Ibrahimovic: ‘Rafael Leao doesn’t realise how good he is’ | OneFootball

Zlatan Ibrahimovic explains the delicate balancing act to get the best out of Rafael Leao at Milan ahead of the Juventus showdown. ‘He doesn’t realise how good he is.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Verona-Inter and Parma-Atalanta on the Liveblog.

After a period of being repeatedly dropped by Paulo Fonseca, Rafael Leao shone against Real Madrid and Cagliari, getting back into shape.

Much has been said about how the Portugal international can finally be consistent and capable of stepping up to the next level, so Ibrahimovic was asked how to achieve that.

Ibrahimovic advice for Leao and Milan

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Theo Hernandez of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Rafael Leao after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Venezia at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 14, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I have always been proud of him, because he was a kid when I first met him, but he’s more mature now and is the player. Before he was just potential talent,” Ibrahimovic told DAZN.

“He knows that with everyone there are moments when you go wow, others less wow, it’s important to keep the non-wow moments to a minimum. He is going through a good period at the moment, both on the field and off. We are there to support and motivate him, but as a player he must make the difference because he’s one of the best in the world.”

It has been said that Leao needs constant motivation, but shouldn’t he already have that fire within him?

“I think Leao doesn’t realise how good he is. When he realises that, then it will all come out. People talk about him so much because they expect a great deal, which is because they know how talented he is,” continued Ibrahimovic.

“You’ve got to be balanced. If you tell someone every day he’s the best, he might get lazy. If you put too much pressure on, that’s bad too. Everyone is different. I personally didn’t need to anything, just determination to give my best. He needs to learn with experience how to activate that switch, but we are happy with what he is doing.”

Alvaro Morata was a summer signing with two different career spells in Serie A with Juventus, but is now leading the line for Milan.

“Morata had a nasty knock to the head 10 days ago, he missed a couple of games and played I think 45 minutes with Spain. We are very satisfied, we knew what he would bring, he is a player of the collective,” added Ibrahimovic.

“He won’t score 50 goals per game, but he puts in the sacrifice, helps the others and is a leader both on and off the field. Considering the way Fonseca plays, he is well suited.”

The Rossoneri have a game in hand, but are also trailing in the title race and need a win here to catch up with the group at the top.

Matteo Gabbia passed a fitness test, with only Luka Jovic, Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi still out of action, but Christian Pulisic is fit for the bench.