The issue of standards and discipline has once again reared its head at AC Milan again after an incident involving Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez.
Last season, the issue was that Milan often picked up cards and in many cases red cards, which many put down to a lack of composure in the biggest moments and also a lack of leadership from the senior members of the squad.
Olivier Giroud, Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan, Davide Calabria, Luka Jovic, Antonio Mirante and Malick Thiaw all received a red card at some stage during the 2023-24 season. That made the Rossoneri a good bet for cards and sanctions.
The key example
There was one stand-out in particular and it came during the closing stages of the 2-1 derby defeat against Inter towards the end of last season, the one that meant they captured their 20th Scudetto.
Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria each got a red card during an altercation late in the game, which in turn kept keep them out of the match against Juventus that came the following Saturday.
In the excitement of such an important match on a psychological level, more calm is expected from two leaders in the dressing room. Calabria is the captain and Theo is the vice-captain, so they should have known better.
A new incident
The ‘cooling break saga’ has been dominating the media headlines and the social media feeds of Milan fans since Saturday night’s game against Lazio, and it involved Theo Hernandez and Leao.
There was the cooling break in the second half straight after Leao had equalised to make it 2-2, with all the Lazio and Milan players around their coaches barring the Frenchman and the Portuguese winger.
Instead they stayed on the other side of the pitch, drinking from water battles and watch from afar. The simple interpretation is that they did not deem it necessary to go receive instructions. However, the full-back had a different explanation.
The clarifications
“We had been on the pitch for two minutes, we didn’t need the cooling break. It was nothing against the team and the coach. Now we have to continue working to win all together,” Theo said.
“We had been on the pitch for two minutes. We didn’t need it. Then people talk, they say things that aren’t true. Rafa and I are always with the team to help, and that’s what’s important.”
Then Fonseca added his thoughts: “There is no problem and I think Theo has already explained. We must not create any problems, this week I spoke with the players who accepted the choice.
“The response from the players was good and we must not create problems when they are not there. I do not run away with excuses and at this moment there is no problem.”
Nonetheless, it is a discussion that will rage on over the international break, and it is absolutely necessary for the best players in the squad to uphold standards they expect everyone to.