Compared to five months ago, specifically Milan's 2-1 defeat to Parma, everything has changed (for the better) for Rafa Leao.
Meanwhile, for Theo Hernandez, things remain largely the same—well below his expectations and those of the Rossoneri faithful. On that August 24 match at the Tardini, the two leaders of the Diavolo realized their season would be a challenging one.
So far, only the Portuguese forward has managed to "turn it around" and change its trajectory. Credit is also due to the coaching change and a stronger connection with Conceição compared to Fonseca.
As for the Frenchman, despite scoring a couple of goals under Sergio’s guidance, he has failed to provide defensive assurances or perform to his usual standards. Wednesday’s Champions League match was emblematic for both: Rafa was a standout performer, making a decisive impact, while Theo appeared distracted in defense and ineffective in front of goal.
Today, however, the former Real Madrid player hopes to turn the page, putting behind him not only the poor performance against Parma (which led to a disciplinary benching in Rome against Lazio, the same fate that befell Leao) but also other subpar displays. Meanwhile, the number ten aims to “close the circle” by moving from his heated exchange with a Rossoneri fan in Parma to earning another standing ovation at San Siro—like the one he received last Wednesday against Girona, as the stadium celebrated an important step toward direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16.
In the League
Both Leao and Hernandez are well aware that Milan hasn’t secured three points at the Meazza in nearly two months, the last win being a decisive 3-0 victory over Empoli on November 30. Since then, there have been draws against Genoa (on the club’s 125th anniversary night), Roma, and Cagliari—the latter under Conceição’s tenure. The new coach has only claimed victories at the Rossoneri home in Europe, never in Serie A. Today, he knows there is no room for mistakes.
Even though the season is just past its halfway point, the gap to fourth place is significant. A strong response is needed to build on the win against Girona and to approach Wednesday's trip to Zagreb with high morale. This message was conveyed unmistakably in the locker room before yesterday’s afternoon break and the team's dinner at Hotel Melia, chosen as their retreat location.
The team’s leaders will inevitably need to step up—especially Leao and Theo.
Rafa’s Charge
Leao remains far from the 15 goals he scored in Serie A during the 2022-23 season. So far in the league, he has netted just four goals, with an additional four across the Champions League (three) and Coppa Italia (one). These numbers are modest compared to the Portuguese forward’s immense potential, which Conceição believes could make him “the best in the world.” The winger, formerly of Lille, reciprocates his coach's trust: “He’s a coach who gives everything for his players, and I want to do the same. He’s giving us so much.” Motivated as he hasn’t been in a long time, Leao has played five games under Conceição, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Most importantly, he was instrumental in securing wins against Como and Girona and in lifting the Supercoppa. The past three weeks have been the best of his season, and he has no plans to stop now.
Theo’s Contribution Needed
And Hernandez? He has shown some signs of revival, scoring in the Supercoppa final in Riyadh and against Como. However, the former captain (the armband now firmly belongs to Maignan) still makes too many mistakes in defensive situations and hasn’t been as dynamic in attack as he was during his glory days. A top-form Theo is precisely what this Milan needs as they face another crucial opportunity to edge closer to qualifying for next season’s Champions League. The Rossoneri faithful are expecting the real Theo to show up, as pointed out by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
