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Fabio Capello has warned AC Milan that finishing in the top four is not a given, with the recent Supercoppa Italiana exit a worrying one.
Milan are certainly doing a lot better than they were one year ago, when it was around this time that they decided to sack Paulo Fonseca after just a few months in charge, opting to appoint Sergio Conceicao as his replacement.
Now, under the guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, the Rossoneri are second in the table and just one point off top spot. There is still plenty to improve on, such as the record against the lower-ranking sides in the league, but the head-to-head record against top four rivals has been brilliant.
‘A question of mentality’
Tomorrow, Capello will watch Milan from Dubai. On the eve of the game he gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he assessed how things are going at the moment for his former club.
Tomorrow it’s Milan-Verona. Can you give us your memories and interpretation of current events as a coach?
“Memories obviously bring back Fatal Verona, but in 1973 I was on the lucky side of history: with Juve, I won the Scudetto thanks to that match. And then Milan will be playing at home this time; it’s a different world.”
Milan dropped seven points at home to the newly-promoted teams. Now another team from the relegation zone arrives. What does a coach do in these situations?
“Let’s start from one assumption: these things can’t be trained, it’s just a question of mentality. You need to find a leader who can help you motivate the team and bring out what your teammates have.”
Not even a couple of strong pre-match messages?
“If anything, we shout during the match, at the first mistakes or bad choices.”
Milan made several bad choices in Riyadh…
“Yes, the latest Milan team needs to reset, and if they concede so many goals, they can’t even beat teams they should. Let’s analyse it. They’re missing a centre-forward: too often there hasn’t been any threat up front.
“Then, above all, Modric’s decline and that period of Rabiot’s absence must be highlighted: the team has done much less filtering. Before, they won by short-sightedness, now they’re conceding too many goals because they lack protection in midfield and the defenders are getting a bit lost.”
What struck you about Napoli-Milan?
“The players seemed unconvinced, as if they wanted to free themselves from this commitment to focus on the league. I didn’t like that. Milan are second, they don’t have any cups and can plan ahead.
“Allegri didn’t convince me either; he didn’t field the best team. It’s true that a coach wants everyone to feel involved, but…”
Milan fans are in suspense. On one hand, the dream of the Scudetto. On the other, Juve are making a comeback and the idea that fourth place might not be a given is gaining ground…
“Yes, now Milan must be careful about their Champions League spot. It’s a general statement: it will be a tough battle. Juve in recent matches have been fast and aggressive: I see changes of direction, balls played vertically. And they have playmakers who make the difference.
“Roma are missing a striker, but if they signed Zirkzee, they could solve the situation. He has conviction, strength, desire, and even against Juve he showed he can play on equal terms. Gasperini is encouraging the team and the players are responding to him.”
Milan opened the transfer window with Füllkrug. Do you approve?
“Let’s see how he performs. He’s an experienced player, but we need to be cautious, because we know San Siro is a difficult stadium, even for those who have scored a ton of goals. Overall, the attack has lacked pace on the ball: Milan have recently become a bit slow again.”
What more is needed?
“We need a defender to provide greater balance and solidity. So far, Milan has been saved many times by Maignan. However, reliable defenders can now go to Saudi Arabia or England. An Italian club must be good at finding the right player at a more reasonable price.”
Two final questions, about a surprise and a disappointment. How impressed were you by Bartesaghi?
“Very. I was one of the first to speak highly of him because I’d consulted Tassotti. He told me he has personality, technique, and physique. He’s got it all. He needs to improve his defence a bit, but he’s young.”
Gimenez wasn’t scoring, and now he can’t play. You’ve previously urged players to have faith in him. How does it feel to see him sidelined for so long?
“It gives me bad thoughts. When I heard he was going to have surgery in Holland, Van Basten came to mind. We told Marco not to have surgery, and if he’d listened to us…”
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