Fonseca: ‘Leao and Theo dropped for the good of Milan’

Former Roma coach insists decisions were made for the benefit of the team

Fonseca reveals reasons behind Leao and Hernandez omissions

Former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca has explained his reasons for dropping Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez for AC Milan's Serie A clash with Torino.

Leao and Hernandez were surprise omissions from the starting line-up for the game at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, with Ante Rebic and Fode Ballo-Toure preferred in their positions.

Fonseca's decision raised eyebrows, given that Leao and Hernandez are two of Milan's most important players. However, the Portuguese coach insists that he made the changes for the good of the team.

"I made the decisions based on what I thought was best for the team," Fonseca said after the game. "I have a lot of respect for Leao and Hernandez, but I felt that Rebic and Ballo-Toure were better suited to the game today.

"I know that some people will disagree with my decision, but I am the coach and I have to make the decisions that I believe are best for the team.

"I am confident that Leao and Hernandez will understand my decision and that they will continue to work hard in training. They are both great players and they will have many more opportunities to show their quality in the future."

Milan went on to win the game 1-0, thanks to a goal from Olivier Giroud. The victory moved Milan up to second place in the Serie A table, two points behind leaders Napoli.