Leão discusses Allegri, Milan evolution and Derby mentality: ‘We can show what we’re capable of’

Rafael Leão says Milan are “ready” for Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina and believes the Rossoneri now have the experience, balance and leadership needed to challenge for top spot.

The Portugal international spoke live on CBS’ Morning Footy, touching on the derby, his role under Massimiliano Allegri and the development of key teammates.

Looking ahead to the clash with Inter, Leão stressed the hunger within the squad, with quotes via MilanNews.

“All the players are ready for the game. We want to prepare it well – it’s the derby and Inter have a good group, a good team. For us it’s also an opportunity to reach the top of the table and you can already feel the atmosphere for the weekend.”

Leão praised the club’s work during the summer rebuild.

“Last year was difficult, this year many new players arrived. But the club, the structure, everyone did great work. They brought in a great director, they kept Ibra, they brought Allegri with his experience, they brought Modric. These pieces are important for us younger players. We want good results, step by step, and Sunday is a chance to show what we can do.”

On Allegri, Leão described a relationship built on trust and freedom. “He doesn’t ask me for many things, he just said, ‘be free’. The most important thing is focus and the right mentality. He knows what I can do with the ball and without it. He’s like a father asking his son to always do better. I feel confident because I know he counts on me.”

He also admitted his positional evolution has been driven by modern football. “I love one-v-ones, dribbling one, two, three defenders. But football has changed, statistics matter. The most important thing now is scoring. Allegri changed my mentality by putting me closer to goal. Out wide I’m sometimes too far, but to be the decisive player you have to make the difference by scoring.”

Leão praised Christian Pulisic’s adaptation into a central role. “Christian has changed a bit, at Chelsea and Dortmund he was an out-and-out winger. Now he understands the evolution of football and the importance of numbers. He’s very intelligent, knows how to move as a No.10, and when I play with him I try to help create space. He’s very important for us and can make the difference anywhere.”

Leão also joked about his initiation at Milan: “I arrived when I was 19 or 20, I couldn’t say no, so I sang for a minute and escaped immediately” and reflected on fatherhood giving him new motivation: “It taught me to be more focused and enjoy every moment. They give me strength, in difficult times, I think of them and how to do better.”