After a fine display in UEFA Champions League game on Tuesday night, AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has revealed how the introduction of Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze transformed the match, leading to a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge.

Chukwueze’s impact was felt almost immediately after he was brought onto the pitch, Footballrover reports.

Despite being a standout performer in the previous match against Udinese, where he netted the winning goal, Chukwueze started this game on the bench.

With the Portuguese winger Rafael Leão returning to the lineup, the decision to bench the Nigerian raised eyebrows.

As the game progressed and the score stood at 1-1 in the 60th minute, Milan had the perfect opportunity to capitalise when Brugge was reduced to ten men after the sending-off of Raphael Onyedika.

As the tension mounted, Fonseca made the decisive call to substitute Chukwueze into the game.

Within a few minutes of his arrival, Milan took the lead, showing the immediate effect of his presence.

Not only did he change the game, but he also provided a crucial assist for Reijnders, who secured his brace to seal Milan’s first victory in this season’s competition.

Milan Coach speaks on Chukwueze impact: A tactical masterstroke

In his post-match, the Milan coach praised Chukwueze, explaining how the winger’s and Noah Okafor’s entries were vital in changing the dynamics of the game.

“I think we improved with the entry of Okafor and Chukwueze. When Okafor and Chukwueze came on, the game changed; they brought energy, and the team gained intensity. After the second goal, we did some very good things, but before that, we played without intensity,” he told SkySports after the game.

🗣️ Paulo Fonseca spoke to @SkySport: "I think we improved with the entry of #Okafor and #Chukwueze." pic.twitter.com/ciE0WpdTUH

— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) October 22, 2024

He clarified that the choice to bench Leão was not a punishment but rather a tactical necessity aimed at enhancing the team’s performance.

The Milan coach concluded by suggesting that Chukwueze might reclaim his starting position when Milan faces Bologna in their next Serie A match.

“Chukwueze, Pulisic, and Okafor from the start? Maybe. I’m thinking about that now,” he mused.

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Last Updated on October 23, 2024 12:17 pm by footballrover