Why Rafael Leao dropped down Milan’s pecking order under Fonseca | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca insists there is ‘no conflict’ between him and Rafael Leao, but the Portuguese winger has dropped down the Milan pecking order, becoming the last choice in attack in recent games.

Leao started just one match from the last three across all competitions but was subbed off after just 60 minutes against Club Brugge, seeing the Rossoneri score twice after he was replaced.

The last two Serie A outings saw the Portuguese spend the entire Udinese game on the bench and be introduced in the final 28 minutes against Napoli with Milan down to two goals.

Leao has practically become Fonseca’s last choice in attack, and even though the Portuguese tactician has played down any possible controversy, it is frankly surprising to see the highest-paid player in the team spend more time on the bench than on the pitch.

Why Rafael Leao dropped down Milan’s pecking order under Fonseca

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 29, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It is very simple to explain: he is an option for the coach, who believes it is better to begin the match with Okafor,” Fonseca said on Tuesday, prior to a Serie A game against Napoli.

The Portuguese coach insisted that it was a tactical and technical decision.

‘Fonseca wants a Milan team that keeps the ball possession, attacks and defends with 11 men. Leao is stronger than the others, but he provides less [defensive] help than the others,’ noted Gazzetta.

Furthermore, the pink paper argues that benching Leao could be a way to motivate the 25-year-old, who has one goal and four assists in 11 appearances this season.

“We try to motivate the players in different ways, but it’s up to the players to put in the right amount of dedication; I don’t have to beg them,” Fonseca added after a 2-0 loss last night.

Gazzetta says Leao and Fonseca haven’t argued openly, but the moment is ‘delicate’ especially with Milan sitting 8th in the Serie A table with just 14 points in nine matches and a game in hand.