Bad Reviews For Milan’s Lack Of Support For Their Troubled Star

Written By Onyeka Daniel

It appears that the switch from Stefano Pioli to Paulo Fonseca may have created a whole new problem for Italian giants, AC Milan and as things stands now, the club may have a very difficult choice to make, to either back their manager or take side with one of their most important players in the squad.

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The issue between the former Lille coach and Portuguese forward, Rafael Leao is well known and while the coach continues to insist that his decision to leave the player on the bench in their recent matches are tactical choices, it appears that there is an underlying tension between the pair.

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Accordingly, Sky Sport Italia pundits have insisted that Leao can’t be a Milan benchwarmer, and Giancarlo Marocchi feels his teammates should help him on the pitch: ‘When I saw Del Piero in defence…’ Leao has started three consecutive Serie A games on the bench, and it’s no secret that his relationship with the coach is not ideal.

“I don’t think he can’t be a Milan reserve,” ex-Lazio keeper Luca Marchegiani said during Sky Sport Italia’s post-match show on Sunday. “He may remain out in some games because he’s not fit or you want to signal. It must be said that a year and a half ago, he was treated as if he was the best player in Milan’s history.

“But he can’t be a reserve because he’s stronger than the others. For the former Juventus midfielder, he suggested that Leao needs all the hell from Milan teammates: “You can’t expect to change his attitude.” Former Inter defender, Beppe Bergomi, a 1982 Italy World Cup winner, also had the same line of thoughts

He felt that Leao should indeed be a starter against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. “We are not all the same. I had a coach who used to say: ‘You are all the same, except one, [the Brazilian] Ronaldo.’ “Leao is an exciting player,” continued Bergomi.

“I understand he’s not always consistent, but as a defender, I’ll be more worried about man-mark Leao than Okafor, with all the respect due. If I were at Milan, I would support this lad. ”Ex-Juventus midfielder Marocchi added: “Leao’s teammates should support him too.

“Because there are things that directors can’t do, like go inside the dressing room and try to manage it.“Theo and a holding midfielder should tell Leao not to worry about following the opposing full-back and stay free up front. Ask Del Piero; when I saw him in defence, I used to say to him: ‘Go away from here!’

One possible reason Leao has been dropped frequently by Fonseca in the last month is the winger’s reluctance to help the team defensively. He is Milan’s highest-paid player. The Portuguese ace was named the best Serie A player in 2021-22, when the Rossoneri won the title under Stefano Pioli.

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Milan sit 7th in the Serie A table after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Monza. The Diavoli have 17 points and a game in hand. They will be traveling away to face Real Madrid in the UCL before also visiting Cagliari on Saturday to conclude their matches before the November international break.

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