AC Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta has stated that he expected more from Rafael Leao as he continues to struggle to find any form.
The new year has not been kind to Leao after a 2022 in which he helped Milan to the Scudetto win as the Serie A MVP and also began the current season well. He has played 11 games in 2023 so far, of which 9 have been from the first minute, with only 2 goals scored and the last of these dating back to January 14th.
Costacurta spoke on Sky Italia and he was asked for his thoughts on the difficult patch that Leao is going through, with his comments relayed by SempreMilan.it.
“I think the coach sees him as we see him. Expectations are always high, especially in high-level matches. Leao was only decisive in Zagreb if we talk about Europe, I expect something more from him especially in the games that count. And if the coach doesn’t let him play against Inter, it means that there is something…” he said.
Costacurta has been vocal in his criticism of Leao before as he spoke after the 0-0 draw against Spurs to secure progress to the Champions League quarter-finals and remarked that it was like Stefano Pioli’s team were ‘playing a man down’.
Billy, accept the reality of who Leao is, lower your expectations and you will save yourself from disappointment.
But he is right about 1 thing, Leao almost never shows up in big games vs big teams and now he isn’t even showing up vs bottom of the table teams.
This summer Milan is in a no-win situation.
If they give in on Leao salary demands they will be overpaying and signing him on a bad contract, if they sell him it will be for a markdown fee.
Another botched contract negotiations by Maldini that will cost Milan even more
“Another botched contract negotiations by Maldini that will cost Milan even more”
Well… The management was right not to give ridiculous sums to a player who can’t deliver. And they cannot force him to sign either.
Where M&M screwed up is the timing. They should have sold him ages ago. Last summer at the latest. Even that 70M€ offer from Chelsea would have been a super deal considering how the “Game Changer” has been playing this season. Selling him this summer is too late. I doubt anyone offers even 40M€ for him anymore.