Following AC Milan’s frustrating 0-0 draw against Genoa at San Siro, Rafael Leao spoke to DAZN and Milan TV to discuss the team’s underwhelming performance. The Portuguese forward offered insights into the team’s current struggles and their adaptation to new tactics under manager Paulo Fonseca.
Leao emphasized that the team needs time to fully grasp and implement Fonseca’s strategies. “It takes time. We’re starting to understand the coach’s ideas, but sometimes I think the problem is within us,” he explained. The forward highlighted areas for improvement, such as being more clinical in front of goal and finding spaces on the field. He praised Fonseca’s approach, noting, “The coach has good ideas. He wants us to play a lot and press the opponent.” Leao personally feels the difference, especially when the team presses high and regains possession near the opponent’s goal area, creating scoring opportunities.
Addressing the team’s recent form, Leao stated, “We had a good period, now we’ve drawn, but it can’t be the end of the world. We need to get back up together and work because today we were close to winning; we hit the crossbar. That’s football.” The player acknowledged the disappointment of dropping points in crucial matches, saying, “The coach told us it was an important game. We on the field must understand that too, that every game should be like a final.”
When asked about what the team lacked in the match, Leao pointed to a lack of ruthlessness. “We didn’t play a perfect game, but we had chances to score. We didn’t have luck today,” he explained. He also expressed regret at not being able to deliver a win for the fans on an important day for the club.
Later, Leao took to Instagram to show support for his teammate Theo Hernandez. The French left-back was benched against Genoa as punishment for his performance in the previous Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade. Leao posted a photo with Hernandez, tagging him and adding heart and hourglass emojis, suggesting solidarity and patience.
