Fonseca sees silver lining in Smalling return

The Giallorossi lost 3-2 at the Sardegna Arena, despite goals from Carles Perez and Federico Fazio.

Was the side just not up for the game today, considering what’s coming on Thursday?

“There wasn’t an issue with the attitude today. If perhaps we didn’t fight to get the result we wanted against Torino, then that wasn't the case today. We conceded a goal after just four minutes but the side responded well, they played with determination.

“Cagliari dropped back a bit and we equalised, and the we kept trying to create chances around the Cagliari box. In the second half they went ahead again after we made a mistake and that made things a lot harder. But, if you ask me to make a comparison with the Torino game, then the side showed a very different attitude today.”

What did you make of Chris Smalling’s return to action?

“Very good. The team is a lot more secure with Chris there, back after a long time out. Today it was important that he played at least 45 minutes – and in the end he played 59. That’s positive heading into the game in Manchester. We weren’t able to give a runout to all of the players that are just back from injuries, but the key thing was to be able to get Smalling and Leonardo Spinazzola back out there.”

Against Manchester United, which one out of Smalling and Bryan Cristante – if you pick both – will play at right centre-back?

“Let’s see. That’s certainly an option, to play both of them. Both of them have usually played in the middle this season but obviously that won’t be possible if they are both picked on Thurday. One of them will have to shift across to the right.”

How do you cope with the fact you always seem to be under such scrutiny?

“That’s always been how it is for me. There has been a constant focus on the job I am doing. Clearly now the semi-final against Manchester United is very important, and I need to make sure I focus completely on that.”

Do you have an idea of how that game will be on Thursday? United like to play on the counter-attack…

“It’s true, Manchester United are really good on the counter. But if we go there just to defend then it will be tough for us. We need to try to take control of the ball and not allow United to build play from the back. We want to make sure we defend well across the pitch but, if we think about just going there and sitting deep and defending, then it will become really difficult. We need to go there and show we want to have the ball.”