Massimo Ambrosini has spoken out about various matters related to AC Milan, including the Rafael Leao ‘issue’.
Leao’s two big misses in front of goal – along with Christian Pulisic’s missed penalty – are the reason why Milan won’t be top of the table over the break. They would have given the Rossoneri three valuable points against Juventus, but they had to settle for a 0-0 draw in the end.
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The winter only fully returned last week and is still not 100% so he has ample mitigating circumstances. However, his inconsistency was something that everyone hopes Allegri would be able to coach out of his, and the early signs are mixed.
Ambrosini spoke on ‘Elastici’ – a programme on Cronache di Spogliatoio – about Leao’s inclusion in Allegri’s plans and the need to resolve where he will play. His comments were relayed by MilanPress.
“Leao is the big issue for Milan, figuring out how to fit him into this technical environment. I don’t think he’ll be on the bench, although I have some doubts about how he’ll fit into this system, especially considering his teammate will be Pulisic. I’m not so sure it’ll be an easy fit or a simple one.
“Does he have the characteristics to be an impact player? No, no, I don’t believe so. That’s an argument that doesn’t work for me. Substitutions make a difference, strong players play, period. If they’re good, they make a difference.
“You can make a difference in the last 30 minutes, but you can make a difference in the first 60. Then, given his characteristics, I struggle to believe he can be decisive, given his nature that doesn’t always lead him to enter the game in a less decisive manner.
“That’s an argument I neither agree with nor approve of. If Leao doesn’t play, it’s because he doesn’t deserve it. Can he play with Pulisic? For me, Allegri doesn’t change. He doesn’t care about having a dominant game.
“The issue is figuring out how to fit a player like Leao alongside a player like Pulisic, who, given their characteristics, playing as a second striker, tend to play a certain style of play. Gimenez is the one who, in my opinion, does the work that allows Pulisic to perform in a certain way.
“My question is: who does the work that Gimenez can do right now, whether consistently or inconsistently – in my opinion, he did it better than anyone in Turin? Does Leao go there and play as a first striker, allowing Pulisic that space between the lines?
“How many games do Milan play with 30 metres to attack instead of 80? More. The striker will be needed, I have some doubts.”
in 6 Serie A matches this season he has played not more than 50 minutes.
He hasnt been 100% fit. Lets only talk after he’s fully 100% fit and has played a full 90 mins.
Overreaction from everyone in my opinion especially that the media is already coming to conclusions after seeing him for no more than 50 mins against Napoli (where Milan were in 10 men) and Juventus.
Agree 100 percent, everyone calm tf down he just came back from injury
More excuses. Everyone is pointing out the failings. Not just fans and “pundits”, but former top players. Not having stamina has nothing to do with shooting the ball on frame from three yards out. Just put it on frame. Force the defender to make a block or the GK to make a save, etc. I get that being fast is sexy, but ultimately football is more than just speed. Modric proves this every single game.
Keep your mouth shut. Even pulisic will miss those chances
A lot of excuses.. His not being fit have anything to do with looking disinterested and pouting?
Rabiot stated it best “He’s a player with great potential, but at 26, you are no longer young. At his age, there’s no more time to waste; time goes by fast. It would be a shame if he remained just a potentially great player. I hope he realizes he has what it takes to compete with the best.”
DO you all want to know the truth, no Leao no scudetoo for us this season.
leao had just 1 good season and thats all.
Ha ha ha.
Napoli won a scudetto without Osimhen and only half a season of Kvaratskhelia.
Milan will he just fine without Leao.
And how did we play in the league without Leao? Oh right, we reached the top. Yeah, we’re 100% dependent on him. 😀
yes no leao no scudetto 4 milan
our best player 4 now his rafa leao