Champions League standings, having taken three points from their opening three matches.
But Fonseca did not think his team would be overawed at the prospect of facing 15-time European champions Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
“I am always fired up for every game and do not think that Real Madrid is any more important than what we played tonight,” Fonseca told Sky Sports Italia.
“I strongly believe in teamwork. Nowadays, football is challenging; we need to function as a team at all times, and that’s what we’re striving to achieve.”
Speaking to DAZN, Fonseca added: “On Tuesday, we face Real, but it doesn’t matter if it’s Real Madrid or any other team; we need points to improve our position in the standings. I hope it will be a great night for all of us.”
Post-match reaction from Paulo Fonseca #MonzaMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/ejCbq9zB4S
— AC Milan (@acmilan) November 2, 2024
While Monza dominated the first half, they could not find the margins to score. Milan rallied in the second half, with Fonseca acknowledging that the first-half performance was below par.
“I was concerned in the first half as we weren’t aggressive enough and didn’t win enough individual duels, but I don’t really remember Monza’s chances in the second half,” Fonseca said.
“We adjusted what we needed to do during the half-time break and it was a totally different game after that.”
Substitute Rafael Leao entered the match late and came close to scoring twice in the closing stages.
“He came on well, it is important to have this reaction from Rafa and that’s what I want to see. I think he is ready to play in Madrid,” Fonseca said.