Rafael Leao wants not only to reclaim his place at Milan but also the starting shirt that he seems to have lost in recent weeks, considering the excellent form that Noah Okafor is in. Between Udinese and Club Brugge, Okafor has been significantly more impactful (and decisive) than the Portuguese player. But even though the performance of the number 10 against the Belgians wasn’t exactly poor, had the match against Bologna taken place yesterday, the offensive trio behind Morata would have included the Swiss player instead of Rafael Leao, as relayed via Milannews.it.
The exclusion against Udinese and the substitution in the Champions League against Club Brugge have made headlines, but nothing compared to being benched against Napoli, which would represent the third exclusion in the first twelve official matches of the season.
For this reason, Leao has the next two days to overturn the hierarchy ahead of the clash against the team of Antonio Conte and secure a starting position because he has no intention of missing such a title-deciding match.
Ibrahimovic - Rafael Leao meeting - The Milan consultant supports the Portuguese winger
At the beginning of this season, Rafael Leao reached the lowest point of his Milan experience, with controversies with fans in Parma, a cooling break in Rome against Lazio, and several exclusions.
Then, with Fonseca, the spark did not ignite, writes La Gazzetta dello Sport, not so much due to language misunderstandings, since both are Portuguese, but because the Milan coach would ask his compatriot for efforts and tasks that perhaps Pioli would never have required. But it is known that Fonseca’s motto is "team first, then the individual."
For this reason, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's recent visit to Milanello was purposeful, as the RedBird advisor took Leao aside, encouraging him and confirming the club's full support. The conversation between the two was more about motivation than criticism, especially since the Rossoneri club knows that only with Rafa at his best can Milan make a definitive leap in quality.
Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca is aware of Rafael Leao's qualities, but...
Fonseca stands with the club. He is aware that Rafael Leao is an asset to this team, but at the same time, he knows that he cannot ignore the situation and prioritise individual talents over the team.
Perhaps this would never have happened under Pioli, but the number 10 must adapt, especially if he wants to continue being decisive in the Rossoneri colours.
For this reason, a new, heavy exclusion from the starting lineup must be avoided at all costs, with Leao having 48 hours to reclaim his spot in Milan and the left flank that made him great.
