Nothing is going well for Rafael Leao at AC Milan. In recent weeks, the Portuguese winger seems to have completely lost the confidence of his coach Paulo Fonseca. Author of a very average start to the season with 1 small goal (4 assists) in 11 matches, the former Lille striker even lost his place in the Milan eleven. This Friday evening, the Gazzetta Dello Sport revealed that Paulo Fonseca was going to do without him again this weekend against Monza, preferring to start the young Swiss left winger Noah Okafor.
A decision in continuation of the treatment reserved for the Portuguese international in recent weeks since he has not started 3 of his team’s last 4 matches. This Saturday, the pink paper newspaper explains that after noting that the two men were not on the same wavelength, their relationship has now taken a new turn. For the first time, the relationship between the coach and the Milan number 10 is clearly called into question. Paulo Fonseca believes that his striker’s performance and attitude do not suit him. He wants a player who is much more involved in the defensive phases and has tried to wake him up several times by sending him to the bench.
Rafael Leao asked to leave
“There is no conflict between us, it’s just an option from the coach. I think, for Leao and for everyone, we try to motivate them in different ways. And it’s everyone’s duty to give their best, I don’t need to beg.”explained Fonseca after the match against Naples while Leao had started on the bench and played just 30 minutes. But the Portuguese striker does not seem so motivated by the idea of regaining his place. On the contrary. Tuttosport And Sport in fact announce that he has already decided to leave AC Milan. And as quickly as possible. The Italian daily explains that Rafael Leao is very angry and does not understand his situation.
Feeling betrayed by the club and wanting to leave, he has already started to sound out other clubs, notably FC Barcelona. The Catalan club, in great form at the start of the season, is aware of the situation through Jorge Mendes who is not, however, its official agent. Barcelona sports director Deco, like Joan Laporta, greatly appreciates the player and Barça is actively looking for a left winger to strengthen the attack (especially after the failure of the Nico Williams track this summer). With his situation, Leao’s market value should fall and Barça intends to take advantage of it. And if the player even hopes to leave in January if he does not play more, the Blaugranas will seek to delay until the summer to offer Hansi Flick a major reinforcement.
