Once again, after a loss against Juventus, the topic of Rafael Leao emerges. Arrigo Sacchi speaks to La Gazzetta dello Sport about the limitations of the Portuguese number 10 in Pioli's squad. Here are his words:
"Football requires that there be eleven players and that everyone must help each other. If someone doesn't do it, it's not good. You always have to give your best, only then can you think of becoming a team."
Is Rafael Leao not giving his best then?
"Leao has great qualities, but they alone are not enough. There is no consistency in his performance. He's either decisive or does nothing. Since he has incredible potential, it would be a shame if he couldn't demonstrate it."
What should Pioli do?
"Pioli is a serious guy and a prepared coach, so he is definitely working to improve this situation. He will certainly try to understand the reasons for this inconsistency. Are Milan happy with what Leao is giving today? If the answer is yes, then there is nothing to correct. If the answer is no, as I think, then action needs to be taken."
In what way?
"I personally don't know the player, so I'm struggling to assess the situation. But for sure, you have to talk to him, convince him, and help him. Maybe even with specific training. Leao is an important asset for the club, he earns a lot of money. He absolutely needs to be valued."
What is the root of Leao's lack of consistent performances with Milan? Sacchi said:
"The causes can be numerous. Is it a mental issue? It's possible. Is it related to motivation? Lack of ambition? I don't know. The human mind is wonderful because it contains many lights and also many shadows. I know that Leao could do more and with greater consistency. And I also know, I'm not exaggerating to say this, that if he did so, he would truly be a star player. But let's go back a few months and ask ourselves: was he a starter in the Portuguese national team at the World Cup? No. So, we're talking about a player who has not yet fully expressed all his potential."
