Fabio Capello has provided a worrying assessment of AC Milan’s current moment, claiming that they are lacking rhythm above all.
Capello was among the spectators at San Siro for Milan’s game against Udinese. The former Rossoneri coach was able to see firsthand the struggles of Massimiliano Allegri’s team, who suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat against the Friulian club.
This defeat jeopardised the chances of Champions League qualification, with a nine-point gap two games ago now down to five points, and it could have been less but for Inter’s comeback win over Como on Sunday night.
‘Let’s leave the formation aside’
The change to a 4-3-3 formation sparked considerable debate among Milan fans and didn’t yield the desired results. Capello gave his thoughts on another nightmare weekend for the Diavolo, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Were you surprised by the match?
“Up to a certain point. I arrived at the stadium early and carefully observed Udinese’s warm-up: you could see a focused, on-point, and energetic team. And Zaniolo in particular, often criticised in the past for his attitude, had a perfect pre-match. It’s no coincidence that he was the man of the match.”
Allegri’s Milan, however, had not lost by three goals this season…
“Because they’ve always been compact and solid defensively. On Saturday, however, they allowed their opponents countless counter-attacks.
“It must also be said that incidents didn’t go the Rossoneri’s way: Bartesaghi’s own-goal, Okoye’s great save early in the second half from Saelemaekers, when I honestly thought the match could still be recovered.”
Was it a question of formation? The switch to 4-3-3 didn’t pay off…
“No, let’s leave the formation aside. The problem, if anything, was the pace. Udinese were one and a half times faster. They won all the tackles, attacked and countered with much greater intensity than the Rossoneri. So, you can play all the tactics you want, but you still lose games.”
How, then, do you explain this physical deficit?
“Given the premise that Udinese are doing very well and are a tough team to face, Milan’s decline can’t be justified. In a season without cups, with an early elimination from the Coppa Italia… I’m led to believe that everything starts in the head, rather than the legs.”
In what sense?
“Perhaps the Rossoneri players suffered the backlash of being dropped from the Scudetto race after the defeat in Naples. Or perhaps they settled into a position where qualification for the Champions League seemed assured.”
Allegri always warned his players that fourth place was the big goal and it wasn’t yet secured…
“Because Max probably sensed something was wrong. Someone with his experience senses certain things earlier.”
So was it worth experimenting against Udinese?
“Let’s not forget that Milan were coming off a defeat against Napoli and have been struggling to score throughout the second half of the season. Allegri clearly looked for solutions, which didn’t work. But the problem seems much deeper than an unlucky match.”
It seems the fans have identified Rafael Leao…
“I heard the boos too. And I read Rabiot’s words, where he instead urged the crowd to help Leao. Right, but I’d add that the Portuguese player also needs to help himself a bit.”
What’s happening with Leao?
“I’ve said it many times: I’m not convinced he is a centre-forward. But beyond his role, it seems to me that he just doesn’t have the ability to play like he once did.
“When he was moved to left wing in the second half, his favorite position, he almost never went one-on-one. He was the symbol of a Milan team that was lacking in pace.”
Now the Champions League is truly at risk. What should Allegri do?
“Milan needs to rediscover their spirit, unity, and humility. These are the qualities that characterized the Rossoneri’s excellent first half of the season and which have been lost in recent weeks. Max must ensure that the group is united again, that each individual sacrifices himself for the collective.
“Because the Milan team we saw against Udinese would certainly struggle to qualify for the Champions League. In fact, they wouldn’t even get there despite their current lead in the table.”
Could Milan-Juventus in two weeks’ time really be a Champions League play-off, obviously also taking Como, Roma and Atalanta into consideration?
“The Bianconeri struggled for a half in Bergamo, but then came out on top in the long run, securing a crucial win. Spalletti is absolutely in contention, and the match at San Siro will be an important turning point for both Juve and Milan. Even though there are six games left, one match won’t be enough to reach the goal.”
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It all started when we lost our general Gabbia to injury. These lads at the back have no idea what they’re doing without Mr. Cage.
One thing I know about Gabbia is he tried to move the ball very quickly, he didn’t want the ball to spend few seconds at his feet, once he got it he moved it on, no unnecessary gimmicks.
“When he was moved to left wing in the second half, his favorite position, he almost never went one-on-one.”
Many of us (ones with common sense) also have noticed this. Others said that 433 would be our best suited system. Well aside of couple of wingers, or defense and midfield are surely not suited for 433. And the last match perfectly showed it.
Leao had been utilized as his favorite LW several times as well prior to last match, and we couldn’t see any (usual) spark there too. So Allegri decision on keeping the balance of 352 has all the right reason. We need the result this season, no matter how bad we play. And hopefully next season, with the right signing(s) we can see much clearer game play and system.
“Was it a question of formation? The switch to 4-3-3 didn’t pay off…
“No, let’s leave the formation aside. The problem, if anything, was the pace. ”
But the commentators here said it’s the 4-3-3!!!!!! What does Capello know about football anyway??? Right? 🤦♂️
I will add, there is no connection between the midfield and the attack, our midfield is basically average with no vision, Modric is old, not as sharp hence the the slow pace, Ricci was as poor, no good, he is for average club not a Milan worthy, Fofana sometimes has no sense, does strange things, final execution lacking, Rabiot just physical, slightly better, Jashari jupiter league’s best not Milan worthy. Loftus here and there plastic body……
You’re such an annoying troll. He said the problems came from the psychological approach to the game, not that the formation (4-3-3) was good. Anyone who would defend said argument STILL after Saturday’s game, desperately needs to have his head checked out.
The formation (4-3-3) was right but Allegri only got half of the players wrong. 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Troll? Hardly. 😂😂😂
Nah, you’re clearly a desperate troll trying to be right when all the signs prove that you are wrong.
Formation was a disaster, and even when Leao moved to the LW, AS CAPELLO SAID IN HIS INTERVIEW, he did Fook all.
This formation was suppose to unlock the attack and they have a big fat ZERO goals to show for it.
Defensive solidity went completely out the window.
Anyone who still thinks the formation is correct needs to check themselves into a schizo ward.
Just admit you were wrong and eat your humble pie.
He wouldn’t. He felt his Football Manager team played better so he thought it would worked 🤣
Allegri doesn’t have the players to play 433.
Pulisic is no longer a RW, Our CBs are no longer capable of playing 4 at the back, Leao is no longer a footballer.
Mike, Modric and Rabiot have no one to play with and even Bartesaghi looked straight up a$$ at LB.
Allegri proves he knows ball more than ALL these Milan fans.
I agree with Fabio here. Stop with the BS. Drop back to a 352 and defend staying compact and solid. Mitigate the holes in this team – Drop Leao, pair Pulisic with Santi or Nkunku. Manage Modric’s minutes – start with Jashari then bring Luka in if you need to.
why drop Leao, he is still the surest of the attackers to make the difference, everyone now forget this guy is playing with injury, the amount of hate on Leao is unspeakable, even when the downfall of Milan was caused by players selection and others like Salad, Rabio, Bartesaghi to some extent and off course De-winter, yet Leao was crucify for not been able to save the team, was he the only attacker that fires blank?
Lol, you and this your Leao. Did you even read what Capello said? That Guy needs to help himself. He’s an average footballer who thinks he’s better then Messi. He’s career as a footballer is nosediving in a speed of light. People are criticising him because he’s the best paid player in the club and the return for that is extremely low. He had one full good season and that’s just it. Even Di Canio said he was better when he was 21 than 26. Everyone can’t be wrong. That guy is lazy as hell and yet he wants to be pampered. Milan will be better off without him, that’s just the truth and you’ll realise that very soon.
I remember how we lost Pirlo because of Allegri. I never liked this old fashion and anti-football coach who lacks solutions. I’d like to see my team to play passionate football instead of walking on the pitch like 11 dead men. Leao would’ve been a monster under a correct coach, he has talent and I still believe in him. De Zerbi perhaps ?