Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze is experiencing the football philosophy of new AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca firsthand, according to Sportblog247.com.

Chukwueze faced a challenging start at Milan last year, having joined from Spanish side Villarreal in late July for €20 million. He did not start a match for Milan until September, in a 3-1 win over Cagliari Calcio, as the then-coach Stefano Pioli preferred American forward Christian Pulisic for the right wing role.

By the end of the 2023/24 season, Chukwueze had made 12 starts and 12 substitute appearances, scoring one goal and providing three assists. Despite AC Milan finishing second in Serie A behind champions Inter Milan, Pioli was sacked and replaced by Fonseca.

Unlike last year, Chukwueze has joined preseason activities with AC Milan from the beginning as the new head coach Fonseca introduces his system to the team. The Portuguese manager has promised Milan fans a different, more modern style of football next season.

“I think that Milan is a club with history and must have an offensive style of football,” Fonseca said during a press conference discussing his intended style of play.

“To win, we must be a dominant, courageous, offensive, and reactive team—a team that does not let the opponents think and play. The quality of play is important to me. I want to build a team that makes the fans proud. This is important.

“Obviously, I have studied the team. I do not want to make comparisons, but I have to learn from what I see. If we want to win, we must be a more balanced team.”

During training on Wednesday, Fonseca was filmed addressing the AC Milan players, with Chukwueze as his focal point. Using Chukwueze as the attacker, Fonseca explained the fundamentals of defending and the importance of using the arms during marking.

Chukwueze is eager to impress Fonseca and secure a spot in Milan’s starting eleven for the 2024/25 campaign.