Stefano Pioli recently revealed that he has a special connection with Milan star Rafael Leao and explained why he has a ‘stronger bond’ with the Portuguese compared to any other member of his squad.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Milan’s trip to the Stadio Olimpico to face Roma in a Champions League qualification six-pointer, Pioli told the media that he thinks of his players as if they were his children.
But, Leao might be Pioli’s favourite child in Milan’s extensive and sometimes unconventional family, given that he has had more meetings with the coach than the other Rossoneri players.
“For me, my players are all like my children,” Pioli told reporters at Milanello on Friday afternoon. “I think of them from morning to night and probably even when I’m at home.
“I talk to them a lot and listen to them because they’re still 20-year-olds with their own problems. Leao is the player who has been in my office more in recent years and therefore there is a slightly stronger bond.”
At times, Leao has been unplayable for Milan, particularly during the 2021-22 season, in which he registered 21 goal involvements from 34 Serie A appearances.
With 12 goals and seven assists from 29 league games in 2022-23, the 23-year-old could still improve on last season’s tally despite suffering a dip in form at the turn of the calendar year.
Pioli is aware of Leao’s importance to the team and believes that he is currently in the optimal condition to continue helping Milan in their crucial run of fixtures before the end of this season.
He added: “In a season a player can’t always be at 100%. Now he’s fine physically and mentally, positive performances give you courage and enthusiasm. We expect a lot from him.”