Rafael Leao: ‘Conceicao brings energy I and Milan need’ | OneFootball

Rafael Leao said Sergio Conceicao brought ‘the energy everyone needed’ after a transformed Milan won the Supercoppa Italiana. ‘I know he will push me on to be my best.’

The Portugal international was not fully fit after a muscular problem that ruled him out of the 2-1 semi-final victory over Juventus, but came off the bench with his men 2-0 down against Inter in the Final.

He had a hand in all three goals, winning the free kick scored by Theo Hernandez, sparking the attack for the Christian Pulisic equaliser and providing the assist for the stoppage-time Tammy Abraham winner.

It is a world away from the sluggish performances seen under Paulo Fonseca, who was fired on December 30.

Sergio Conceicao told Sport Mediaset that Leao can “become the best player in the world” and the player was listening in, giving his response live on television.

Rafael Leao believes Conceicao right for Milan

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Sergio Conceicao, Head Coach of AC Milan, celebrates after Christian Pulisic of AC Milan (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal during the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

“I did not know Conceicao personally, I had heard from friends at Porto who worked with him that he had a strong character. What he has done in only a few days is incredible,” said Leao.

“What he’s saying, I need that, and I felt that energy everyone needed. I feel like the change is visible on and off the field, this mentality helps us to win and do what we managed today.

“Against Juventus and Inter, we never gave up. You can’t always have your best match, but you can still win games with character.”

Fonseca had been particularly frustrated with Leao and Theo Hernandez for their tendency to disappear from matches or not help out defensively, but both were decisive this evening to win the Supercoppa Italiana.

“It is hunger and energy. At times you make mistakes, you can place the wrong pass or a dribbling, but the desire is what makes the difference. We had that desire against Juventus and today too, it is fundamental.

“Nobody can be comfortable in their place just because they are at Milan. Everyone must be ready to help the team, give their best. I know the coach will push me on to be my best and I in turn will help the coach because I know he’ll push me.”

Leao only had one training session yesterday with the squad after picking up a muscular problem, so was nowhere near fully fit.

“There wasn’t a great chance of me playing, but I really wanted to be here. The medical staff and coach believed I could play in the Final, I worked every day to get back in shape and help my team. I thank everyone for helping me get this opportunity.”