AC Milan celebrated a Coppa Italia triumph over Roma last night and the new signings impressed instantly, but Sergio Conceicao’s words about Rafael Leao also deserve some focus.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport writes, one passage in Conceiçao’s post-match interview stands out in particular, regarding Leao: “He can do much, much more. He has incredible qualities. He must think that he is important when he has the ball at his feet, but when he doesn’t have the ball he is also important.
“He must make himself available in all moments of the game for the team. I know that getting out of his comfort zone is not easy, but for me his work is essential. Leao can be a player of another level if he understands certain things that we are working on every day at Milanello.”
It is known that Sergio is a coach who demands a lot from his players and he too, like all those who preceded him, is trying to find – if there is one – the best formula to squeeze the best out of his compatriot.
These words stand out precisely because they were uttered – evidently not by chance – at the end of a match that would have easily allowed for smiles, praise and positive thoughts about everything and everyone. If Conceiçao said certain things it is because, quite obviously, he did not like Leao’s cameo.
In practice, it is not that Leao had a disaster. Perhaps it was legitimate to expect a little more since he entered in the last 20 minutes, but it is also true that the fact he started on the bench was because of his less than ideal physical condition.
Conceiçao, however, turns the spotlight on the winger again in a complex season where Rafa – as always – has alternated exceptional matches with others that were sloppy. Leao first had to deal with Fonseca, who went so far as to publicly pillory him just to prod him. A recipe that had given results.
Sergio is less drastic when he speaks to the world outside Milanello, but the internal management is anything but soft. So, faced with the sumptuous performance of Joao Felix, and the exuberance of Alex Jimenez, could Leao suffer in terms of no longer being immovable?
The coach focuses his attention especially on one concept: Leao must get out of his comfort zone. This is why coaches have tried different things as stimuli such as allowing him freedom to roam or using him as a second striker, to get him closer to goal.
Rafa should take inspiration from his countryman who took centre stage last night against Roma, closing the match. Joao Felix came on and lit up the game with his smart touches, movement, link-up play, runs and his goal. The standard has been set, now over to Leao.
Everyone says Leo can do much more but he never did it consistently. Pioli and Fonseca failed and Conceicao will fail.
You will fail too👎… BAD ENERGY
That’s why I think these next 5 months may be Leao’s final months at the club. I think the decision has been made not to renew Theo, as the 7M he’s asking for are not reflected in his performances, the two assist performance against Roma notwithstanding. So Leao has 5 months to show Conceicao he belongs in his team. If he doesn’t Theo will bring in 30-40m, Leao 60-70m, and that 90-110m will be used to get a replacement LB, winger and pay for Ricci. Left side makeover and the DM we need.
Weirdly or sadly I think you might be correct. I suspect at least one of the two will leave.
Theo will leave for sure else he will try to go on free transfer in 2026.
30/40m is a dream that will remain as he is in final year of contract and especially his current form continues not sure 25m too.
Rafael Leao will be sold if Milan get a good deal from Chelsea for Felix and big bid for Leao.
God we punish you cacioa we never fail negative beins
At this point that’s his level 25-30 G/A per season. Which is by no means terrible, before Leao came the last player to put up numbers like that was Ronaldinho with 15g 19a in his first season.
He can, but he does not want to.
It’s good that the fans are not the only ones that saw the flaws in Leao’s game last night, despite the victory. A lot of times, it’s as if it is a fun thing to him. We allowed Roma back into the game, putting our defense under constant pressure. I have noticed this over time. Inter Milan players pop up everywhere; they stick their feet into every ball, chase down every ball – they, basically, never give up. Milan players tend to relax, are slow to run back, and, get pushed over easily. We score a goal, and we go back to have a party. Then, we start passing the ball to our goalie, instead of pushing forward for more goals.
“Inter Milan players pop up everywhere”
Well, Asllani and Frattesi sleep on the pitch. lol
Does’nt Pulisic look a bit dejected???
Yes. He was clearly enjoying life more under Fonseca and he’s not now. It’s something to watch. If he’s unhappy it will be a very unfortunate development.
He’s a MAGA what do you expect? Not used to hard work.
He looks exactly like he has looked since joining Milan.
Milan was convincing during roma match going forward if we can keep roma match spirit milan can win uefa champions league and scudetto.
He has every reason to say it too. Leao is the most inconsistent player at the club, and the highest paid. He has to recognize he can’t truly be a top player if he only plays good once a month. Same goes for Theo. It’s very worrying thay we were all shocked he managed to put 2 decent performances together in succession. For someone demanding 8mil a season, thats unacceptable…
Players at Chelsea get paid more for sitting on the bench.
Let’s not forget Rashford got paid £18.2m a season before tax.
Leao get 7m including bonuses for someone who is having 25+ g&a every season and if you want 50then bring someone better and they don’t come for cheap.
Inter is paying 10/12m direct salary to the best player and we are paying just above half.
Milan is still paying less than what they should pay. More money more better player.
We are paying 6m for 6months loan for Felix, you are saying Leao is highest paid 🤣🤣🤣
“More money more better player.”
So you’re saying we should pay Leao more to see him play better? 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
“We are paying 6m for 6months loan for Felix, you are saying Leao is highest paid 🤣🤣🤣”
LOL. Nope!!! Check your facts.
Capology says:
Annual: € 4,170,000 (Base)
Last time I checked, by dividing 4M€ into half you don’t get 6M€.
And that 4M€ is GROSS btw!!! 😀 😀 😀
At this point that’s his level 25-30 G/A per season. Which is by no means terrible, before Leao came the last player to put up numbers like that was Ronaldinho with 15g 19a in his first season.
If leao failed this time, conceicao will kick his ass out of milanello this summer. He already have new boy ( Felix ) but it’s hard to negotiate with Chelsea I guess…