AC Milan stars Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez were involved in some controversy this weekend when the duo did not involve themselves in Paulo Fonseca’s mini team-talk during a cooling break. Today, a report has suggested what the internal aftermath looked like.
Before this weekend’s clash against Lazio, reports suggested that Leao and Theo were going to be left out of the starting eleven by Fonseca. Therefore, it was only right that the duo were involved in the equaliser and some controversy when the game rolled around.
Shortly after the duo came on, the Portuguese head coach took the chance to get the team together during a cooling break, but there were two notable absences – of course, the two players who had been dropped.
Their absence was easily picked up by TV cameras, and from there, questions arose about the reason for their absence. Milan fans quickly questioned an internal separation between the stars and the new coach, and whilst the defender was quick to suggest why the duo were not present, it did not quieten the noise.
After all, an image like that is damning. Even if there is no malice intended by either player.
Initial aftermath
As Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes, the duo can no longer make mistakes with their attitudes or behaviour. Whilst the issue will not be forgotten, if they return from international duty with the right attitude to make amends, a line will be drawn under the incident.
The report continues, stating that neither player were aware of the ‘uproar the affair’ had created when speaking to Fonseca and Geoffrey Moncada after the game. Both also ‘regretted’ their behaviour – it was not a protest, but rather a sign of their readiness to continue helping the team.
This is why Theo was so eager to speak to Milan TV after the game, to try and stop a fire spreading, caused by a mistake.
The call from Ibrahimovic
Before any communication in front of the cameras, though, there had been immediate clarification in the dressing room, and this is why neither player has been fined by the Rossoneri. However, there were stern words said.
Whilst not present at the Olimpico on Saturday, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was tracking the game, and he made ‘his voice heard’ to the duo once the issue was resolved, likely to let each player know what would happen if similar occurred again.
Redemption
The immediate question is when will the duo redeem themselves. They have the ability to do it individually. They have the ability to spur the team on, and now they must do so, and do it quickly.
Most importantly, the Diavolo will not view this as a long-term issue, and talks will not be ‘blocked’ as Gazzetta suggests. In fact, talks will resume in the coming weeks with a new set of meetings between the club, Theo, and his entourage.
Whilst it has helped slightly, the fire is still lit, and further aggravation could be dangerous.
