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Leão Admits the Criticism Is Painful Before Leverkusen

Rafael Leão seems destined to remain a polarizing figure among fans, not due to a lack of talent, but because everyone is aware of his potential and questions his ability to maintain that level consistently over a season.

Furthermore, winning the Scudetto and being named Serie A MVP propelled the Portuguese player into the ranks of elite players in his position. His renewal as the highest-paid member of the squad has also elevated the expectations surrounding him.

Alongside Paulo Fonseca, Leão participated in a live interview on Sky, discussing his relationship with his new head coach, the upcoming game, and addressing the criticism he occasionally receives.

What Is It Like Working Under Fonseca?

“Apart from the fact that he is Portuguese. When he arrived, he gave me confidence. We talked about the objectives of this season, even though it was the pre-season. But he is a person who is helping me a lot, more in the things that I have to improve than in the things that he knows I can do.”

Do You Feel Like You’re Still Missing Something This Season?

“I miss scoring. I’m getting a lot of assists. The most important thing is to win. After the derby, that week, I had in mind that I wanted to give everything, help the team, I didn’t think about being a protagonist. I just wanted to do a good job, help my team, and win. Because winning a derby with this team here is a huge feeling.”

What Kind of Week Was the Derby Week?

The coach brought us a very good energy, him, his staff, the people who work at Milan, the Curva Sud. So that week was perfect. Then the group has already understood what the coach wants on the pitch, the club, Ibra, that week he came to give support. So the energy outside and inside is very good, and in my opinion, tomorrow is an opportunity to give continuity to this moment.”

Can You Win?

“We can win. Of course, we have to respect Bayer because Leverkusen is a very difficult team to play against. They have a great coach, quality players who are young, but we play face to face against them even if we play at their home. We try to win because we haven’t won in the Champions League yet.”

How Has the Change in Formation Been?

“Good from a physical point of view, but also mental, because you have to be focused at all times. In this game, the details count, not a dribble, good control. You have to be well positioned.

“Then sometimes I’m far from the goal, but that’s the mental point of view when Chris has the ball, sprint, and close on the far post. There’s this thing here that I’m trying to improve and get used to doing every game.”

Criticism Chapter: How Did You Experience the ‘Cooling Break’ Episode?

On the cooling break as Theo had already said we had been on for two minutes, we stayed there, there was nothing against my coach.

“Then on the criticism in general. Personally, the energy I get from the fans has changed in my opinion compared to two years ago, but I don’t want to talk about this because we are in a good moment, we are coming from some victories, from winning a derby, so the most important thing is Milan.

“Milan is more important than Leao; it is bigger than all the players. Winning with this shirt is the most important thing but the criticism hurts, yes.”

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