Milan star Rafael Leao was subbed off at half-time in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia last night, and Roberto Martinez insists it was a tactical decision.
Milan star Leao was subbed off at half-time in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia on Thursday night and Roberto Martinez explained his decision at a post-match press conference.
“Rafael was substituted for adjusting the positions and for being able to play with Nuno Mendes higher up,” said the Portugal coach, as quoted by A Bola.
“It’s part of it. We have two games in 72 hours, so using our energies is important, and that was the reason.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez explains why Milan star Rafael Leao was subbed off at half-time
Nuno Mendes started as a left-back behind Leao, but the PSG defender was used in a more advanced position after the break. Portuguese media suggested that the link-up on the left-hand side of the pitch was ‘weak’ in the first half against Croatia.
“I disagree,” insisted Martinez.
“It’s true that when Nuno and Rafael play together, they need to occupy different spaces, so when Rafael plays, for us, it’s better for him to play wide.
“Connections between players are different, but I think that in the first half, we need Rafael to have a player on the wing higher up, while in the second half we needed a wide player lower down.”
Portugal were 2-0 up at the break, when Leao was subbed off.
The Rossoneri star has scored four goals in 32 appearances with the Portugal national team.
He has already played 200 minutes in Serie A this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in three appearances.
Leao’s contract at San Siro expires in June 2028. The best Serie A player for the 2021-22 campaign has scored 59 goals in 213 matches with Milan.