Rafael Leao has admitted that he does feel the effects of criticism from fans, while he insisted that AC Milan can beat Bayer Leverkusen tonight.
It feels like Leao will always be among the more divisive players in the fanbase and not because of a lack of quality but rather because everyone knows the levels that he can hit but question whether he can do it consistently throughout a season.
In addition to that, winning the Scudetto as the Serie A MVP catapulted the Portuguese into the category of being an elite player in his position, while his renewal to become the highest-paid squad member has also raised the expectations that surround him somewhat.
In addition to Paulo Fonseca, Leao also spoke live on Sky and he spoke about his relationship with his new head coach and the game itself, also touching on the criticism he sometimes gets.
What is it like working under Fonseca?
“Apart from the fact that he is Portuguese. When he arrived he gave me confidence. We talked about the objectives of this season, even though it was the pre-season. But he is a person who is helping me a lot, more in the things that I have to improve than in the things that he knows I can do.”
Do you feel like you’re still missing something this season?
“I miss scoring. I’m getting a lot of assists. The most important thing is to win. After the derby, that week, I had in mind that I wanted to give everything, help the team, I didn’t think about being a protagonist. I just wanted to do a good job, help my team, and win. Because winning a derby with this team here is a huge feeling.”
What kind of week was the derby week?
“The coach brought us a very good energy, him, his staff, the people who work at Milan, the Curva Sud. So that week was perfect. Then the group has already understood what the coach wants on the pitch, the club, Ibra, that week he came to give support. So the energy outside and inside is very good, and in my opinion tomorrow is an opportunity to give continuity to this moment.”
Can you win?
“We can win. Of course we have to respect Bayer, because Leverkusen is a very difficult team to play against. They have a great coach, quality players who are young, but we play face to face against them even if we play at their home. We try to win because we haven’t won in the Champions League yet.”
How has the change in formation been?
“Good from a physical point of view, but also mental, because you have to be focused at all times. In this game, the details count, not a dribble, good control. You have to be well positioned.
“Then sometimes I’m far from the goal, but that’s the mental point of view, when Chris has the ball, sprint, and close on the far post. There’s this thing here that I’m trying to improve and get used to doing every game.”
Criticism chapter: how did you experience the ‘cooling break’ episode?
“On the cooling break as Theo had already said we had been on for two minutes, we stayed there, there was nothing against my coach.
“Then on the criticism in general. Personally, the energy I get from the fans has changed in my opinion compared to two years ago, but I don’t want to talk about this because we are in a good moment, we are coming from some victories, from winning a derby, so the most important thing is Milan.
“Milan is more important than Leao, it is bigger than all the players. Winning with this shirt is the most important thing but the criticism hurts, yes.”
I like that he is honest about it. I think it can be a good thing for players to talk more about.
Look what happened to Brennan Johnson at Tottenham. He got hammered by fans and closed down all his social media. Has scored four goals in four matches since. Leao has had good matches since being left out also.
Leao’s only issue is that he’s such a talent at the top end – however, I’m happy to swap some of his highlight reel for improvements in his pressing game and tactical awareness; the early signs are there that he’s going to be drilled into working with the team by Fonseca.
The issue with modern football is that there isn’t really a line between ‘criticism’ and ‘abuse’ to many fans, which is something I can only hope improves because the abuse players get is completely uncalled for.
“Then on the criticism in general. Personally, the energy I get from the fans has changed in my opinion compared to two years ago, but I don’t want to talk about this because we are in a good moment, we are coming from some victories, from winning a derby, so the most important thing is Milan.
Yeah, the fans better watch what they say because if they overly criticize him too much, he’s shutting off.
I have to say Leao has really grown as a man and as a professional footballer. Looking back, I never thought he could consider putting the team above his personal goals. “Milan is more important than Leao, it is bigger than all the players. Winning with this shirt is the most important….” Now that’s how a leader thinks and behaves.