CorSera: Team means more than individuals – Fonseca’s Milan has no more ‘untouchables’ | OneFootball

Rafael Leao was given a place on the bench for Saturday’s clash against Udinese, and this has sent a message to the AC Milan squad – for Paulo Fonseca, the needs of the team will always come first from now on.

When it comes to Milan stars at present, Leao is at the top of the list. The Portuguese winger is the most valuable on the mercato, but his value to the team is lessened currently. For this reason, Fonseca opted to bench him on Saturday.

Corriere della Sera (via Milan News) writes that the Portuguese winger should find himself in the starting eleven against Club Brugge, but there is no longer a ‘divine right’ to be in the starting squad. Instead, each chance must be earned, and if performances drop, then there are no guarantees of a position.

Of course, this takes courage from the manager, and with the management firmly behind the Portuguese head coach, making moves like this will be appreciated by them. After all, if they get a better Leao from this decision, it only benefits the club.

A warning has now been offered to Leao – even if it was not the sole intention of the move – and he must show a reaction on Tuesday night in the Champions League. If he doesn’t, he could return to a familiar position this weekend.