The criticism continues to pour in from Milan pundits after Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao stood apart from the team during a cooling break, as more insist they ‘should’ve already been sold.’
They were initially benched during the Serie A trip to Lazio last night and combined with Tammy Abraham to score the equaliser in a 2-2 draw just 30 seconds after coming on.
However, a couple of minutes later there was a cooling break where the entire team huddled around their coach at the touchline getting instructions – except Leao and Theo Hernandez, who stood together on the complete opposite side of the pitch.
While the France international insisted it was because they had just come on and did not require a cooling break, it was still not a good message to send, especially when fellow substitutes Abraham and Yunus Musah joined the huddle.
It has prompted the long-running debate over the pair to erupt again and writer Tony Damascelli did not hold back on Radio Radio.
“If Theo Hernandez played for Crotone, he would never get called up for France. He is a player you only see when he has the ball at his feet. When the opponents have it, anything could happen.”
The left-back is certainly known more for his attacking skills than defensive, which is why Fonseca opted to drop him for the trip to Lazio.
Milan critics turn on Theo and Leao
Telelombardia director Fabio Ravezzani also explained to MilanNews.it that this issue has been brewing for a while at San Siro.
“Leao notoriously does not have football as his priority in life. Theo wanted to leave and has a turbulent past. There are no real club icons left, most of the players arrived at most 2-3 years ago.
“If a team has few leaders and a coach who the fans don’t have much faith in, then it becomes difficult.”
There were reports that Theo Hernandez was pushing for a move to Bayern Munich this summer, while Rafael Leao was linked with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
“The biggest mistake was not realising two players had reached the end of the road at Milan. Neither of them can continue to give what they’ve given this team in the past. It can only get worse, so they should’ve been sold.”
Ravezzani was also very critical of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has a still not exactly defined role as ‘advisor’ to Milan President Gerry Cardinale, but was absent at the Olimpico last night because he is on vacation.
“Ibrahimovic proved he is not a director. He is a great director of himself, he knows how to play the media, but it is paradoxical to get rid of Paolo Maldini to bring in Ibra, who after Cristiano Ronaldo is the man with the biggest ego in football.
“If he is the sole man in charge and then goes on vacation, posting selfies on social media, he certainly isn’t giving the impression of being a director. I fear the problem at Milan is not the coach, but the directors.”
That is what I wish. They are overrated.
Yeah according to twitter heroes AC Milan should cease to exist and rebrand as AC Maldini because there’s no way the club can exist without him
Only credits are given to him, criticising anything he did is a sin to the media, as if he’s some sort of perfect human being who single-Handedly made Milan lmao
This disinterested pair seem to lack the enthusiasm to play for a legendary team, it’s truly sad but if you can’t give your all it’s time to move on. I truly don’t know if it’s age in the case of Theo , but Leao looks lost and distracted. Can’t blame Ibra or the manager but Cardinale won’t except failure.
Theo has been their best/one of their best players since he arrived.
As for Leao, he has a great game once or twice a month. If some freakish franchise like Chelsea offer a fortune for him, then sell.
Both players should remain. They are great players and stars of Milan. Fonseca and the management need to leave. Incompetent people who can’t make a decent team around these stars.
If you wanted more loyalty, then should’ve never sold Tonali.
Yes, that’s exactly what should have happened. But quite honestly Milan‘s midfield is garbage, no reference points, no leaders, can’t hold a ball, can’t dominate, can’t create, the list of endless garbage goes on and on. Outside of Bennacer, who’s not consistent enough, they are all garbage. But the directors started ruining this team long ago with the sales of Kessie, Tonali, Hakan and they will continue to remain in limbo until their midfield is rebuilt again. And someone please tell me what is Ibra doing? You would think there is some psychological motivation happening in the backroom but these players look unmotivated and lost.
Leao – 2 g/a in 3 games. 29 g/a last season, 31 the season before, and 26 the season before that.
As for Theo – easily the most consistent Milan players in the last 10 years.
Creed , the American , Ac Milan soccer fan, has put down his hot dog and popcorn , typing furiously in his purple “inclusive” Milano away shirt and stars & stripes boxers !