AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca clarified his decision to start Samuel Chukwueze instead of Portuguese star Rafael Leao in the team’s 1-0 victory against Udinese, according to Soccernet.ng.
In a press conference, Fonseca emphasized that the choice was tactical and not influenced by any internal conflicts, as had been speculated. “Today I decided to let Okafor and Chukwueze play; maybe tomorrow it will be Leao’s turn,” he explained. “Let’s not create a case, because it doesn’t exist. Leao was respectful, satisfied in the locker room, and this is the most important thing for me.”
Fonseca noted that Leao, one of Milan’s key players, was dealing with a minor injury that limited his participation in training leading up to the match. “Leao didn’t train on Thursday; he had a little discomfort in his flexor. He only trained yesterday. So, I decided to let Okafor and Chukwueze play, who performed very well.”
Chukwueze, who returned early from international duty with Nigeria due to a minor injury, was fit enough to start his third Serie A match of the season. He justified Fonseca’s decision by scoring the only goal of the game, securing a hard-fought win for Milan, even after they were reduced to ten men due to Tijjani Reijnders’ red card. The Nigerian winger’s impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
Since joining AC Milan, Chukwueze has made 42 appearances, contributing four goals and three assists across all competitions.