Leao says Atalanta defeat is ‘difficult to explain’ as Milan must ‘bring joy’ against Inter | OneFootball

Rafael Leao spoke to the media after Milan’s defeat to Atalanta and admitted that ‘it is hard to explain’ why the Rossoneri failed to turn up at San Siro tonight.

Atalanta quickly took control of the game in the first half, dominating possession for most of the first 45 minutes, but Milan had some chances to take the lead before the break. Leao had the biggest one but completely failed, and thus received a 5/10 in our player ratings.

Speaking to DAZN after the game, as transcribed by MilanNews, Leao shared his thoughts on what went for Milan. He admitted that ‘it is difficult to explain’ but made it clear that they will give their all to at least experience Coppa Italia joy.

You’ve often put your face out there… Why is this team struggling so much?

“It’s hard to explain. I don’t come here to always say the same things… What I can say is that since Conceicao arrived, we have often managed to come back from behind in matches. The coach brought us this thing. Sometimes we play well and don’t win, other times we play badly and win. I don’t have an explanation.

“Now we no longer have European commitments, so we can prepare for the matches better. Against Udinese it went very well, today was a strange match. We could have scored the first goal, especially after we had come in with more determination and desire in the second half, but with a counterattack, in which they are very strong, they managed to score.

“There’s a very important match on Wednesday and we have to give it our all, to win, go to the final and bring joy to all the fans, including you (referring to Ambrosini, editor’s note). But also for us: this season is very difficult. We will try to give something to all of you.”

How much responsibility do you have?

“It’s a derby, there’s not much to say. We have to go in with the right desire to win. And then get it into our heads that it’s a competition to win.”

For Leao, the San Siro curse continued tonight as he’s yet to score a league goal at the stadium this season. He has scored in the Coppa Italia there, though, so perhaps he can grab an important goal against the city rivals on Wednesday.