CorSport: Allegri has his protégé – how he struck up an instant connection with Leao

Massimiliano Allegri and Rafael Leao seem to have already struck up an excellent relationship at Milanello, a report has stated.

As Corriere dello Sport writes, Allegri’s passion for horses is widely known. Now that the coach’s second spell with Milan has officially begun, all that remains is to choose his signature player, the one he’ll be using to propel Milan toward its goals.

Perhaps it’s too easy to predict the outcome of this vote: Leao. Allegri has already designated him as one of his key focuses and the object of his main mission, from the very first hours of their relationship.

Max gets to work on Rafa

The phone calls between Allegri and Leao in early June are no secret. They were brief but intense, with a clear message delivered to the player: “You’re at the heart of the project.” Allegri immediately explained to Leao how important he considers him to the team and the project as a whole.

The Portuguese didn’t need to be told twice. Bayern Munich’s pursuit of him stopped at simple inquiries and, also for financial reasons, didn’t go any further. While for Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez exits were highly likely, for Leao staying at Milan has always been his priority.

In recent days, conversations have shifted from telephone calls to face-to-face talks. There was a first chat after returning from vacation, comments in the press conference with plenty of praise in public, and the first training sessions.

In the one open to the fans, the coach’s attention on the No.10 was very evident. Whenever he could, Allegri approached Leao to speak with him in person: tactical instructions (there were several “Open up, Rafa, open up!” during possession), clarifications on posture and how to perform drills.

The feeling is that the winger will be left free to express himself on the pitch. From Stefano Pioli to Sergio Conceiçao via Paulo Fonseca, everyone has tried to make Leao an accomplished player. Since the Scudetto, the Portuguese has experienced ups and downs, much like the rest of the team.

Last season, led by his two compatriots, was the most complicated: demands for a rigorous defensive phase, enslavement to tactical dictates, disagreements, and a few too many benchings, even in important matches.

For Leao, under Allegri’s protective wing, this must somehow be the season where he finally becomes someone. The coach said: “Usually, a player’s most important years are between 26 and 30. I think he’s more responsible. I think all the conditions are there to do well.” Allegri and Leao are already on a roll.