Regarding Milan and the complicated period Rafael Leao is going through, Former Milan and Inter centre-forward, Hernan Crespo, said the following:
"I’m observing from the outside, as I’m not at Milanello, although I know the environment well, and the first word that comes to mind is confusion. It seems to me that Leao is confused. His issue is primarily a mental one; the technical aspects come after that," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
What is the reason for this confusion?
"I have my own opinion. He is a talent with remarkable qualities, both technical and athletic, but he hasn’t yet reached the maturity that a champion must have. In short, it’s as if he’s halfway there. Knowing how to dribble isn’t enough to be considered a top player, and with Leao, there has been a bit of exaggeration with the compliments."
Leao has also displayed questionable behaviour... Crespo replied:
"When he isolated himself at the Olimpico, together with Theo Hernandez, during the cooling break, it wasn’t a good episode. If I had done that when I was at Milan or Inter or Lazio or Parma or Chelsea, I would have faced a hefty fine and probably would have been benched for a few games. These are gestures that risk compromising the harmony of a group, and I say this as a coach."
Not everything is going well with Rafael Leao and Paulo Fonseca... Thoughts?
"I don’t know their personal relationship, so it’s hard for me to judge. However, I recall a memory from my own history: when I was at Parma in my second season, the fans were booing me, and the coach, Carlo Ancelotti, never substituted me to make it clear to the spectators and to me that he believed in my qualities. For me, that was a great boost of confidence, as I was young and still needed to complete my growth. In Leao’s case, though, it seems Fonseca has substituted him without much hesitation, and then Milan won the match against Club Brugge. These signals must be interpreted carefully, and the first one who needs to do that is Leao himself."
Crespo, wouldn’t it be better for Milan to part ways with Rafael Leao?
"I don’t get into market dynamics, especially since I don’t know the type of contract the Portuguese player has. Certainly, if things continue like this, Leao is not an added value for the team. It’s a shame because he has great resources and potential. However, he hasn’t yet made that leap in quality. And keep in mind, he hasn’t done it with Milan, nor with the national team."
What does this delay in maturity depend on?
"There are players who stop just before becoming champions. I’ve known quite a few. I hope that isn’t the case with Leao, but he certainly needs to draw something from his character to manage to turn things around. The difference between a good player—let’s say an excellent player like Leao—and a champion is quite simple: continuity."
Crespo continued:
"Leao does wonderful things for two or three games, and then he disappears. A champion is a champion all the time, even when playing below their standard level. They are a reference point for the team; you know they are there and will always be there. With Leao, can we say before he steps on the field that he’s there and will always be?"
