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Joao Felix has wasted no time making his presence felt at Milan. The Portuguese ahead scored on his debut in a Coppa Italia quarter-final victory over Roma, instantly sparking hypothesis about his function below new coach Sergio Conceicao—and what it may imply for fellow Portuguese star Rafael Leao.
With Felix’s sturdy begin and Conceicao’s clear expectations for Leao, the dynamic between the 2 gamers may form Milan’s attacking hierarchy for the rest of the season and past.
Leao, Milan’s No. 10, has lengthy been considered the membership’s offensive talisman, however his inconsistency has typically pissed off coaches. He has contributed 4 targets and 5 assists in 20 appearances this season, however all of his targets have are available away matches.
Conceicao, who not too long ago changed Paulo Fonseca, has made it clear that he expects extra from Leao, notably by way of his work fee off the ball. After his aspect’s win over Roma, the coach didn’t mince phrases: “He can do extra, rather more. He has unimaginable high quality, however he should work exhausting even when he doesn’t have the ball. He should be obtainable for the workforce. Stepping out of the consolation zone will not be straightforward, however for me, it’s important.”
Against this, Felix’s speedy affect has impressed the Milan boss. Even with simply one coaching session below his belt, he delivered a standout efficiency, scoring a chic chip to seal Milan’s victory. His adaptability, motion, and understanding of Conceicao’s system have rapidly made him an asset, elevating questions on Leao’s assured spot within the beginning XI.
Felix as direct competitor?
Leao didn’t begin towards Roma as a consequence of health considerations, and Alex Jimenez was deployed on the left wing as an alternative. When Felix was launched within the 59th minute, he performed alongside his Portuguese teammate for a short interval, however there’s rising hypothesis that Conceicao may deploy Felix as a left winger shifting ahead.
In line with Gazzetta dello Sport, this might both push Leao to raise his recreation or pressure him to the bench. In contrast to earlier coaches who constructed Milan’s assault round Leao’s explosive runs, the supervisor seems to want a extra structured, hard-working strategy. If Felix is seen as simpler in that system, Leao may discover himself on the skin wanting in.
Leao’s future at Milan: Summer time of uncertainty?
Off the pitch, Leao’s future stays a scorching matter. Studies counsel that super-agent Jorge Mendes has been exploring choices for the 25-year-old winger, with Barcelona rising as a possible vacation spot. Nevertheless, Leao himself has expressed a need to “write historical past” at Milan earlier than contemplating a transfer.
On the identical time, the Rossoneri are already seeking to prolong Felix’s keep past his present mortgage. The Rossoneri plan to renegotiate with Chelsea in the summertime, to safe one other season-long mortgage that features an possibility to purchase. The reported price could be round €8m-€10m for the mortgage, with a €30m-€35m choice to buy Felix completely in 2025-26, La Gazzetta dello Sport provides.
Milan’s upcoming Serie A match towards Empoli will supply additional perception into Conceicao’s plans. Studies point out that Felix, Santiago Gimenez, and Riccardo Sottil may begin, whereas Leao and Tijjani Reijnders could also be benched. Although Leao remains to be recovering from an ankle harm, his absence from the beginning XI in consecutive matches raises questions. If Felix impresses once more, Leao’s place as an undisputed starter might be in jeopardy.
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