The precise decision to shine a spotlight, at that moment, on that specific player...
After the Udine game, when Marco Landucci was ending his link with Sky, before removing his earpiece, he said: "I would also like to remember someone who is not here, if you allow me." Of course, go ahead. "Leao has been away from us for a while, people talk about him, but I wanted to say we found an exemplary professional. He will return soon and we are happy about it." He then repeated in the press conference: "Everyone was talking about him in a vague way, he is a splendid professional." Allegri’s assistant, clearly aligned with the head coach, sent a strong, clear message to the Rossoneri world and beyond. A statement of respect without being asked, underlining a concept that is evidently crucial at Milanello.
At the end of the match that, more than any other this season, showed a cohesive and united Milan, Landucci and Allegri felt it was right to include in their professional reflections (those that go beyond tactical and technical aspects) someone who had not played. Not just anyone, but the player Milan is building its new era around, as pointed out by those at La Gazzetta dello Sport. This sends several signals. First, a clear message to Rafa: Milan is starting to soar without you, imagine what will happen when you return. Second, it tells the world there is a new number 10 at Milanello: settled into the role, aware and responsible: that “exemplary professional.”
Since June, a new path has been structured around Rafa Leao, it aims to give him the definitive step up that has been delayed year after year.
Allegri has worked with him from the start, Ibra never stopped guiding him, and now Modric is showing the way. New Rafa, new role, new approach to work. "Now he can truly enter the age of maturity," the Rossoneri coach said a couple of months ago. Yesterday Landucci reaffirmed it openly to the outside world. This is also how a group is built.
