Former AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo has voiced his concerns about Rafael Leao’s recent performances and attitude in a candid interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. The Argentine legend, who also played for Inter, Lazio, and Parma in Serie A, didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Portuguese winger.
Crespo began by stating, “The first word that comes to mind is confusion. It seems to me that Leao is confused. His problem is primarily in his head, then come the technical issues.” He went on to explain that while Leao possesses remarkable technical and athletic qualities, he hasn’t yet reached the maturity expected of a champion. “He’s like he’s halfway there,” Crespo elaborated. “It’s not enough to know how to dribble to be considered a superstar, and I think there’s been a bit of exaggeration with the compliments directed at Leao.”
The former striker also criticized Leao’s recent behavior during a cooling break at the Olimpico stadium, where he isolated himself with teammate Theo Hernandez. Crespo remarked, “If I had done that when I was at Milan, Inter, Lazio, Parma, or Chelsea, I would have received a hefty fine and probably been benched for a few games. These are gestures that risk compromising the harmony of a group, and I say this as a coach.”
Crespo drew a parallel with his own career, recalling a time at Parma when the crowd booed him, but his coach, Carlo Ancelotti, continued to show faith in him. He contrasted this with Leao’s situation, noting, “In Leao’s case, it seems that Fonseca substituted him without much hesitation, and then Milan won the match against Bruges. These signals need to be interpreted carefully, and the first one who should do so is Leao himself.”
The Argentine was particularly critical when discussing Leao’s current contribution to the team. “If he continues like this, Leao is not adding value to the squad. It’s a shame because he has great means and potential. He just hasn’t managed to make that quality leap yet. And mind you, he hasn’t done it with Milan, nor with the national team.”
Crespo concluded by explaining the difference between a good player and a champion: “The difference is quite simple: consistency. Leao does wonderful things for two or three games, and then switches off. A champion is always a champion, even when playing below their standard level. They’re a reference point for the team; you know they’re there and will always be there. With Leao, before he steps onto the field, can we say he’s there and will always be there?”
