Former Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello praised the firm way Paulo Fonseca expressed his views in a recent press conference, urging the Rossoneri players to “take responsibility”.

The Portuguese coach spoke to the media ahead of his team's home game against Udinese and claimed he was “not giving any information about the names of the players”. Milan's 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina.

Capello explained that Fonseca's words were necessary to dispel doubts about his authority in the dressing room and he also backed his possible decision to bench Rafael Leao against Udinese, which would show his “courage”.

Capello: Fonseca has the right to put Leao on the bench, deserves 'Well done' for his courage

“He did well,” Capello said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport about Fonseca’s strong words in his press conference.

“As he said, it is time for the Milan players to take responsibility for wearing such an important jersey.

“After the defeat against Fiorentina, many criticized the Milan coach for a lack of authority. And given the penalty chaos, that was a legitimate doubt.

“Yesterday's press conference is a signal in this regard: Now stop, I am the manager and I make the decisions, the footballers have to adapt.

“And I don’t think Fonseca went to the press conference just to put on a show. I’m sure the words he used in the locker room were just as harsh.”

Leao could remain on the bench for the Rossoneri's game against Udinese and Capello believes it would be a “legitimate” decision if Fonseca thinks it is “for Milan's sake”.

“If Fonseca thinks it's for Milan's sake, then it's right that he himself makes bold decisions like keeping one of the team's best players out,” he added.

“I don't know if he would do it for behavioral reasons if he didn't tolerate some of Leao's statements during the international break or if it's just technical-tactical motives or even rotations, but it's legitimate.

“I think Paulo definitely deserves praise for his courage.”

Leao has scored just one goal in seven games for Milan in Serie A this season, while he is yet to score after two games in the Champions League.