Milan must live up to their rich history when they play Genoa in Serie A on Sunday, head coach Paulo Fonseca said ahead of the Rossoneri's 125th anniversary.
Fonseca had stern words for his players after their win over Red Star Belgrade in midweek, with his side needing a late winner from Tammy Abraham to seal victory.
Milan captain Davide Calabria was among the players to receive criticism, with the Italy international responding to comments about his performances on social media.
The result moved them to 12th in the 36-team standings and one point clear of the top eight, which would mean automatic qualification to the knockout stages.
But their attention returns to domestic action this week, with Genoa the visitors to the San Siro, while Fonseca hopes to celebrate Milan's 125th anniversary with a win.
“For me it would have been easy to just talk about the victory over Red Star, but tomorrow Milan will celebrate 125 years and we have to live up to that history,” Fonseca said.
“And for me that was not the case after Wednesday. With Wednesday's attitude we could not live up to a club that has written football history.”
“I've spoken to the team, I've spoken to the players I wanted to speak to, and we're ready for tomorrow.”
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When asked why he had publicly criticized his team in midweek, Fonseca said: “First of all, because I always tell the truth, it is difficult for me to hide what I feel after the match.
“Secondly, these are important messages to convey. You don't sit inside, you don't know everything, but I felt the need to speak publicly.”
Milan sit seventh in Serie A heading into this weekend's match, 13 points behind leaders Atalanta, but have the luxury of a game in hand.
But Fonseca quickly tempered expectations of challenging for a 20th Scudetto, suggesting the gap to the top was already too wide.
“As always, I want to be honest. I think it's more difficult now, but inside I still believe in it. What more can I say? It's not that easy, but I keep believing in it,” Fonseca said.
Despite Milan's struggles, Fonseca said their problems could be solved: “I have already seen the Milan I wanted. I am not a magician.
“It's always a rollercoaster: maybe we'll see it tomorrow, maybe not later. I would like to have a more consistent team, especially in terms of attitude.
“Then you can make technical or tactical mistakes, but it is difficult for me to understand this mental inconsistency of the team. It can be solved.”
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