Former Milan keeper Dida says Paulo Fonseca ‘needs time’ and ‘trust in his players and is confident Zlatan Ibrahimovic ‘represents the club well.’
Milan have had a tough start to the season, with just two points in the opening three games.
They host Venezia at San Siro tomorrow in a must-win game before tough fixtures against Liverpool in the Champions League and Inter in Serie A next week.
Fonseca is already under pressure, but former club star Dida is confident that the Rossoneri can bounce back under the Portuguese tactician.
“They tried to sign the best players for the project, following the coach’s requests,” he told Gazzetta.
“Fonseca has just arrived, and of course, he needs time. He must work harder because winning all summer friendlies is unlike playing in Serie A or Champions League. We all need to be patient.
“He is a smart coach, and he knows Italian football well. Working for Milan requires an extra bit because it’s more important than the clubs he coached in the past, and this can have an impact. However, it’s crucial that he remains calm and continues working with what he has in mind. With the trust in his players, he can have an excellent season.”
Repubblica reported on Thursday that Ibrahimovic’s attitude has upset club owners lately, but Dida feels the former striker can help the club.
“Surely, Zlatan represents Milan well. He knows everything about the club,” he said.
“Ibrahimovic never wants to lose. Thanks to his presence in the dressing room and as part of the staff, there is a guarantee that Milan will always aim to win.”
Ibra is formally not part of the club, as he was hired as a senior advisor to RedBird in December 2023.
Alvaro Morata has recovered from an injury and is expected to start on the bench against Venezia tomorrow.
“I’m intrigued by Morata. He is not a player like Ibrahimovic, who always scores goals, but he is technically excellent,” argued Dida.
Lastly, the ex-Brazilian keeper praised Inter star Lautaro Martinez but insisted that other players deserve the Ballon d’Or this year.
“He is doing well in Serie A for Inter and his national team, but I think some players are even better,” he concluded.
