‘A bit of both’ - Leao explains how he felt after being benched by Fonseca
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Leao explains how he felt after being benched

‘A bit of both’ - Leao explains how he felt after being benched by Fonseca

Stephen Oladehinde 15:06 - 10.01.2025

Rafael Leao has opened up on being benched by AC Milan's former manager Paulo Fonseca for some games.

Fonseca was sacked last year after a series of poor performances that saw AC Milan struggle to compete for the Serie A title.

Following his sacking, Sérgio Conceição was appointed as the new manager and has led AC Milan to the Italian Super Cup trophy.

AC Milan had to make a comeback to win the championship after trailing Inter Milan by two goals in the final, which they won 3-2.

Leao speaks on being benched

During an interview, Leao was asked how he felt being left on the bench for several games by his manager.

Leao in action for AC Milan (Credit: Imago)
Leao in action for AC Milan (Credit: Imago)

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview, he said, “A bit of both. I think that at least one explanation for three consecutive benches can be given, but sometimes coaches do that… It was the first time it happened to me at Milan and I also learned.

Rafael Leao, AC Milan star
Rafael Leao, AC Milan star

“If it happens again, and I hope not because I want to always be on the pitch, I will be more aware of what I have to do, that is, stay focused, not get down or lose confidence in myself, which is the most important thing to do our job at our best. In any case, the past is the past and I look to the future with confidence.”

To lead a push-up the table, Sergio Conceicao needs Leao to be at his peak, and the early indications are encouraging.

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