Míchel Sánchez on pressure on Marcos Leonardo after substitution against Atalanta
Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez gave a clear signal after the substitution in the Conference‑League match against Atalanta that he will continue to support Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, despite the pressure on him as the club's most expensive summer signing.
Pressure and recognition
Leonardo arrived in Amsterdam last summer as Ajax's most expensive purchase. Míchel emphasized that he knows exactly how much pressure the striker feels to score. "I know how much pressure he feels to score," said the coach during the press conference.
The coach explained that he wanted to give Leonardo a boost deliberately. "What I wanted was for him to receive recognition for what he has shown in these games," Míchel said.
Attributes and assessment
Míchel listed the qualities he values in the striker: professionalism, involvement, aggression and an important role in the ball‑play. He emphasized that a striker is not judged solely on goals, but also on other contributions.
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Leonardo was preferred in the first half over Tolu Arokodare and was given a chance to put Ajax ahead, but he missed the target. Later he was replaced by Arokodare, who did score in the closing stages.
Despite the missed shot, Míchel remained satisfied. "I am very pleased with Leo's performance today," he concluded, emphasizing that the club values the striker's depth and ball retention.
In a later interview Míchel confirmed that he took Leonardo off the field after 66 minutes and gave him a hug. "I know the pressure he feels, because he came here to score goals. There are many things he does well," he stated.
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He repeated that Leonardo is the team's most expensive summer signing and that his contribution goes beyond just scoring. "A striker is judged on his goals, but he is important to us for his depth and ball retention."