Rafael Leao openly questioned Stefano Pioli’s decision to bring him off during AC Milan’s 2-2 draw against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last night.
Leao was withdrawn alongside Olivier Giroud – who had scored a brace – and both were visibly unhappy at being brought off as photos showed. Now, a video has surfaced showing Leao walking around the field rather intently towards Pioli to ask why he was brought off.
Yacine Adli tried to intercept him on the way and calm him down but was pushed aside, while Tommaso Pobega and Alessandro Florenzi also tried to have a word with the Portuguese winger before he eventually got to the coach and spoke briefly with him.
👀 Leao questioning Pioli’s decision to take him off. Adli and Florenzi didn’t manage to calm him down.
— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) October 30, 2023
Pioli must recover dressing room harmony after three expressions of discontent
AC Milan’s coach, Stefano Pioli, is facing a crucial task of reasserting his control over the team’s dressing room following a series of incidents that have raised doubts about the team’s unity and morale.
During AC Milan’s recent 2-2 draw with Napoli, they displayed vulnerabilities, having squandered a 2-0 lead in the second half. Pioli had previously mentioned tension and nervousness in a pre-match press conference, and it was evident during the match as the players appeared on edge.
Two notable incidents occurred during the game. Firstly, Olivier Giroud expressed his displeasure at being substituted, potentially missing out on a hat-trick. He sat in isolation on a freezer box and then in a corner, appearing despondent. Additionally, Rafael Leão was visibly unhappy when he was substituted, and he approached Pioli seeking explanations. These reactions, although possibly fueled by the intensity of the moment, came after a previous misunderstanding involving Davide Calabria following a 3-0 defeat in Paris.
The discontent among players is a concern that Pioli must address promptly. It serves as a sign that cannot be underestimated. Pioli needs to restore the harmony that the team displayed at the start of the season before the situation deteriorates further.