Former Milan and Juventus manager Fabio Capello applauded the firm way Paulo Fonseca expressed his views in a recent press conference, urging the Rossoneri players to ‘take responsibility’.
The Portuguese coach spoke to the media ahead of his side’s home game against Udinese and claimed he doesn’t ‘give a s….about players’ names’, insisting he’s ready to make bold decisions such as benching the players who ignored the penalty hierarchy during Milan’s 2-1 loss at Fiorentina.
Capello explained Fonseca’s words were necessary to dispel doubts about his authority in the locker room, and he was also supportive of his potential choice to bench Rafael Leao against Udinese, which would prove his ‘courage’.
Capello: Fonseca right to bench Leao, deserves ‘well done’ for his courage
“He did well,” Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview about Fonseca’s strong words in his press conference.
“As he said, it’s time for Milan players to take responsibility for wearing such an important shirt.
“After their defeat against Fiorentina, many criticised the Milan coach for lacking authority. And considering the penalty chaos, it was a legitimate doubt.
“Yesterday’s press conference is a signal in this regard: now stop, I’m the manager and I make the decisions, the footballers must adapt.
“And I don’t think that Fonseca went to the press conference just to make a show, I’m sure the words he used inside the locker room were just as harsh.”
Leao could remain on the bench in the Rossoneri’s clash against Udinese and Capello believes it would be a ‘legitimate’ choice if Fonseca thinks this is ‘for Milan’s sake’.
“If Fonseca thinks it’s for Milan’s sake, then it’s right for him to make even bold decisions such as keeping one of the best team players out,” he added.
“I don’t know if he would do it for behavioural reasons, if he didn’t stomach some statements from Leao during the international break or just for technical-tactical motives, or even for rotations, but it’s legitimate.
“I believe Paulo deserves a well done for his courage anyway.”
Leao only scored one Serie A goal in seven games for Milan this season, while he is still to find the net in the Champions League after two matches.
