La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin has made some rather worrying statements regarding Theo Hernandez’s current mood at AC Milan.
While positive news continues to emerge regarding the renewals of Mike Maignan and Tijjani Reijnders, there is an eerie silence when it comes to developments on the Theo front.
The left-back is one of the best in the world in his position and has been decisive many times for Milan since joining back in 2019. However, his deal runs out in 18 months so a crossroads is approaching.
A report earlier today claimed that the Frenchman has been alerted regarding interest from Manchester United and is not closing the door, while a Sky journalist recently lifted the lid on his struggles.
Speaking on La Gazzetta dello Sport’s podcast (via MilanNews), Bianchin was asked about the potential reasons that Theo is not performing at the same high levels we have become accustomed to.
“There could certainly be something tactical. With Fonseca he doesn’t get forward as much, so as to maintain a certain balance in the team, but I think more than anything that he doesn’t feel comfortable in this Milan,” he said.
“His reference people have always been Brahim Diaz, Paolo Maldini and Samu Castillejo and now none of the three are there anymore. It’s clear that he has to reinvent himself and I’m not sure he’ll do it.
“And I’ll say something strong: Gabbia as captain could be a solution because I think there’s a significant chance that next year at Milan there won’t be the captain and vice-captain from this season.
“At the moment the discussions for the renewal of captain Calabria are closed because they have not found an agreement. We will see if they will try again, but at the moment they are closed.
“Theo is one of the prized pieces on the market, he is the vice-captain. In my opinion if there is a moment in which an interesting offer could arrive for everyone it is this, with his contract until 2026.
“It is known that in football, with two-year contracts, either you renew or sell, otherwise you risk losing him for free. It could therefore be in everyone’s interest to change next summer.”
Crazy thought, but why not try Theo at RW in a 4231? With Fonseca’s current tactics, Theo could do well in that role. I imagine he’s talented enough to play there in the way that Musah does and be more effective going forward. We don’t utilize the “Theao” fusion as much so it could be an idea if we want to keep him and possibly enhance the starting 11.
This is sarcasm, yes?
Where is leao supposed to play? He sucked the few times Pioli played him as a striker
All the more reason he needs a deputy to force him to play his best. We need competition in the role to put some fire under his seat. Guarantee if the other LB started putting in good performances, he’d start trying harder. We need an actual LB on the bench, not forcing guys like Terra to play out of position because were to cheap to buy one
It’s not about competition, he isn’t afraid of someone taking his place. He don’t feel home anymore in the team, he could be mentally fatigue with relentless games. He isn’t injured atleast like 2 or 3 months also.
He isn’t accustomed to many changes.
There was a point of reference in Pioli even though Maldini was not at club.
This year he was put under bus by our coach after busy summer with national team and cut short vacation, no pre season and play him directly in starting 11.
He don’t feel the trust of anyone from management point of view.
There is Zlatan who should fill the shoes of Pioli and Maldini, but he escape when there are problems and when the player’s, team need him.
Atleast Kjaer should have been extended by a year.
Journalist thought?
Trust me no one but Milan management doesn’t know what will be with all players and not just Theo.
When they extend Leao paying his big debt, if they decide to keep Theo, we will know that last.
Hasn’t been the same player since Maldini departed.
As for going to Man Utd, the club is shot. He would go for the money and nothing else.
It depends what amorim would do in next 6months. Even though they didn’t win League they won 2cups in 2years