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'I did not punish Theo Hernandez'- Paulo Fonseca explains why he benched star AC Milan left-back

Serie A

AC Milan

Roma

<p>AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca has clarified the decision to bench left-back Theo Hernandez in the recent Serie A match against Genoa, emphasizing that it was not a punishment but rather part of his rotation strategy to give the French international some much-needed rest. Hernandez has had a challenging season so far, raising doubts about his future at San Siro.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Fonseca has had a difficult start to his tenure as AC Milan head coach, with the team currently sitting in eighth place in the Serie A standings. Throughout the season, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/theo-hernandez-unwatchable-real-problem-ac-milan-antonio-cassano-unimpressed-france-international-attitude/blt6d3a3fd100292c6a" target="_self">Hernandez has faced criticism for his inconsistent defensive performances and unsettling body language</a>, which has raised concerns about his form and future with the club. Additionally, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/theo-hernandez-faces-uncertain-future-ac-milan-excessive-wage-demands/blt11b328fc7fd24053" target="_self">his wage demands have added to the external noise</a>, something which the club and the player could absolutely do without.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>"As I always do, we spoke before the match. His situation is easy to explain: he's played a lot, he's been with the national team, he hasn't found the best physical condition," explained Fonseca to the reporters ahead of the game against Verona (h/t <a href="https://eu-app.contentstack.com/#!/stack/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/content-type/slide_list/en/entry/blt261191ff3cf1ed8a/edit" target="_self">Calciomercato</a>). "He needs to renew his conditions to be well, but he's a very important player for us. It's never a punishment for him, it's just a way to make him the best full-back in the world again"</p>

WHAT PAULO FONSECA SAID

<p>Fonseca and Co. will be keen to return to winning ways and show their fans that they are committed to achieving success, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/video-ac-milan-ultras-cheer-usmnt-star-christian-pulisic-alvaro-morata-rafael-leao-jeered-zlatan-ibrahimovic-enter-125th-anniversary-party-side-entrance/blt02739000e58c4fbe#cs6e884fb95166e461" target="_self">after the supporters booed the players and Fonseca at the San Siro last weekend</a>. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

'I did not punish Theo Hernandez'- Paulo Fonseca explains why he benched star AC Milan left-back | Goal.com US

AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca explained why he benched Theo Hernandez, the captain of his team, against Genoa last weekend.