AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca has shed light on his decision to start Samuel Chukwueze over Portuguese star Rafael Leao in the club’s 1-0 victory against Udinese on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Speaking to reporters, Fonseca emphasised that his choice was purely tactical and not due to any locker room issues, as some had speculated.
“Today I decided to let Okafor and Chukwueze play, maybe tomorrow it will be Leao’s turn,” Fonseca explained.
“Let’s not create a case, because it doesn’t exist. Leao was respectful, satisfied in the locker room, and this is the most important thing for me.”
Fonseca revealed that Leao, one of Milan’s most influential players, had been nursing a slight injury and had not fully participated in training ahead of the match.
“Leao didn’t train on Thursday, he had a little discomfort in his flexor; he only trained yesterday. And so I decided to let Okafor and Chukwueze play, who played very very well.”
Chukwueze, who had returned early from international duty with Nigeria due to a knock, recovered in time to start his third Serie A match of the season.
He rewarded Fonseca’s faith with the game’s only goal, securing Milan’s hard-fought win despite being reduced to ten men after Tijjani Reijners was sent off. The Nigerian winger’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
Since joining AC Milan, Chukwueze has made 42 appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists across all competitions.
Club Brugge and Belgium legend, Marc Degryse, has called out Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika,… Read More
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface was absent from training at Bayer Leverkusen on Monday, following… Read More
English Premier League side, Everton, are plotting a move to sign AC Milan and Super… Read More
Former Remo Stars midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro delivered a crucial performance for Sampdoria in a thrilling… Read More
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick showed support for Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke by hugging him… Read More
Former Stoke City and Super Eagles attacker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, has backed Augustine Eguavoen to… Read More