Sky journalist explains Fonseca’s handling of Leao: “There are two solutions” | OneFootball

Sky journalist Peppe Di Stefano has confirmed that Paulo Fonseca has been leaving Rafael Leao out of the starting line-up because he isn’t fully satisfied with him.

Fonseca’s handling of Leao is something that has drawn a lot of attention in the past few weeks as the winger has become quite friendly with the bench. He did not start the game against Udinese last weekend nor the defeat to Napoli last night either.

It has been reported in recent days that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been trying to work on the former Lille star’s mind to encourage him to react and bring out his full potential.

It is the same objective that Fonseca has set himself, who has opted for ‘shock therapy’ to try get him back in form rather than playing a player that he does not have full trust in.

Peppe Di Stefano spoke on Sky this afternoon and offered some more insight into how the coach is handling Leao, with MilanNews relaying his comments.

“Fonseca would like different things from Leao: on the pitch, in his attitude, in defence and attack; he sees that he has a very fast machine in his hands, but it doesn’t go very fast,” he said.

“There are two solutions: either you do like Pioli did, who understood the boy’s strengths and weaknesses, and had been lucky with the results of recent years.

“Or you do like Fonseca is doing, who uses a carrot and stick approach to stimulate him, but then you have to understand if Leao is the right person to receive this type of stimulation.”