Fonseca insists he expects more from Milan star Rafael Leao | OneFootball

During his pre-match press conference on the eve of a Serie A match against Atalanta, Milan coach Paulo Fonseca insisted that he expects even more from Rafael Leao.

The Rossoneri visit Atalanta in a key Serie A match on Friday.

Leao scored a goal in a 6-1 Coppa Italia win over Sassuolo on Tuesday and has contributed to 10 goals this season.

Nevertheless, Fonseca expects even more from his compatriot.

“I believe Rafa has room for improvement,” he said.

“He’s done well in recent games, also in terms of defensive commitment, but I am not entirely satisfied. I think Rafa has the quality to do more, and Rafa’s mindset must be to do even more.

Fonseca insists he expects more from Milan star Rafael Leao

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Yeferson Paz during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and Sassuolo at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 03, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“He has scored five goals and must think he can score 20. When we have a quality, we must be self-exigent; I think this is what Rafa needs. Never be satisfied and be ambitious to do more and more. He’s on the right path, but he can’t stop now.”

Leao hit back at criticism from the media on Wednesday by posting an old Zlatan Ibrahimovic interview on Instagram.

The Portuguese has three goals and four assists in 12 Serie A appearances this term.

During his pre-match press conference, Fonseca added that it is “never” a good moment to face Atalanta, who have won eight consecutive league games, scoring 26 goals, and conceded just four.

La Dea are just one point below table leaders Napoli and are unbeaten in the Champions League.