A journalist has shed a bit more light on the situation surrounding Rafael Leao, after all the stories in recent days.
Leao started life under Massimiliano Allegri well, scoring goals in preseason and then netting with a header in the first competitive game against Bari. However, he was forced off with a calf injury minutes after that goal, and had to spend six weeks out.
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He made a return against Napoli but the game situation (being a man down due to a red card for Pervis Estupinan) didn’t help his ability to impact thing. Against Juventus on Sunday, however, he came on and perhaps cost two points with a couple of glaring misses.
Massimiliano Allegri apparently reprimanded the Portuguese forward for his approach, and this has opened a can of worms about Leao’s role in the Milan squad and tactical set-up.
Now, TMW journalist Marco Conterio has tweeted some more information. He writes: “Everything about the (non) issue at Milan involving Rafael Leao and Massimiliano Allegri:
– After the Juventus match, a confrontation with the team and a reprimand for the player regarding approach and motivation;
– Leao’s absence ‘hides’ more significant physical issues than a strain. 45 days is the timeline… For a strain?
– It’s possible that after the break he won’t start as a regular, but due to a technical decision;
– No chance (and no communication from Milan) regarding a possible departure in January: the parties will reassess in the summer regarding the future;
– In the summer, Leao’s and Milan’s plans were ‘different’: the player had been promised a central role… In a trident, not in a two-man attack.”
If Allegri plans to continue playing 352, which he absolutely should since it’s working, then the best thing for everyone would be to sell Leao and use the money to strengthen the team with couple players that fit that tactical setup.
Leao is not a striker. He could possibly play the 2nd striker in that 2 men attacking front, but unfortunately for him, Pulisic has cemented himself in that role with goals/assists and outstanding work rate helping the team when they defend.
I am not sure why Milan spent so much money on Nkunku either. He also can’t play as a striker but can be good in the Pulisic role. That’s way too much money spent on someone to be a reserve.
I would start Leao over Puli any time.
As a Milan fan, I’m glad you don’t decide who starts.
LOL. Go play your video games then. In the real world, any coach who wants his team to succeed would choose Pulisic 100 times out of 100.