Paulo Fonseca has made a bold call for tonight’s game between AC Milan and Lecce by giving the captain’s armband to Rafael Leao rather than Theo Hernandez.
It was not a surprise to see Theo and Leao both keep their spots on the left flank of the starting line-up for tonight’s match given their importance to the team, but MilanNews are reporting that the winger will be the captain rather than the full-back.
The permanent club captain is Davide Calabria but he is out again due to a knock, and Theo is usually the vice-captain due to the fact it goes in order of club appearances. For this evening, Fonseca has chosen to entrust Leao with the armband, perhaps in a bid to get a top performance out of it.
Leao has been the captain before but usually in game situations where he is the player left on the field with the most games played for the club, and he is on 216 appearances across all competitions having been with the Rossoneri for over five years.
The former Lille man has a good record against Lecce and will hope to continue that tonight by getting his second (and possibly more) goal of the 2024-25 season. It took Leão seven minutes and 39 seconds to score as Milan captain against Verona last season.
Yes both Theo and Rafa are friends but you don’t do this on field of play maybe only for the night to boost his confidence
These two might be the worst captains in terms of leadership we’ve ever had. Calabria may not be the best player. Just like Abate but they are leaders
Weird call. As there should be a fixed hierarchy regarding this matter. And Theo did well acted as a captain on the last derby.
Only at Milan captains armband is given to a player just so he can feel better about himself.
This team desperately needs a leader and a captain.
💯
LOL.
😀
You cant pass the band around like some toy.. Band should be earned not given.
Might as well have players elect their captain, if the club cant decide
100%
i’ve always disliked the way milan gives the band to seniority players. Thats how we got the log Montolivo as capitan. makes me sick.
It used to be to the most senior Italian, I believe, but that’s been changing rapidly and is basically gone. If we followed the old ways it should now be in order: Calabria, Gabbia, then the most deserving straniero, probably Mike.
Why Gabbia?
Because he is our Italian player with the second most matches played for us even if that isn’t too many games.
I have been critical over Calabria’s displays as a captain, or I should say lack thereof. On the same note, neither Leso’s performances nor attitude should ever warrant him being a captain.
Why complaining again? Leao is always criticised for not being team player, not working and fighting enough. Handing him the armband is basically forcing him to do that. But still, all I read is complaints. What a sad life this must be.
i’ll compalin that seemingly we need to force players via armband to get that out of them. working hard and fighting..
The armband should be the reward for doing that not incentive to do that.
But what do i know..
“Why always him?” 😜
Fonseca uniting the team against chorus of doomers, captaining the water-break duo.
We’ll do fine v Lecce. get the 3 points easy.
Forza Milan
Would have preferred have seen Gabbia as captain leading the team out.
Why?
leao is a great player but dont have leader mentality
I really don’t care who wears the band ,just bring results .after all bonucci was given on arrival to milan
Thank you
Maybe the armband will elevate Leao’s performance. Otherwise it’s a waste.
In the derby Theo wore the armband and his performances showed it.
He has worn it before from what i can recollect but either you are captain material or not and i don’t think Leao has it in him in regard of that. Great player though but that is a different matter.
Leao’s a long way from being a great player unfortunately
When he is in the mood for it he is at least speed and technically wise a quality player but my biggest gripe with him is that he seems to lack the warrior spirit that would make him take the next step upwards in his career.
This annoying brat needs to be sold. The attitude is dragging the whole team down for years. Enough.