AC Milan Defeats Against Promotion Team, Paulo Fonseca Admits Most Responsible

AC Milan harus mengaku keunggulan Parma 2-1 di laga Serie A Italia. (X/@1913parmacalcio)

JAKARTA - AC Milan has not been able to get full points after losing their first in the Italian Serie A competition. Coach Paulo Fonseca also stated responsibility for Milan's 2-1 defeat against Parma at Ennio Tardini Stadium, Saturday, August 24, 2024 evening WIB.

Fonseca, who came to replace Stefano Pioli, still had to wait for Milan's first victory. In the inaugural match in domestic competition, Milan also could not win after a 2-2 draw against Torino.

Furthermore, Milan visited the headquarters of Parma who returned to promotion to Serie A. Yes, Parma, who was forced to change its name to Parma Calcio 1913 in 2015, had to start the competition from the lowest caste, Serie D. However, Parma slowly stepped into the upper division and then emerged as the winner of Serie B for the 2023/2024 season.

That success made Parma promoted and they started the competition with a result that was not disappointing. Fabio Pecchia's team managed to hold Fiorentina 1-1 in the first match.

In the next match against Milan, they showed their best abilities. Parma also won the first victory that brought them to the top of the standings.

Now, Parma is in third place with four points. They have the same points as Inter Milan, Genoa and Udinese who have the lowest goal difference after beating Lazio 2-1

Meanwhile, Milan slumped at the bottom by ranking 15. The seven-time Champions League champion has only collected one point. Fonseca admits she is responsible for the Rossoneri's failure to win.

"I have to say, I am the most responsible for what happened to this team. I am not running away from responsibility. But what is clear is that there are collective problems, especially there is defense and aggressiveness of the team," Fonseca told Football Italia.

Even though he is responsible for the team's defeat, Fonseca still blames players who are considered to be playing under performance. According to him, players such as losing their spirits, energy and attitudes for fighting. They also can't play optimally as a team.

"The problem is everything. The team has a lot of problems. We have problems not being able to play hard when facing Torino. In this match, we tried to press again. But the team seems to still have problems," said the former AS Roma coach.

"When the opponent is in a depressed position, we can't maintain cohesiveness and close our position. When we return to our position, we tend to be passive. Many still have to be corrected. Our problems such as attitude, energy and enthusiasm in defense," he said.

Fonseca deserved to be disappointed and highlighted the defense sector because Milan had conceded just two minutes into the game. Parma winger Dennis Man successfully scored a quick goal in that match.

Milan had time to rise and equalize in the second half. Milan's goal was produced by Christian Pulisic in the 66th minute. But they conceded again 10 minutes later. The second goal to determine Parma's victory was made by Matteo Cancellieri.

When it still takes time to make improvements after losing it, Milan returned to play an away match against Lazio. The match will be held on September 1, 2024.