Rather than enjoying the fruits of a 2-0 win over Cremonese, Rafael Leao chose to send a message regarding the derby straight after full-time.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report, Milan will enter Sunday’s derby 10 points behind Inter in the table, but with a tremendous hunger to win. Leao sent a double message to the city rivals yesterday, scoring the goal that sealed the win and then saying some interesting words post-match.
“We had to win this match and we won. Against Inter it will be a different game, I wouldn’t say decisive, but the derby is always a challenge everyone feels. I ask my teammates to give their all and take it personally because it’s a do-or-die match,” he said.
“We’re going into it with all the respect for Inter, who are a great team, but also with the desire to get a positive result. We’ll have to prepare very well for the match, and the coach will do just that. I think the derby is a great game to play, and this week there will be a special, different atmosphere in the city.
“We’re not going out: we’re staying at home with the family and everyone has to find their own way to stay focused because it’s essential to be ready for the match. We’ll have to take advantage of the atmosphere, which will be very nice.
“The Scudetto? We’re not thinking about it. Now all that matters is playing well in the derby. And I’d trade one of my goals against Inter for a win.”
Double figures and central role
Yesterday’s was Leao’s ninth league goal in 20 appearances, one every 150 minutes. If he continues like this, he could surpass his personal record of 15 goals set in Serie A in 2022-23, although numbers aren’t important to him.
His position on the pitch matters a little more, as he said after the game: “In the first half, as a striker, I had two chances that I had to capitalise on. As a center forward, I feel comfortable because I played that role when I was young and I know the movements.
“Obviously, on the left, everything is different: Allegri understood the match very well and moved me there for one-on-ones. It went well. Where would I line up if I could decide? I don’t want any trouble… (laughs). I’m only interested in playing: on the left or as a striker, I try to give my all.
“If I start wide, I don’t receive the ball with my back to the ball and I can ‘get going’ right away. As a striker, on the other hand, I’m closer to the goal, and in football you have to put in certain numbers.
“Reaching 20-25 goals every year? It depends on me, and I’ve set a goal, but if I play as a centre-forward, I have a better chance of getting over 20: I have to prepare well during the week, continue my development as a striker, and aim to do it better and better.
“Every year I have to look in the mirror and aim to do better. Even if I still don’t feel 100% right now because of the discomfort I have. We’re working to solve this inflammation once and for all. Everyone is helping me a lot, both the team and the staff.”
Another Milan needed
Milan must have the same attitude but a better performance on Sunday, because Leao wasn’t convinced by how it came about even if the end result was a satisfactory one.
“We’re happy with the victory and because we believed in it until the end. We wanted the three points and we got them thanks to everyone’s work,” he continued.
“Even the substitutes: Ricci, Fullkrug, Nkunku, Athekame, and even Estupinan contributed. Estupinan, for example, if he hadn’t passed the ball back to Modric, the cross for 1-0 wouldn’t have arrived. These are important details.
“However, we could and should have closed out the match earlier because we had so many chances to score. I should have done more, been more concrete in finishing: instead of a goal, I could have scored a hat-trick… So the thing that makes me happiest is the team’s performance, not my 2-0.
On Pulisic, Leao said: “We both have had a lot of physical problems, so there’s room for improvement. I always try to help him, and Christian only needs a goal to get back on track, but he’s working really well and is a very important player for us.”
As important as the assist for the 2-0 that Nkunku gave him instead of attempting a shot: Rafa thanked him by kneeling and hugging him. He’s ready to return the favour or give Pulisic a gift. For this leader version of Leao, Milan comes above everything.
Well said Rafa……now let’s go get Inter