Former AC Milan manager Fabio Capello has said that Theo Hernandez is operating below his usual standards right now but the same cannot be said for Rafael Leao.
Speaking during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via SempreMilan.it), the former England National Team coach explained that he saw a spirited Milan side in action against Genoa in the final Serie A game before the international break.
“Against Genoa I saw a Milan with more spirit, more will, more sacrifice. In this way the team has grown. Then it’s true that quality makes the difference, but desire counts,” he said.
He also then singled out the performances of Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao, two of Milan’s most important players who both play down the left flank.
“On the first aspect, that of quality, Leao is the first, perhaps the only one, capable of deciding with one play: he must be taken as he is, he seems apathetic and then becomes inflamed. I’ve seen Theo Hernandez push less, he seems slowed down or in any case below his standards,” Capello said.
Hernandez is in the bad books right now as he has picked up five bookings in just eight games, meaning he is suspended for the next Serie A game which is against Juventus.
Capello was not finished with the praise for Leao, as he pointed out how much of the creative load he takes in this team.
“Rafa, on the other hand, created almost all the team’s scoring opportunities. He scores, assists, gives assistance to his teammates, scares opponents, there are moments when he is uncontainable. Furthermore, Pioli also has an expanded squad, with added starters. The surprising thing is how quickly they integrated, they were part of the team straight away, good at being able to offer their contribution right from the start,” he said.
