Stefano Pioli feels Milan‘s new tactical approach has affected Rafael Leao, but insists the Portuguese is still crucial for the Rossoneri.
Leao has six goals and six assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this season but hasn’t found the net in Serie A since September 2023.
“We have the second-best attack, and Rafa is a very important player to us,” Pioli said at a press conference on Friday.
“Even when he doesn’t score, he opens spaces for us. We have slightly changed the way to attack, we keep the ball more, we are more in control of the game, so there are fewer spaces for counter-attacks. Rafa must try to find different spaces, especially against teams that sit deep, but he is a key player in attack for us.
“He is playing more with the team, and his key passes and assists have raised, but of course, we expect goals, too. He is always crucial for our attack.”
er , because he is not actually very good? (even though he names himself in a best World player eleven)!