Leao: ‘Milan deserved victory, Conceicao brought new mentality’ | OneFootball

Rafael Leao feels Milan ‘deserved all three points’ from their 1-1 draw with Cagliari and hails the different ‘mentality’ brought in by new coach Sergio Conceicao.

The Rossoneri had hoped for a very different Serie A debut under new coach Sergio Conceicao, whose first two games in charge saw them lift the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh thanks to comeback victories over Juventus and Inter.

However, when Alvaro Morata met the rebound from a Christian Pulisic attempt off the upright, Cagliari equalised just four minutes later with Nadir Zortea’s counter-attack squirming through Mike Maignan’s grasp.

Leao disappointed with Milan stalemate

epa11819127 Players of AC Milan huddle around their head coach Sergio Conceicao (unseen) at the end of the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio, in Milan, Italy, 11 January 2025. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI

“We wanted to win and climb the table. The first half was a bit strange, as we didn’t create many chances. It was better after taking the lead, but they focused on the counter-attack and waiting for our mistakes, which allowed them to score,” Leao told Sky Sport Italia.

“I think overall we did enough to deserve all three points.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Milan 1-1 Cagliari

This is the second draw with Cagliari after a 3-3 in November, so is there a reason Milan tend to do better against the big clubs and struggle with the minnows?

“All Serie A matches are difficult, but we need to focus on the positive, work on what we did wrong and keep improving as we go towards our objectives.”

Conceicao made his Serie A debut as coach, so what has he brought that is different to Paulo Fonseca?

“Mentality, the desire to always be in the opposition half, to push the other team back. This is what we are trying to do, we haven’t had much time to work, but he has already brought in his ideas and the players are trying to absorb what he wants,” continued Leao.

Tijjani Reijnders is now acting as a trequartista, so does that collide with Leao’s position as he keeps cutting inside more?

“We need to be more mobile, as if we are static then it becomes easier for Cagliari to defend. We adjusted a few things and it went better in the second half. The coach leaves me free to find my position on the pitch, it’s about understanding the moments of the match and realising where to go. I am content to be more central, as I am closer to the goal.

“I don’t have any particular preferences, I play where the coach puts me, I just want to help the team and win.”