The surprising exclusion of Rafael Leao against Udinese, where he didn’t even sub in also due to an early red card, didn’t come out of the blue and was communicated to the player before the game. The management fully backs Paulo Fonseca as far as his lineup choices are concerned, La Gazzetta dello Sport informed.
The coach spoke with the group and some single players on Thursday. He told the Portuguese star that Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze would start because they stayed in Italy during the international break. Moreover, he wanted a higher work rate on the wings since they had to protect Filippo Terracciano, who was filling in for the suspended Theo Hernandez.
Leao not playing well against Fiorentina, like a few other teammates, contributed to the decision. Fonseca explained it to the officials, who didn’t second-guess it. The brass would like less seesawing results, but they confirmed their confidence in the boss before the Derby and haven’t changed their mind.
The gaffer plots not to have untouchable starters going forward, and everybody will have to earn their minutes. He’s hoping for a reaction from the mercurial winger, who has been okay but not transcendent in the early going.
Our Take on Leao
Every player can use some rest here and there. It’s nothing new for those who went away during a break to be limited in the first game afterward, no matter their caliber. Still, the question is how he’ll take it given his peculiar character. While they have alternatives, none is as impactful as his peak version, so they need to lean on him heavily and regularly.
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