Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze is getting firsthand feel of the football philosophy of new AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chukwueze endured a difficult start to life in Milan last year after joining from Spanish side Villarreal in late July for €20 million.
The Super Eagles star did not start a match for Milan until September in a 3-1 win over Cagliari Calcio, with the Milan coach at the time Stefano Pioli preferring American forward Christian Pulisic in that right wing role.
Eventually, Chukwueze ended the 2023/24 campaign with 12 starts, 12 substitute appearances, registering one goal and three assists. Despite AC Milan finishing second in Serie A behind champions Inter Milan, Pioli was sacked and Fonseca appointed as his replacement.
However, unlike last year, Chukwueze has joined in preseason activities with AC Milan from Day 1 as new head coach Fonseca looks to introduce his system to the team.
The Portuguese manager had promised Milan fans that they will see a different, more modern style of football next season.
“I think that Milan is a club with history and must have an offensive style of football,” Fonseca revealed during a press conference to discuss the style of play he wants to adopt.
“To win we must be a dominant, courageous, offensive, reactive team , a team that does not let the others think and play, but the quality of play is important to me. I want to build a team that leaves the fans proud. I think this is important.
“Obviously I have studied the team. I do not want to make comparisons, but I have to look at what I have to learn. If we want to win we must be a more balanced team.”
During training on Wednesday, Fonseca was filmed talking to the group of AC Milan players with Chukwueze as his focal point.
With Chukwueze has the attacker, Fonseca could be seen trying to explain the fundamentals of defending and the importance of using the arms during marking.
Chukwueze will be keen to impress Fonseca and stake a claim to a spot in Milan’s starting eleven in the 2024/25 campaign.
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