Capello discusses Amorim hire, Milan’s potential and early fears: “Double leap into the unknown”

Yesterday, AC Milan made the decision to hire Ruben Amorim and Fabio Capello discussed the move and his hopes (and fears). 

It has been a long few weeks filled with rumours and suggestions of different compositions. Milan have been linked with several targets every day and been considering a million different ideas for how they could work together.

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In reality, it is probably simpler than that. However, it has been a long process and it is now thankfully over. Indeed, the Portuguese is expected to sign a deal with the Rossoneri today, but he will not head to Italy just yet.

There is little rush, though, until the sporting director and Head of Football are hired. Until then, he is pretty limited in what he can do.

Capello on Amorim

Today, Capello wrote a column for Gazzetta dello Sport about the decision to hire Amorim and his feelings (both good and bad) about the move, as can be seen below.

Let’s start with the AC Milan choice: are you convinced?

“I’ve heard so many names, all different. Nationalities, playing styles, ideas. I think it’s a testament to the confusion that’s hovering over AC Milan. The Amorim I saw in Lisbon convinced me, and of course you have to consider the work done in Manchester. I don’t know, it all seems a bit left to chance.”

Staying with Amorim, in the two experiences it’s as if we saw two different coaches…

“Eh… yes. They’ll have to explain to him that Milan is a club with a history to be honored and respected. And that they need to deliver worthy results. At United, he wasn’t able to get into the players’ heads; at Milan, he’ll have to do it.

“Then, the difference will also be made by the players he’ll have at his disposal. I can say it’s a leap into the unknown for both of them. The Rossoneri are hiring a coach who doesn’t know the league, and he… has to redeem himself after a failed experience.”

Could Amorim also pay for his lack of knowledge of our championship?

“Yes… and I also think that was one of the negative factors in England. It makes a huge difference if you know a team or if you’ve only seen them on video. It changes everything. Your approach to matches and the transfer market is different, as is the way you prepare for them.

“That’s why I think it’s a bit of a gamble, but we’ll see in a few months.”

What kind of Milan does he expect?

“I hope Amorim returns to the Sporting side. He’ll need to be brave, assert himself, and make his ideas count. I also think we need signings worthy of Milan: I expect a central defender, a midfielder, a left-back, and a centre-forward.

“We don’t need to spend a lot to do that; we need great players to get back to winning ways. One question remains: who is Amorim talking to? It seems to me there’s a lot of confusion about the roles…”

The sporting director and technical director could be two Germans: Krösche and Hardung. What do you think?

“I think we’ll have beer with our lunch and finish it off with a nice port! Jokes aside, I don’t have a clear opinion because I don’t know them. I have a few doubts, since they’ll have to get used to it and land on a new planet. Who knows? Let me have a few doubts, at least for now.”

AC Milan has already had two Portuguese coaches on the bench, and things haven’t gone well. Then Allegri arrived, and now things are changing again…

“I hear about so many meetings, so many names, and so many confusing ideas. Who’s in charge? Who’s making the decisions? Who’s making the transfer decisions? There are so many question marks, as you can see. There’s no planning. It all seems haphazard.”

Speaking of Portuguese, do you think Leão could stay with Amorim on the bench?

“I don’t know, especially after the statements he’s made in the last few days. I think that regardless of who’s on the bench, Rafa needs to get back to the way he was two years ago. He needs to work on his mentality and his attitude. If he doesn’t change, it’ll always be the same story. At Milan, but also elsewhere.”

And what about Modric?

“Luka must stay, even without the Champions League. He’s an example, a guide for the entire team. He could be crucial for the coach too. He’ll help bring out the best in his teammates. Leaders are like that, teachers and role models.

“He’s extremely serious, intelligent, and complete. The new Milan must start from him too.”

You mentioned the Champions League. How much will not playing it impact the new Milan?

“A lot. First of all, because it becomes harder to convince top players: you’re less attractive as a club, despite Milan’s history. And then it weighs on you because you earn less. But let’s look at Juventus, also without the Champions League.

“They’ve rebuilt with an Italian CEO, Carnevali, giving continuity to a great coach like Spalletti. Right now, I see them ahead of Milan, if only because of the arrival of the former Sassuolo executive, who knows the game and Serie A well: he’s a great signing.

“Inter are currently on a different level, both in terms of corporate organisation and squad.”