Paolo Di Canio has once again voiced criticism of Rafael Leao following AC Milan’s Champions League victory over Club Brugge. The former Milan striker shared his thoughts on Sky Sports, expressing disappointment in Leao’s performance and attitude.
“We’re at the umpteenth… You’ve won, you should be happy for the team, but no, you’re not on the field with the others,” Di Canio remarked. He then drew an analogy between Leao and a watch: “I’ve understood what Leao is: if you observe him from afar, he looks like a beautiful watch. Is he a Vinicius Junior, a Thierry Henry, a Robben? No, if you look closely, he’s a good copy, made decently, but not quite well.”
Di Canio elaborated on Leao’s shortcomings, stating, “There are many other facets to a match, there’s an attitude. We’re not just talking about direct dribbling; he needs to express his talent in open play because he doesn’t have much intelligence in combining with teammates. This goes into the technical sphere, the 360-degree knowledge for a player who should make a difference in all situations.”
The pundit also pointed out Leao’s substitution, saying, “There must be a reason why Fonseca took him off with half an hour to go at 1-1.”
When Fabio Capello attempted to defend Leao, praising his first-half performance and highlighting a chance created for Theo Hernandez, Di Canio retorted, “One action. These are opinions, but I disagree. If we get used to mediocrity of beating one opponent from Bruges, when he hasn’t been beating his man for a while… But then in the passing phase, Okafor and Chukwueze do better. In his attitude without the ball, he didn’t move at all.”
Di Canio then addressed Capello directly, reminiscing about their time together: “Coach, when you trained us and we made a mistake after an incredible performance, you would yell at us and it would become a failing grade. Now you’ve become soft.”
