AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli believes that Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao have suffered a decline in their condition since the World Cup in Qatar.
There is no doubting that the left flank has been a real strength for Milan since Theo and Leao began their link-up in the previous 4-2-3-1 formation, with both providing the speed, dribbling, creativity and goals to make it the main threat.
However, the Frenchman and the Portuguese have struggled for form along with the rest of the team so far in 2023, with Leao’s last goal coming in the 2-2 draw against Lecce and with Theo struggling at both ends of the pitch.
Pioli was asked a question about the duo during his pre-match press conference during which he seemed to put most of the blame on post World Cup fatigue, with MilanNews relaying his comments.
“Leao is important for me and for the team. He’s back from the World Cup, he happened to play very well right away in Salerno and then lose a bit of his brilliance. He’s fine, he’s much happier when he plays; I see him very motivated and very concentrated,” he said.
“Theo? He’s a bit like Leao. He came back from the World Cup, and I didn’t want to play him in Salerno, but he had to play. He had a physiological drop, but he’s fine and wants to prove his worth.”
In addition to that, Pioli was asked why the summer signings from 2022 – such as Thiaw, Vranckx, Adli and De Ketelaere – have not featured much.
“Because they are young and talented guys, but because everyone forgets that Kalulu took two years, Leao was criticised for months.
“All are talented guys, the club did not make a mistake in getting them. Right now, a coach is a bit more careful to get players who are a bit more solid and have a bit of knowledge and attendance.”
