Rafael Leao is going through one of his toughest periods at AC Milan following the jeers he received as he left the pitch against Sassuolo on Saturday.
As has been reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Milan News), Leao is going to have to raise his game significantly in 2024 to get the whole of the fanbase back on his side.
The Portuguese has not been very impressive this season and as Gazzetta wrote, his performance against Sassuolo in the 1-0 win was ‘tired, listless and superficial’.
Whilst it cannot be taken as the opinion of all Milan fans, the fact that some decided to jeer him off of the pitch at San Siro speaks volumes.
The good news for Leao is that he is already being defended by those around him and the environment will be put in place for him to get his form back up to where it should be.
After the match, Stefano Pioli said: “I think they were whistles of affection and esteem, knowing the qualities of the player you always expect a certain level of performance and he knows that too.”
Alessandro Florenzi was also asked about the situation and he said: “I’m sure Rafa has broad shoulders to take the booing, he’s strong and behind him he has a team ready to push him and help him turn these small whistles into big applause. He is the strongest player we have.”
Rafael “Pippao” Leao…weak minded player. He will never be a top player. A lot of talent but weak mind, childish, self-sufficient, no hunger for performance, lazy, not a man, not a leader, not a warrior mindset…weak…
Next year 25 years old…time flyes fast…
He was the best player in our team for 2 season in a row. Show some respect will you. It’s not helping anyone if you keep bringing down our own player. Yes he didn’t perform well last night I agree. He look slow and tired. Can’t hardly beat defenders 1v1 as we usually saw him do. I’m sure next year he will do better. He has to.
People easily forget that Leao was our main man in our title winning season. Leao is out of form now but we should encourage him instead of booing him.
I believe he’ll come back stronger and be the Leao we all know who dribbles, creates chances and score goals.
Not forgetting and living in the past are too different things. When watching Milan play 2-2 (or only equalizing in the added time) against the worst team in the league and Leao is once again MIA… Does his performances from 2 years ago make you happy and forget about the match performance and result? Most people are not OK with everything “just because he was MVP 2 years ago”. He (just like everyone else) needs to perform NOW and not go on with old merits.