Benitez offers support to Leao and Maignan whilst praising Milan’s January mercato | OneFootball

AC Milan made some big moves in the January window with the aim of propelling up the table, but they also need more from the pre-existing players.

It has been a rough season for Milan. On and off the pitch there have been several problems and the club are desperately trying to work their way out of it. The first step towards this was an ambitious January window, but with things going pear-shaped in the Champions League, old questions have been brought back into the frame.

A mistake from Mike Maignan has relit questions about his ability, whilst Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao’s performances have also been heavily criticised.

With a number of topics on the table, Rafael Benitez spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about the things affecting the Rossoneri currently.

In Milan, Maignan made a mistake…

“One of the historically highest performing players. Confirmation that football is sometimes a lie, as I’ve always said. An accident, there’s nothing more to add, nor to dwell on. It is done. It’s over. We start again.”

In what way?

“The tactical and technical method is chosen by the coaches who have the situation in hand. From the outside, I can imagine that matches like this must be directed by the players with the most personality, leadership and talent.”

At AC Milan they expect exciting plays from Leao…

“He is the footballer who can make the breakthrough and solve it even in the darkest moment. He has already done it and he can do it again, he has it in his bones. And this is the ideal moment to reaffirm his strength. Also if not now never again, the Champions League will not give you any more chances and it will be forbidden to fail.

“But such a challenge, with such an imposing value, cannot be entrusted only to a player, however brilliant.”

He also shone some light on the positive mercato that the club saw, and explained how it can help moving forwards.

“Milan must be able to rise again through more men. From the market, reinforcements have arrived that have settled some areas and raised the level of the group.”