Leao admits he ‘really likes’ being at Milan and comments on ‘resolved issue’ with Fonseca | OneFootball

Rafael Leao has spoken about his relationship with AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca, admitting that he has happy at the club.

It has definitely been Leao’s most turbulent start to the season since the one that he joined (2019-20) as the new coach Fonseca has not been afraid to bench him.

In fact, the winger went three games in a row without starting in the league which seemed unthinkable for a player of his talent, especially against opponents like Napoli.

However, against Real Madrid and Cagliari Leao as had an upturn after the ‘turbulence’ of the last few weeks. We do not know if Fonseca’s management method will actually pay off in the end, but in the meantime the player has given positive signals.

Two days before the Nations League match against Poland, Leao spoke at a press conference from the Portugal training camp, answering some questions about life at club level. His words were relayed by MilanNews.

Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta recently criticised your contribution, speaking of a lack of intensity. Your thoughts?

“I clearly disagree. I’m having great seasons at AC Milan. The season has just started. Obviously I’m not the perfect player, there are times when I can do much better also because I’m very self-critical.

“These criticisms don’t shake me, though. I have people in AC Milan and in the national team who help me grow. On the one hand, these criticisms help me, they motivate me to grow on the pitch even more.”

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How do you rate the season so far?

“I’m always thinking ahead. I’m happy with what I’ve done in the last two games. I don’t think about the previous games, I think about the next one and now about the ones here with the national team.

“Overall it’s going well, of course it could go a lot better because I want to do great things with Milan and with the national team.”

What are your thoughts on Milan coach Paulo Fonseca and the difficulties you encountered with him?

“These things happen. I have nothing against the coach. It’s a resolved issue. I don’t like being on the bench, I always like helping the team. The decisions must be made by the coach. Both in the national team and at Milan, I always try to give my best to help my team.”

Can the national team be an escape route?

“Regardless of whether I play well or badly, I really like being at Milan. I try to give my best. I don’t think the national team is an escape route. I feel a lot of confidence on both sides.

“When things don’t go well, people criticise. I’ve been at Milan for five years and I’ve gotten used to that pressure.”