Milan star Rafael Leao wants to become a ‘leader on the pitch’ and reveals Paulo Dybala gave him advice after Roma‘s 1-0 win at San Siro last week.
Leao joined Milan coach Stefano Pioli for pre-match interviews at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, on the eve of the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final.
The Portuguese forward was harshly criticised following last week’s 1-0 loss in Milan and is now determined to react.
“It isn’t only important for me. It is important for everyone,” told Sky Sport Italia, as quoted by Milannews.
“We know how important this game is. The most important of the season, to me. We are aware we meet a strong team. We want to progress.
“Criticism is normal when you want to improve. I am a young player, and everything looks simple if everything goes well. I must always have that pressure. Criticism challenges me. I am with a great coach here and Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] is always supporting us.
“[In the first le]We had a few details wrong and they were stronger than us. We analysed what didn’t work and we’ll do better tomorrow,” continued Leao.
“Roma have changed since the new coach arrived. They play good football and they have players who make the difference. These are important games, decided by details.”
Speaking to reporters during a press conference, Leao added: “All of us, myself included, didn’t do well in the first leg, and we lost, but we have regained confidence against Sassuolo because we showed energy and didn’t give up. We talked to each other in the dressing room after the Sassuolo game. We know the importance of this match.”
What does he feel after last week’s defeat?
“I am disappointed because I could do more, not because I didn’t try,” Leao replied.
Italian media have described the upcoming fixture as the ultimate showdown between Milan and Roma stars Leao and Paulo Dybala.
“I don’t like comparisons. I like Dybala; he is very strong, and it gives me joy to see him play,” said the Milan ace.
“In modern football, there aren’t many players who do certain things. He gave me some advice after the [first leg] match and we are on good terms. We are two strong players.”
Pioli feels Milan will have more chances to beat Roma if they improve defensively and Leao was criticised after the first leg also because he didn’t help his teammates enough.
“I’ve learned a different football in Italy. I must work on this, and I can improve, but I am learning every day,” the Portuguese admitted.
A journalist noted that Leao’s presence in the press room proved his personality and his desire to be a leader.
“Somebody else could have been here, but yes, I want to be a leader. Not here, but on the pitch,” the striker argued.
“There is criticism, but if we are here, it is because we have quality. We are feeling positive pressure.”