Fonseca urges focus as Milan face bottom-placed Bratislava

Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca has urged his players not to underestimate the challenge of Slovan Bratislava in Tuesday's Champions League match, even though the Slovak side are bottom of the standings after losing four games in a row.

Slovan Bratislava has yet to earn a point and has a goal difference of minus 13, while Milan are 20th with six points and in the play-off section.

“Am I in danger of underestimating tomorrow's match? I expect that will not happen. Today we talked about the importance of winning tomorrow. We should not look at their history,” Fonseca told a press conference on Monday.

“We have to remember that tomorrow we are playing at their home. It will be important to have the right attitude.”

Fonseca added that his side often perform better against teams that on paper look stronger than them, such as their 3-1 win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the previous Champions League matchweek.

Tammy talks about the team's confidence and determination ahead of tomorrow's challenge #SlovanMilan #UCL #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/QewBXxPaKb

— AC Milan (@acmilan) November 25, 2024

“What I know is that we did well against the big teams and all that [we have] did less well against the small teams,” said Fonseca.

“We are working to be a team with the attitude and ambitions we show against the big teams. We work to always be the same team.

“The Champions League is the Champions League. Everyone likes to be in these matches, the motivation is greater. I expect that they can play the Champions League tomorrow with this motivation.”

Milan faced criticism after the dull 0-0 draw with Juventus last weekend, with Fonseca admitting his side were not at their best.

“We are aware of what we have done well and what we have done less well. We have done some things less well,” said Fonseca.

“The problem is that the dimension of things in Milan seems different to me: a draw against Juve is a defeat for us, a victory for others.”