Former AC Milan manager Arrigo Sacchi has said that the Rossoneri must think about what they want Rafael Leao to be offering the team.
Speaking during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Radio Rossonera), Sacchi was once again asked about Leao, a player he has been critical of in recent times.
He does not seem to agree with the amount of running that Leao does, suggesting that he needs to track back much more as Milan cannot afford to carry anyone.
He has now framed that differently, suggesting that Milan are not getting what they want from the Portuguese forward and need to intervene.
“Leao has great qualities, but they alone are not enough. There is no continuity in his performance. Either he is decisive or he does nothing. Since he has incredible potential, it would be a shame if he didn’t manage to show it,” he said.
“Pioli is a serious guy and a prepared coach, so he is certainly working to improve this situation. He will certainly try to understand the reasons for this inconsistency. At Milan, today, are they happy with what Leao is giving? If the answer is yes, then there’s really nothing to correct. If the answer is no, as I think, then something must be done.”
When asked why Leao is not consistently playing well, Sacchi lists a number of potential reason that seem to centre on the Portuguese forward’s mentality.
“There can be so many causes. A mental fact? Possibly. A fact related to motivation? Lack of ambition? I don’t know. The human mind is wonderful because it contains so many lights and also so many shadows. I know that Leao could do more and with more continuity. And I also know, I’m not exaggerating to say it, that if he did that he would be a real star. But let’s go back a few months and ask ourselves, was he a starter for Portugal at the World Cup? No. So we are talking about a player who has not yet expressed his full potential,” Sacchi said.
Pioli is thought to want Leao to spend more time in the opposition box, as his goalscoring numbers could improve.
Sacchi is right. Leao has been strutting around on the field like he’s Ronaldo, which he most definitely is not. He gives only a half hearted effort whenever he’s challenged, and gives up quickly on the ball when he gets stripped. If a pass isn’t spot on right to his feet, he doesn’t bother to go to the ball, he just gives up.
The guy is becoming a pain in the ass, and is being carried by the team, not the other way around. Milan most of the time is really playing with only 10 men, even without somebody getting red carded.
And play defense? Barely even tries.
Gandalf, you absolutely right, he doesn’t support in the defensive phase which resultantly heaps pressure on our defense, as well undermines our optimal performance. He should work on his stamina for an upgrade on his football status.
Sacchi is right. Leao’s problem is that he thinks he’s better than he really is. In his mind he thinks he’s a big star but in reality he hasn’t achieved anything in world football so far. He is lazy and self-sufficient, he is not an ambitious player. I know that many Milan fans do not agree with these statements. I think that in the case of Theo Hernandez it is about the same situation. AC Milan must become a must serious club, force the players to give their maximum or if that is not possible then sell them and bring in their place other players who want more and are more consistent .
Tends to happen when they get a nice big pay rise… Let’s see if Pioli has the guts to bench him to make him fight for his place.
Sacchi as usual spitting facts!
Yep. No reason to question his opinion. Actually it’s more than just an opinion – it’s all facts he’s saying. Something needs to change as his current contribution is far from “enough”.
And don’t start with the “must he do everything by himself” as everyone knows he’s doing zero defending and his work-rate is beyond atrocious.
If he is not doing something utterly special, he isn’t doing anything at all. I go thru periods of time in the game and realize that the number 10 hasn’t done anything but sulk for 5 or 6 minutes. champagne and cake are wonderful but, you can’t live on champagne and cake. He’s a young guy with a bright future and loads of talent, let’s hope it all clicks for him. Forza Milan!
I don’t know why people are complaining about leao depending why only him and only Milan, maybe you guys are not watching football including you sacchi, is mbampe doing what you want leao to do or salah or Ronaldo I’m not comparing him to them but I don’t see any problem for just leao not depending
Salah does contribute to his team’s high press, and everybody playing for Liverpool are constantly running, pressing, and doing fast counterattacks – Klopp runs his team at a very high tempo and no laggards are allowed.
Mbappe and Ronaldo don’t play much defense, but both are MUCH more active on offense – they will run after passes that are off-target, and they don’t just quit when they lose the ball, they’ll keep fighting for it. Plus, both are MUCH MUCH BETTER at NOT losing the ball in the first place.
Leao has become a Turnover Machine for Milan.
Leao did everything vs juve but we don’t have a real number 9
“Leao did everything vs juve ”
OK. What’s there to show for then? If that is everything he can give, then we need someone/something better. One good assist inside the box doesn’t cut it. Even Rabiot created more and was more dangerous.
If u want to no if leao can be serious
Just sack pioli and get us conte that’s all
Let’s be honest,no ibra
All we need now is conte,then u can see that he is a central forward,2 in the front or 1 in the front
Good player, pace, drribling, speed, acceleration, though he has some flaws, poor at shooting, can’t make accurate cross through ball or long ball, kinda points difficult to correct