Fonseca explains Leao’s absence after Napoli loss: ‘I don’t need to beg’ – Football Italia

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has given his reasoning for benching Rafael Leao for the second consecutive Serie A game, explaining how he believes it can motivate the Portugal international after Tuesday night’s 2-0 loss at home to Napoli .

Fonseca decided not to include Leao in his starting line-up, instead giving an option to Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze on the wings. There was also no Christian Pulisic in the starting 11 as he battled a flu.

Fonseca explains Leao’s absence and ‘motivation’

Fonseca explained that he uses a variety of tactics to motivate his players, but ultimately it is their own responsibility to ensure they are in the right frame of mind to play.

He also insisted there is no direct confrontation between himself and the player, despite leaving him out of the starting line-up for two league games on spin.

“I don’t want to go into small details, I handle things differently with each player,” Fonseca said during his post-match press conference following Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Napoli.

“There is no conflict between us, it’s just a coach’s decision. We try to motivate the players in different ways, but it’s up to the players to put in the right amount of dedication, I don’t have to beg them.”