After securing a victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday, Paulo Fonseca is expected to make slight adjustments to his squad for the upcoming match against Cagliari this weekend. The manager has increasingly prioritized squad rotation in recent weeks, a tactic that had come under scrutiny earlier in the season when Fonseca was rotating his players less frequently than most teams in Europe. This lack of changes had been a point of concern, but now, with a more flexible approach, Fonseca seems determined to keep his team fresh and competitive.
The trend of rotation is likely to continue in the upcoming match, with reports from Corriere dello Sport (via Milan News) suggesting that Fonseca plans to give some of his key players a well-deserved rest. After a taxing and physically demanding game in Madrid, it seems logical for Fonseca to manage his squad’s fitness levels by making thoughtful substitutions and ensuring his players remain at peak performance.
Among those most likely to be rested are attackers Alvaro Morata and Christian Pulisic, who have accumulated substantial minutes for both club and country so far this season. In their place, it’s expected that Samuel Chukwueze and Tammy Abraham will be given the opportunity to start, as they both push for more playing time in the starting lineup.
Despite making these changes, Fonseca remains mindful of not underestimating Cagliari, understanding that keeping his team fresh is crucial for long-term success. His approach appears to be a positive shift from the earlier part of the season when squad rotation was less frequent, with the manager now taking a more balanced approach to ensure his players maintain their best physical and mental condition throughout the season.
