Paulo Fonseca insists his tactical revamp of Milan in the Derby della Madonnina did not ‘change the structure’ of the team, but he can’t remember the last side to cause Inter this many problems.
There were reports that a defeat here would lead to a dismissal for the coach after just one win so far this season, especially with a 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League midweek.
Fonseca took strong action with a change of system to 4-4-2 and it seemed to pay off, as Christian Pulisic’s solo run gave them the early lead at San Siro.
However, Federico Dimarco cancelled it out with a well-worked team move from Lautaro Martinez’s assist, while both Yann Sommer and Mike Maignan had to make big saves.
In the final minute, Matteo Gabbia – who had been one of the controversial decisions to start rather than Strahinja Pavlovic – nodded in the Tijjani Reijnders free kick to seal victory.
Fonseca explains Milan tactical changes
“It was the derby, Milan hadn’t won it for a while, and of course it was important for our current form. I think the players showed a lot of courage and we deserved the win. I don’t remember seeing a team who caused this many problems for Inter in a long time,” Fonseca told DAZN.
The coach moved this week to a 4-4-2 with Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata upfront, but argued it was not such a radical shift as people suggested.
“I don’t think we did change the structure of the team. We just did something a little different, which was that if we have difficulties, then Fofana can go between the central defenders in protection. What changed were the players.
“Morata had the same role as Reijnders did against Liverpool, so we didn’t really change. Obviously, they are different players, as Morata can go forward with greater ease, but the structure of the team was the same.
“It was important to give support to Abraham, who did great work, but the tactical structure remained as it was.”
Is Fonseca happy that for once he can spend the next few days without being asked whether his future at Milan is in doubt?
“It makes little difference to me, because I don’t read or listen to these things,” shrugged the Portuguese tactician.
“It will be a week with a little more confidence, but the important thing for me is to continue seeing the players believe in our ideas, the way they have done so far. We know that we must improve, but this was a victory for the players today.”
