“Rafael Leão will have a great season” – new Milan boss Allegri | OneFootball

Massimiliano Allegri took charge of his first training session as AC Milan manager on Monday, with an apparent emphasis on star forward and Portugal international Rafael Leão.

Allegri takes charge after the Rossoneri spent the last 12 months with two Portuguese bosses: first Paulo Fonseca, who was sacked at the turn of the year; then Sérgio Conceição, who delivered the Italian Super Cup but was relieved of his duties in May after losing 10 of his 31 matches at the helm.

Milan endured a torrid campaign across the tenure of the two Luso bosses, finishing in 8th place in Serie A and missing out on European football. Leão was considered to be a major underachiever for Milan, scoring just eight league goals – his lowest tally in four years – and regularly losing his place.

"I’m sure Leão will have a great season, I believe in him,” Allegri said on Monday. “He’s reaching his peak years as players usually hit maturity between 26 and 30. I think he’s becoming more responsible.

“I spoke to him this morning and I believe everything’s in place for a great season. He needs 360-degree vision. Leão has extraordinary qualities, so do Loftus, Ricci, Tomori, and Jimenez. I must put them in the best position to perform.”

Journalists noted Allegri paying particularly close attention to the Portuguese during their first training session together on Monday. According to those in attendance, Allegri regularly spoke to Leão during the session, with the suggestion that the experienced former Juventus boss is determined to induce the former Sporting man’s best form.

The improvement must come from Leão – Capello

Legendary Italian manager and ex-Milan boss Fabio Capelli added his thoughts to the subject of Leao and a potential revival. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello says Allegri has great faith in Leão, but the improvements must come from within the player, who has been accused of being too individualistic at times.

“From someone like Leão, it's fair to expect high-level performances consistently,,” Capello said.

“Allegri has to find a way to bring that out of him, because his talent is unquestionable. In the meantime, he’d have to work a lot on his finishing. He often gets into shooting positions but then misses. He needs specific drills for finishing; basically, getting used to shooting from different angles with someone who can tell him where he’s getting it wrong. He also needs to improve his positioning off the ball.

“The real step up in quality has to come within himself. PSG strikers run up and down with no need to ask them. He must feel the desire to help his teammates.

“Max believes a lot in Rafa, because he believes in quality players. Right now, he’s still trying to motivate him, but we’ll have to see what happens later.”