Another dull performance for the Portuguese that Meazza doesn’t forgive him for. Pioli: “He’s not at his best, Okafor did better than him”
Journalist
May 5, 2024 (changed at 10:01 pm) – MILAN
It can be said that Leao took the banner displayed by the South literally and left it there for the entire match, at the mercy of the wind and the thoughts of players, fans and managers. It says “the sound of silence”. Rafa’s one is striking and causes discussion, because after the substitution he lowered his head, didn’t speak to anyone and went straight to the locker room. All at 2-1 for Genoa. He didn’t see Gabbia’s goal and Giroud’s left-footed shot. Most of San Siro booed him for several minutes, but he didn’t react. He walked under the curve in silence listening to the discontent of the fans.
replaced
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Leao is someone who keeps everything inside and every now and then lets himself go, perhaps after a good goal or a good performance – see the post-match interview after Milan-PSG, his best match of the season -, but this time he preferred to go to the locker room . And after a so-so match, as confirmed by Pioli on several occasions, both on TV and in the press room: “He’s not in his best moment on a physical level – the coach reiterated -, I replaced him because he was too little inside the area. In this Okafor was more effective.” And in fact the Swiss served Giroud a golden ball, which was then not exploited by the Frenchman. Leao, on the other hand, only showed up for an outburst on the left after a “gift” from De Winter, guilty of having mismanaged a clearance. Rafa collected the ball, centered himself and then kicked weakly to the center.
yield
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In 67 minutes Leao played 44 balls. Three less than Pulisic and two more than Chukwueze. Among the highlights are a couple of backheels in the strait, two exchanges with Bennacer and Theo along the line and little more. He is always expected to reach the summit on every climb, not to stop at base camp and retreat. This year he didn’t score in the league for more than four months, then he came back to bite against Atalanta and had a positive period: four goals and one assist in six games (not counting the three goals in the Europa League). Now he is in the shadows again. He played badly in the derby, against Juve and against Genoa, going out amidst the boos. The sound of silence is striking. Rafa’s exit with his head down in the locker room even more so.
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