Fonseca speaks ahead of difficult game against Atalanta

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has said it’s ‘never’ a good moment to meet Atalanta ahead of the clash this weekend at Bergamo tonight in a big Serie A round 15 match.

The former Lille and Roma coach shared the same sentiments with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who said playing La Dea is like going to the dentist.

Speaking during a pre-match conference ahead of Milan’s visit to La Dea, Fonseca said his team is also in a good moment, improving, and confident. 

“We know it’s always tricky to face Atalanta. They’ve won eight games in a row, scoring 26 goals and conceding just four. 

Speaking on their solidity, Fonseca said his side has been more solid defensively recently, which he said gives the team trust and makes them comfortable defensively. This, he said, provides trust in attack.

 Fonseca further stated that Milan have yet to face a team that plays man-on-man for a long time. He also lauded Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini for being a pioneer in the side’s use of this playing style to make them a force in Europe.

After defeating unbeaten Bayern Leverkusen in the Europa League final, everyone in Europe is aware that it’s hard to face them.

“Many teams, such as Bayern Munich and Stuttgart, play like this now. I think they do so because they’ve followed Gasperini’s ideas. Atalanta’s way of playing has become a reference in Europe,” he added. 

While noting that the Serie A clash is essential but not decisive, the Portuguese coach said it can be positive for the team. 

He added that winning against Atalanta would give him more confidence for the future, as they are really strong in attack. 

“They create so much; it will be a good test, not only for the defensive line.”