Subbing Rafael Leao against Hellas Verona has become a larger issue than Massimiliano Allegri would have hoped in this weekend’s AC Milan game.
It is nothing new to not see Leao at the end of a game. In fact, it has been a trend of the season and it caused Leao to question the decision made by Allegri. As picked up by the DAZN cameras, he approached the manager on the sidelines after being removed from the pitch and simply asked, ‘Why me?’
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Allegri’s response, as Gazzetta dello Sport, was perfect, ‘Because you can’t play with 12 players,’ but was Leao right to question his boss?
Allegri and Leao
Leao has only finished eight of the 20 games he has played in this season, a potentially worrying statistic in isolation. However, he has struggled with niggling injuries throughout the campaign, so he had to be managed carefully.
In a way, he was right to question the decision. He has not played a full game in a while and he has still been the most differential player, at least on the goal chart. His nine goals this season are unmatched at Milanello and only Rasmus Hojlund has won more points for his team.
Though, Allegri is also right to take the opportunity to remove him from the game. In Verona, Leao struggled, despite making the game-winning assist. Things did not go in his favour and he is experiencing a goal drought.
So, it made sense for the coach to try a different solution for the final moments of the game. Questions could be asked of why Christian Pulisic was allowed longer on the field, but that may be as far as the complaints can really go.
How many yellow cards is Leao at?
This article fails to mention that Leao is on his fourth yellow card. A fifth and he would be suspended against Juve. Now you know. Allegri knew and Leao perhaps forgot that he was at risk of suspension against Juve. There is no story here!
But Leao complains after the game- that’s the story. Well done.
Pulisic has been taken off before Leao in 80% of matches. Has anyone seen HIM b*tching about it? No, because he’s a professional.
Would be interesting to see how many KM this guy runs per game. Always walking around
Half of Pulisic’s numbers.
SM doesn’t even consider the most significant reason why he was subbed? SM running with the “disgruntled black man” trope the Italian media are constantly pushing. F***ing pathetic
1-0 lead and if you were to ask who runs and defends more out of possession the answer becomes clear why one remained and the other was substituted. Now add yellow card accumulation and you have another reason.
But that kind of logic/reasoning don’t get clicks though. So they prefer #fakenews.