Theo and Leao’s season could restart from scratch: back in August, a Portuguese coach, Fonseca, benched them as punishment in the match against Lazio.
On Saturday in Lecce, it will be Conceição deciding their fate, and it’s likely he’ll once again opt to keep both among the substitutes. Playing away could have been an advantage, even though Milan has picked up 17 points on the road—seven fewer than their 24 at home. A trip might have helped ease the tension or, for some in particular, allowed them to avoid the whistles and murmurs of San Siro.
The main targets of criticism are Theo and Leao, the most talented players in the squad: once driving forces, now (for Hernandez much more than for Rafa) burdens. With their attacking thrust down the left, Milan used to dominate that flank, but now they are the ones being overtaken: especially on Theo’s side, opponents are surging forward at full speed. Even Lazio’s opening goal came from a weak defensive cover by the Frenchman, while Leao, going the other way, failed to make an impact—his usual wayward crosses and dribbles in the box leading nowhere.
Criticism towards Leao?
The Portuguese winger “felt” present in the game, but only in one section of the stadium. He clashed with some fans seated in the first tier of the orange section, engaging in arguments while the match was still in progress. The criticism from part of the crowd made Rafa realize they weren’t the only ones, which led him to vent on social media. On Instagram, he posted a group photo with the caption:
"Unfortunately, it’s us against everything and everyone. We’re working to get back to positive results, and the group will remain more united than ever!"
Message?
His message ended with two hearts—one red and one black—a statement of defiance in difficult times. This isn’t the first time that Rafa and San Siro have had a troubled relationship: in the past, tensions have eased, but this time it will be harder. The entire Milan squad is in turmoil, and Leao is caught in the storm as the team’s most gifted player. The expectation is for him to deliver the turning point he has yet to provide this season. While goals and assists haven’t been lacking, consistency certainly has. Fans now expect him to take the team by the hand, but Rafa is struggling to do so.
There’s also the growing feeling that today’s distance between Leao and Milan might widen rather than shrink. That will happen if, at the end of the season, both parties decide to part ways. It’s a possibility, although there are currently no concrete alternatives. Essentially, no offers have been made. The only option, which the player might consider, comes from Saudi club Al-Nassr. In the coming weeks, Rafa will not only have to perform on the pitch but also prove his commitment to the club—the same commitment he displayed on social media—so that the home crowd can be patient and supportive again. At least until the end of the season.
Whistles against Theo Hernandez?
The fracture with Theo, on the other hand, appears irreparable—even in the short term. Two days ago came the final break: as he approached to take a corner kick, he was drowned in whistles. The San Siro crowd no longer tolerates his lapses on the pitch, and above all, the feeling that Hernandez is playing with the handbrake on rather than pushing forward. Reintroducing him at home won’t be easy.
Theo has given a lot—he holds the record for goals by a defender in Serie A (30)—but he now risks undoing everything with a disastrous season. He won’t get another chance: his contract, expiring in 2026, will not be renewed. Milan will look for buyers in the summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport.
