AC Milan tries to rally ahead of the Derby della Madonnina against Inter. The team has trained with good intensity in recent days, focused and eager to bounce back from a rough patch and break the streak of six consecutive wins by their rivals.
The time for excuses is over; the team must push beyond the limits to bring the Rossoneri fans back on their side.
This will certainly be Leao’s derby, as he once again finds himself at the center of heavy criticism after his lackluster performance against Liverpool and his failure to greet the fans alongside the rest of the team at the end of the match. Rafa always divides opinions. While his personality and disposition may prevent him from becoming a charismatic leader, the hope is that he can at least become one from a technical standpoint.
With consistency and quality, especially in high-stakes games. What better occasion than Sunday night’s derby? So far, his record against Inter shows only 3 goals and 2 assists in fifteen matches, with ten defeats, three wins, and two draws. Poor stats that demand revenge. And if Sunday’s challenge is a final test for Milan, it’s even more so for their number 10.
Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao, friends on and off the field...
The duo are in a similar situation. Neither has fully connected with Paulo Fonseca yet and they both started the season with their minds still on last summer’s transfer market. For the Frenchman, it’s time to clarify what he wants: to become the best in his position or to settle for being one of the top players? In past derbies, he’s been inconsistent, especially struggling in last season's matches. Beyond future considerations, Hernández needs to set an example for a group that tends to get overly excited in victories and disappear in tough times. It’s now or never.
Relayed via Calciomercato.com
