Van Bommel: Leao Reminds Me of Robben and Ribery, Milan Struggles as a Team
Mark Van Bommel, former AC Milan and Netherlands midfielder, currently unattached after his stint at Antwerp, recently shared his thoughts on Milan’s Champions League playoff against Feyenoord and Juventus’ match against his former club PSV.
Reflecting on Milan’s first leg against Feyenoord, Van Bommel agreed with Conceição and the players’ post-match comments. He noted Milan’s lack of intensity and aggression, expressing disappointment in a highly competitive and talented group struggling to perform as a cohesive unit. Van Bommel emphasized the importance of determination, stating that playing at less than full potential makes it easy for opponents.
The Dutch coach highlighted the significant advantage of playing the second leg at San Siro, praising the incredible atmosphere created by the fans. He stressed the importance of Milan capitalizing on this opportunity, as progressing in the Champions League is crucial for the club.
Van Bommel had high praise for Rafael Leao, comparing him to former Bayern Munich teammates Robben and Ribery. He advised Leao to focus on consistency and supporting defensive efforts, recalling how Robben and Ribery’s increased defensive involvement made their team nearly unbeatable.
Discussing Tijjani Reijnders, Van Bommel described him as an intelligent, versatile player who quickly adapted to the challenging transition from AZ Alkmaar to AC Milan. He believes Serie A suits Reijnders’ playing style perfectly.
Regarding Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s new role at the club, Van Bommel noted the Swede’s strong character and winning mentality, which aligns with Milan’s DNA. He observed Ibrahimovic’s influence in recent transfer windows, attempting to build a team that reflects his football philosophy.
Finally, Van Bommel expressed his interest in coaching in Serie A, describing it as a significant challenge due to its high level of competition. He revealed his preference for a dominant style of play and his fondness for Milan, where he feels a strong connection with the fans. However, he clarified that despite rumors, he had not been contacted about the Milan coaching position last summer.