Compare The Portugal National Team With Milan, Rafael Leao Gives A Noisy Signal With Fonseca

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has a club and coach Paulo Fonseca. (X/@acmilan)

JAKARTA - AC Milan winger Rafael Leao compared the condition of the Portuguese club and national team. Leao said the national team always supports players. Unlike coach Paulo Fonseca and Milan. The signal of Leao's rift with Fonseca?

Leao's relationship with the new Milan coach seems to be getting bigger. Leao did not hesitate to compare the condition of the Portugal national team which gave full support to the players. Leao felt this when he played two UEFA Nations League matches against Poland and Scotland.

According to Leao, not only the national team but also coach Roberto Martinez fully supports the players. On the other hand, Leao claims things were different when he was in Milan and Fonseca who didn't care much about players.

The 25-year-old has openly exposed the situation at Milan after the departure of coach Stefano Pioli. This was said by Leao to Portuguese media after a 0-0 draw against Scotland.

"I feel everyone giving support here [the national team]. The coach put his full trust in me," Leao told Corriere della Sera quoted by Football Italia.

"The coach asked me to play vertically when dealing with one on one. He also believes I can do my best. He also asked me to play as I wanted to create many opportunities," he said.

"When they fought Scotland, they really didn't give us any space, making it difficult for us. Then, the coach asked me to play deeper, whether it was when we got the ball or without the ball," he said again.

Leao's statement seemed to imply that he was having problems with Fonseca and Milan. Moreover, the Italian media already knew that their relationship was slightly strained. Especially after Leao and Theo Hernandez were caught not joining other players during the cooling break in the match against Lazio, last August.

They remained standing in the middle of the field when Fonseca gave instructions to other players. When asked about that, Fonseca stated that there was no problem. The Portuguese coach also dismissed reports of disputes with players.

However, rumors of tensions between them have resurfaced in the match against Inter Milan. Leao looked very disappointed when he was pulled out in the Derby della Madonnina which was held in September 2024.

Only, once again, Fonseca did not question Leao's statement. Fonseca felt that Leao's accusations were not addressed to him.

However, Leao's statement seemed to signal that he did not feel at home in Milan. Moreover, he was once targeted by Real Madrid. However, the plan is nothing more than a rumor. Apart from Madrid, he is the target of Manchester United.

Milan returned to compete in the Italian Serie A after the competition due to international matches. Milan will face its guests Udinese at the San Siro Stadium, Saturday, October 19, 2024 evening WIB.