Leao expected ‘explaination’ from Fonseca, new Conceicao mentality | OneFootball

Rafael Leao admits that he learned a lesson by starting three consecutive games on the bench under Paulo Fonseca, but he expected an explanation, while Sergio Conceiçao has brought a new mentality.

The Portuguese winger and Milan celebrated winning the Supercoppa in Riyadh earlier this week after beating domestic rivals Juventus and Inter. Leao missed the semifinal against the Bianconeri due to an injury but returned to action in the second half against Inter, providing the assist for Tammy Abraham’s late winner.

“I don’t think about myself. The best image I will bring is the group celebrating Abraham’s goal. A shared moment of joy. A memory that will last forever and will tell my kid,” Leao told Gazzetta.

It was a perfect debut for new Milan coach Conceiçao, who had replaced his compatriot Fonseca on December 30.

“He [Conceiçao] has brought energy and a new mentality; this is how we managed to win the Supercoppa, which was important for everybody,” said Leao.

“I’ve already won a Scudetto here, which is the most important trophy after the Champions League, but I’ve never been able to describe what I felt in words. Now everyone has had this feeling, and we must move forward on the same path. To win the derby that was marvellous. It reminded us that we are on the right path to winning important trophies.”

Leao and Milan had to wait nearly three years to win another trophy after the Scudetto in 2022.

“It was hard, but this is football sometimes,” admitted the Rossoneri star.

“The ambition [under the new owners] was always to win, but some processes require time. We finally won an important trophy like the Supercoppa, and we must continue doing things in the right way. To wear this shirt is a responsibility and an honour. Everyone is doing a great job.”

Leao is one of the most experienced players in the team, having joined the Rossoneri in the summer of 2019.

“I already supported Milan a bit when I arrived,” he said.

Leao expected ‘explaination’ from Fonseca, new Conceicao mentality

Milan’s Rafael Leao during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and AC Milan, in Verona, Italy, 20 December 2024. EPA-EFE/EMANUELE PENNACCHIO

“It’s the team where many players I admired as a kid played. I’ve immediately felt the fans’ passion and what it means to wear this shirt. It has a special weight. I thought I wanted to stay here and win trophies. I can only thank those who brought me to Milan and those who have helped me improve as a person and as a player.”

Does it mean he wants to remain at Milan in the future?

“Yeah, I hope so.”

In the meantime, Leao has already won as many trophies as Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Milan.

“Zlatan is too important, and he’s pushing me to raise the bar on every occasion always to win,” noted Leao.

“He had a career full of successes and I can’t compare myself to him. He’s an example for me and the others. He knows what it takes to win and tries to pass it on to each of us.

“My target is to be at the highest levels and be close to the best players,” continued Leao.

“If the coach can help me, the rest is up to me. I always try to make my characteristics available for the team. Conceiçao doesn’t joke every time, but he knows how to push me and he will help me reach a higher level. We strongly rely on him. I am ready to listen and follow his ideas, which are good.

“I’ve understood that football has changed in recent years. Stats, goals and assists count more than performances and I am trying to be more clinical in front of the goal to add quality and be at the same level as top players.”

Leao started three consecutive Serie A games on the bench in November under Fonseca, and it is believed that he was not necessarily on good terms with Conceiçao’s predecessor.

“I have nothing to say about the relationship player-coach, even if we had to solve a couple of situations. No problems, situations,” said the Portuguese winger.

“He tried to do his job and apply his ideas. I think one can always learn, but it didn’t work, and I’m not deciding whether he’d stay. I can say that everyone tried their best, and I wish Fonseca the best.”

Was he angry when he was dropped for three consecutive matches, or did Fonseca’s choices motivate him?

“A bit of both. I think that at least an explanation is due after three consecutive games on the bench, but this is what coaches do sometimes,” argued Leao.

“It was the first time it happened in Milan, and I also learned from it. I hope it doesn’t happen again, but if it does, I’ll be more aware of what I need to focus on and not lose confidence in myself. This is the past, and I look to the future.”