Fonseca explains Leao's absence after Napoli defeat: 'I don't have to beg' – Football Italia

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has explained his reasons for benching Rafael Leao for the second game in a row and explains how he believes it can motivate the Portugal international after the 2-0 home defeat to Napoli on Tuesday night.

Fonseca decided not to include Leao in his starting lineup and instead give Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze a chance on the wings. Christian Pulisic was also not in the starting line-up because he came down with flu.

Fonseca explains Leao's absence and 'motivation'

Fonseca explained that he uses a number of different tactics to motivate his players, but ultimately it is their own responsibility to ensure they are in the right frame of mind to play.

He also stressed that there was no direct confrontation between him and the player despite not having him in the starting lineup for two league games.

“I don't want to go into the smallest details, I deal with each player differently,” Fonseca said during his post-match press conference following Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Napoli.

“There is no conflict between us, it is just a coach's decision. We try to motivate the players in different ways, but it’s up to the players to show the right level of commitment, I don’t have to beg them.”