Fabio Capello believes that AC Milan have reason for optimism when it comes to the Champions League after they managed to overcome a negative start.
Milan’s European campaign so far can almost be split into two parts. Firstly they lost to Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen in their opening two games, which put a lot of pressure on the remaining six fixtures.
The resurgence started with a 3-1 home win over Club Brugge and continued with the shock result so far: a 3-1 victory away at the home of the champions Real Madrid, the Santiago Bernabeu.
Most recently Paulo Fonseca’s side scored three goals again and got three points, this time 3-2 and against Slovan Bratislava. What it means is that a top eight finish is on course, with some ‘easier’ games on paper remaining.
Interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello spoke about the week that the Italian teams had in the European competitions and his comments were relayed by Radio Rossonera.
“The credit goes to the clubs and the coaches, starting with Gasperini. Gian Piero has always coached differently, so much so that he has been talked about for years in Europe for his mix of intensity and aggression,” he said.
“But Inzaghi has matured a lot and Marotta has given him a quality squad. Behind Inter and Atalanta there are the others: Milan made a splash in Madrid, while Juventus continues but doesn’t score. It’s a shame for Bologna.
“Milan? The 9 points and above all the schedule [Red Star, Girona and Dinamo Zagreb to come] invite optimism. To qualify among the top eight in the Champions League, attention will always have to be total and not an alternating current.
“What is Serie A missing to compete for the Champions League? They need to improve the referees and comments, I’m referring to those who don’t protect the competitive spirit and movement of the players during a challenge.
“I still see too many interruptions and penalties. And the tantrums on the ground, with the consequent waste of time, are not only ugly but also harmful: they break the rhythm.”