Milan crisis, fans lash out at Rafa Leao but there are those who defend him

A.C. Milan collapsed, at San Siro, in the presence of Udinese. A heavy faux pas to digest, not least because it complicates the race for a place in the next Champions League. Everyone under indictment, especially Rafael Leao. The Portuguese, author of a decidedly negative performance, was booed loudly by his public at the moment of substitution.

Rafael Leao’s seventh season in Milan, the Nerazzurri side, is proving to be his most difficult ever. After a good start, also accomplice to a few too many injuries and the role of central striker he so dislikes, the Portuguese has literally lost his way. So many anonymous matches that have led to a rift with the San Siro public, now no longer willing to accept his behavior on the field.

In the post-match of the challenge with Udinese, Adrien Rabiot spoke out to defend the Rossoneri’s 10: “I can understand the fans’ booing because it is a defeat, even a heavy one when we are close to the goal. The thing that disappointed me was the booing of Leao, because in my opinion at this moment we have to help and support him. And that doesn’t help him. We are all together until the end, it was bad but soccer is like that, we know that and we have to move on,” the words, to Sky Sport, of the Frenchman.

A strong stance that, however, does not erase the problem. The Rossoneri people seem to have turned their backs on the Portuguese talent. The sometimes superficial attitude is no longer tolerated. Whether or not this rift can be recomposed remains to be seen. A change of pace from Rafael Leao would be needed in this final sprint. He needs his best version for the Champions League.