There are some images that speak louder than words, and this was the case in Saturday's game between AC Milan and Lazio (2-2) when both Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez were seen away from the team talk while the Rossoneri manager Paulo Fonseca was speaking during the second half's cooling break. Let's take a step back and explain what happened over the last days and what it can also mean for the near future of the Italian giants.
AC Milan, first of all, struggled in their first two opening games of the Serie A season. The Rossoneri, under new manager Fonseca, drew 2-2 in his home debut game against Torino with a last-minute comeback, but then they lost to Parma in their second game of the Serie A season. The Portuguese coach was looking for a reaction in their third game, but he decided to make some surprising decisions as Fonseca benched both Hernandez and Leao, probably two of the most important players of the team.
The first half went quite well, at least for the result as AC Milan scored the opening goal with new signing Strahinja Pavlovic, who was assisted by U.S. men's national team winger Christian Pulisic on a corner. However, the Rossoneri struggled much more in the second half as Lazio made a quick comeback and scored twice in the opening minutes. Fonseca was forced to make changes and decided to call both stars from the bench. Two minutes after Leao stepped on the pitch, he scored.
Few seconds after scoring the equalizer, the game was stopped for the cooling break and this is when both players didn't participate in the team talk. An image that speaks for itself, despite the words of both Fonseca and Hernandez after the game ended.
"We were two minutes in, we didn't need the cooling break. It was nothing against the team and the coach. Now we have to keep working to win all together," Theo said to DAZN.
Fonseca spoke to DAZN as well and commented on the incident.
"There is no problem and I think Theo already explained it. This week, I spoke to the players who accepted my decision. There is no problem. I was focused and I did not see that they were there but I think Theo has explained why. The response of the players has been good and we shouldn't create problems when there are none," he said.
It's also important to underline that both Tammy Abraham and Yunus Musah, who were also subbed in alongside Leao and Hernandez, were part of the team talk. However, both parties have spoke about what happened and things seem to be clarified after the game. AC Milan have also decided not to fine the two players for their behavior, per multiple reports.
Despite what happened, it's clear that there were some initial issues between the two and the manager, who decided to not start them for the Lazio game. After the international break, they need to stick together after a disappointing start to the season, as AC Milan failed to win in their three opening Serie A games (one defeat and two draws). There is not much time to lose as the Champions League campaign is also approaching fast, and both Fonseca and the players know that very well.