Theo Hernandez and Leao ‘unacceptable in every way’ during Milan win, critics claim | OneFootball

Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez were branded ‘unacceptable in every way’ during the team’s 3-2 comeback victory over Parma by former Rossoneri coach Fabio Capello, as both players were hauled off at half-time in an eventful afternoon in San Siro.

Sergio Conceicao stole the headlines on Sunday after picking up his fourth comeback victory in seven games since he took over from Paulo Fonseca at the beginning of the calendar year.

The coach made a big call by replacing two of his star players after just 45 minutes, before going on to have a heated row on the pitch with one of his other players in Davide Calabria at full-time.

Capello: ‘Theo and Leao ‘unacceptable in every way’

Capello praised Conceicao for his bravery in replacing Theo and Leao at half-time, but warned that the tactic did not always work for his predecessor, Fonseca.

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Sergio Conceicao, Head Coach of AC Milan, gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between AC Milan and Girona FC at Stadio San Siro on January 22, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Capello also said that both Theo and Leao have to look at themselves rather than the coach, and indicated that he is most concerned about the Frenchman’s performances this season, suggesting that his ‘head is elsewhere’.

“Theo and Leao were no longer on the pitch (at the time of Milan’s comeback). Subbed off at half-time after 45 minutes, unacceptable in every way, starting from the attitude,” Capello wrote in his Gazzetta dello Sport column.

“I’m with Conceicao on the double substitution,” he continued.

“I know that the left flank, at least on paper, is Milan’s real strength, but I think that its sent a message to all the players: If you play superficially, I will take you out, regardless of who you are.”

“It was a courageous and admirable move, but Fonseca had also done similar and in the end it was of little use. I’m definitely more worried about Hernandez, whose head seems to be elsewhere.”