Roberto Donadoni has shared his thoughts on AC Milan’s pre-season so far and the situation of Rafael Leao, who has been heavily linked with an exit.
At the start of the summer, Leao announced his attention to leave Milan and work has been ongoing since to find a new club for the No.10. However, while Galatasaray hold a concrete interest, there haven’t been that many suitors.
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In the meantime, as such, he has been playing with Milan in the pre-season friendlies against Inter and Chelsea. Just like many other players, he struggled in the latter clash as the Rossoneri failed to register a single shot on target.
Speaking to MilanNews, the former Milan player Roberto Donadoni shared his thoughts on Leao’s situation, as well as the pre-season for the Rossoneri so far. Clearly, the fact that we are asking some questions about the forward means the battle has already been lost.
What would you do with Leao?
“First of all, you have to know people to understand them. Judging from the outside is one thing… I’m not in the Milan dressing room, but Leao is often talked about more for what he doesn’t do than for what he does.
“He’s a player who certainly has above-average skills, but consistency is another key component, and he’s lacking in that. I hope that everything happening will make him realise this, and that he becomes the champion that we occasionally see doing extraordinary things.
“If I were Leao’s teammate, I would have grabbed him by the braids sometimes to make him understand that it’s good for him to do something different too.”
Do you think he fits in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1? Or is it better to find someone more suitable?
“Let’s get back to what we were talking about earlier. Even during my time at AC Milan, there were players who specialised in one position. I have always adapted a bit: playing on the right, in the centre, and to the left. It gave me more opportunities.
“If there’s someone better than you in a specific position, then you will struggle to play. If we have to sit here discussing tactical formations to try to make better use of Leao, we have already lost.”
On Milan’s summer friendlies wiht Amorim…
“These friendlies are important; they help you get into shape. But you’re in the thick of things, so the result has a relatively low significance. You just have to be ready for the start of the season.”
Is Amorim the right one for Milan?
“Since they decided to appoint him, I definitely think so, otherwise it would be a bit absurd (smiles, editor’s note).”
On Goncalo Ramos…
“If we evaluate things solely in financial terms, then the same applies to Leao. It looked like Leao was going to leave, but in the end, no one offered what Milan wanted. So, in my opinion, the financial value is of relative importance: the real values lie elsewhere.
“It’s also clear that when you hear these figures being discussed, it’s quite surprising. Getting good, quality players isn’t easy, and I think those prices are being paid,” he said.
If we have to sit here discussing tactical formations to try to make better use of Leao, we have already lost.” . I have always adapted a bit: playing on the right, in the centre, and to the left. It gave me more opportunities. A true great saying what I have always wanted to say. Why are players today so rigid that you cannot use them in more ways then 1…how often do we have to change coaches or formations to cater to some player’s preferences…it sometimes throws off a whole team to work around one player…mind boggling to say the least…
Totally agree!
Because each of them now has a TikTok compilation of their “best” plays or something and they think they are that good. They also make too much money for what they offer on the field.
We will later regret allergri sack
He said these about our players they are not serious
This team regressed wen leao came back from injury 🤕🤕 from January we have been struggling because of this guy
He made a statement that he live the psg and bayan played can he the high pressing
This season is gone already
Starting with the appointment of coach and sporting directors
There coachs like
Mancini
Conte
Sarri
Italiano
Thiago motta will still do better than these current coach
But best wishes to them Cos we are Milan and am going to support them anyday anytime
We just need to sign
Zaniolo
Chiesa
Kean
Fagioli
Rovella
Fazzini
The only coach Milan would have bet on this season was fabrigas and nico paz
We a coach that understands seria A
I’d sign Chiesa, Zaniolo and Kean in a heartbeat! Plus they’re Italian talents. But sadly, these f****** would rather keep Musah who is simply clueless, running like an ostrich and Chukwueze, the useless stick man.
F****** Bosman Ruling!
If we have to sit here discussing tactical formations to try to make better use of Leao, we have already lost.
LOL don’t say it too loud, mister. Many Leaoholic will be triggered here.
Oh leao!! There will be no big club interest for you if you play like mediocre!
Constructive criticism from a legend of Donadoni stature sets the standards of quality and discipline that the team must adhere to if it wants to compete for titles.
The continued discussion about Leão mentality and behavior, instead of praising his development, confirms that the player has not yet reached his full potential, making him a mental weakness in big matches.