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Fabio Capello believes that AC Milan must do what it takes to renew Mike Maignan’s contract, and praised Massimiliano Allegri’s impact.
Milan prevailed in Sunday night’s Derby della Madonnina against Inter, jumping above their city rivals in the table and making it four wins against them in the last six (with no defeats). Christian Pulisic got the only goal on the night, his third against the Nerazzurri in his last six appearances.
However, it was not the American who stole the spotlight but rather his team-mate at the other end: Maignan. After making brilliants stops to deny Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, he kept out Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty inside the final 20 minutes, leading to a deserved MVP award and calls for a renewal.
Comments from Capello
Capello spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport and he offered his thoughts on Sunday night’s derby, as well as various individuals and also the situation surrounding Mike Maignan’s future.
Was it a game that you enjoyed?
“Allegri entertained me. I enjoyed watching and appreciating how he handled everything. He led the team from the first second to the last. Tactically, he prepared the match in every detail.
“Milan have historically struggled physically in derbies, on high balls, but this time they found the countermeasures. Aside from Acerbi hitting the post, the Rossoneri kept their guard up.”
Is this the most important key to the match from the Rossoneri’s point of view?
“The other is that Inter know how to make great use of changes of pitch, but in this case they never found a real opening to break into. Allegri worked well despite the limited time available: with a full squad, he was only able to train twice.”
So, simply put, why is this Milan team worthy of the Scudetto?
“The premise is that there remains a clear problem up front: they’re missing a center forward. But, having said that, the team clearly shows desire, spirit, and the desire to be a key player. All of this is furthered by a league table where no one is excelling.
“And then there’s obviously the clear advantage of not having to compete in Europe, which will allow Allegri to work with players who aren’t tired and stressed. Finally, Allegri has managed to get into the players’ heads. The team got results against four top teams; it would be reductive to just talk about derbies.”
What have the team improved the most?
“Their organisation on the pitch. Before, the team was what I would call scattered, and I’m not just referring to last season but also to some games this year. It happened especially when the ball was lost, but now I see everyone organised and attentive. They help each other from the first to the last.”
How much of Allegri’s stamp is there on this Milan?
“I’d say 70-80%, because against the big teams you can’t win unless you’ve got inside the players’ heads. Throughout a season, there are stages to overcome, and you only get through them if you’re convinced the coach’s instructions are correct.”
This derby demonstrated that accepting possession and relying on counter-attacks brings more benefits than risks…
“I’m not so convinced that this game plan is a risk: if you have the ability to play that way and can always stay focused, it can be a winning weapon.”
Allegri says that Milan struggle when they have to dictate the pace and are instead helped by the initiative of others…
“It’s paradoxical, but it’s true. Let’s also not forget that he doesn’t have a very deep squad at his disposal, and therefore doesn’t have an infinite number of options to vary his tactical plan.”
For Max, it’s not just tactics: there’s also group management at Milanello, with greater attention to certain rules and behaviours…
Some think it’s just a matter of details, but in reality, it’s the things themselves that make the difference. They help create a team and a winning mentality; that’s always been Milan’s soul and strength.
“Judging by how Allegri is handling the situation, I’d say he’s bringing the old AC Milan back to life. It’s clear Max has a good memory…”
Saelemaekers says he knows how to win and has recreated the sense of family that Milan had in the Scudetto year…
“Well, it’s worth remembering that last season was absolutely one to forget. Pride, soul, and strength were lacking; we lacked the ability to manage a team like Milan.”
What is the most dangerous enemy that Milan must guard against?
“Lack of concentration. The most important matches mentally prepare themselves, the ones that make you the angriest are against lower-level teams.”
How important is Rabiot?
“A fundamental man. I see in him the desire for revenge, to tell the world, ‘You made a mistake, now I’ll show you’.”
It was also Bartesaghi’s derby…
“I’m happy for him and for the other Italians. Gabbia is also growing, I really liked him.”
We can’t end without talking about Maignan…
“The great news is that he’s back. Playing with a goalkeeper who gives you confidence means points. I played with Zoff and it was easy. I coached Buffon and he was a guarantee, the same with Seba Rossi. Goalkeepers like Mike get points.”
But the renewal is definitely complicated…
“After Donnarumma, Milan had the fortune and skill to land Maignan, so the advice is obvious: extend the contract. Finding goalkeepers who score points isn’t easy.”
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