The 3 points against Monza are of considerable importance for remaining in the group of those hoping to secure a place in the next Champions League. But it is also a success that does not excite: especially in the first half there was not a great show, on the contrary. The idea remains that this team is still struggling too much and has too many unresolved problems. Among these there is the defensive phase (San Maignan yesterday) and also the offensive phase. In this regard, Morata is appreciated for his commitment and heart, but his goals are terribly lacking. Just 2 in the league, the average of one every 4 games counting the minutes. Accounting for an attacker is fundamental.
Chapter Leao. Fonseca‘s management is becoming somewhat questionable. It’s fine to replace him sometimes, it’s fine to make him sit on the bench sometimes from the start, but if you continue like this you risk losing one of the strongest players on the team, if not the strongest. It is clear that the club agrees with the coach, otherwise it would have already intervened. The damage, as well as being sporting, risks also being financial: the number 10’s share price is falling and his entourage is already looking around for January, when the damage risks being irreparable. The player has many responsibilities, but the Fonseca treatment is not working. So two paths: accept it for what it is, or go ahead with self-harm.
Leao, who was decisive for winning the scudetto, doesn’t run backwards, doesn’t sacrifice himself, doesn’t defend: yet he was an extraordinary player in that year. Having reached this point, rather than asking him for things that are not and will never be in his range, wouldn’t it be better to try to enhance his qualities? I believe so. Then eventually there will be appropriate moments to ‘cut it’: November can never, ever be the time of reckoning.
Final note. The negotiations with Reijnders’ entourage to extend his contract from 2028 to 2030 were appreciable. Good.
But shouldn’t this be done even more so for a player who can sign for free for another team in just over a year, as in the case of Theo Hernandez? Yes, of course, but here everything is silent. Incredible.
