Milan coach Paulo Fonseca insists that Rafael Leao is ‘fundamental,’ so he’s happy to hear that Giorgio Furlani ruled out the Portuguese star’s transfer to Barcelona.
Milan will meet Parma in Serie A Round 2 tomorrow, and Fonseca previewed the game at a press conference in Milanello.
However, the transfer window is still open, so a Spanish reporter asked Fonseca about Leao’s future and whether the star winger would join Barcelona this summer. Milan CEO Furlani had already denied a possible transfer, and Fonseca appreciated the director’s comments.
“The director was very clear yesterday. A sale is impossible, and I really liked what I heard. Rafa is fundamental to our team,” said the coach.
Leao had two good chances in the opening game of the season against Parma last week but failed to find the net. Where does the Portuguese need to improve?
“When the ball is on the opposite side, he should move closer to the goal,” noted Fonseca.
“In this role, numbers are fundamental: assists and goals. I believe that Rafa must understand this. He can improve these numbers. That being said, I believe that we must know where we can improve as a team. I expect a tough game on a difficult pitch tomorrow. Parma are a team that fights and runs a lot. If we don’t understand this, it will be hard. We must play with the ball but also suffer and fight. It’s a game where we must increase the level of defensive intensity. We’ve worked on this during the week.”
Fonseca also gave his verdict on Milan’s summer transfers, hinting that the Rossoneri may complete a fifth signing before the end of negotiations next week.
“The club has done great work until now,” he said.
“Honestly, I think that a team like Milan is never closed. There are always opportunities to improve the team, so let’s see what happens. However, I have to say that the club has done an excellent job.”
Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Torino in the opening Serie A game of the season last week.
