Fabio Capello was happy with what he saw from AC Milan against Venezia last night, with the Rossoneri finding the back four times within the first 29 minutes. However, as he highlighted, there are still a few things to improve.
The win was absolutely crucial for Milan after a tough start to the season, claiming two points in three games, and the confidence boost will do them good. Liverpool and Inter are up next and these are two tests that will be much more difficult than Venezia.
In his editorial for Gazzetta dello Sport this morning, the legendary manager Capello highlighted what he liked about Milan’s performance last night. He also picked out a few things he didn’t like, though, and warned the Rossoneri ahead of the Liverpool clash.
“Milan’s victory was too easy. Venezia opened the door for them right away, with the complicity of Joronen, and then there was never any question. From the Rossoneri, I finally saw desire, determination, running and liveliness: they tried to go towards the goal quickly.
‘”Of course, they were helped by Venezia’s attitude but it was a positive signal that was needed for the fans, the environment, the club and the coach. I particularly liked Fofana: he is very important for the Rossoneri midfield and he never let his guard down. Even at 4-0, he went hunting for balls.
“Abraham also behaved well in my opinion, he was proactive and always ready to help his teammates: the goal will do him good. And Leao was the usual devastating player when he goes off on the wing: he just needs a bit of continuity.
“There was only one thing that didn’t go down well for me: they conceded something at the back and this shouldn’t have happened against such inferior opponents.
“Now the bar is raised for Milan: Liverpool and Inter are very high-calibre opponents. The English side have a few problems, but in defence if you leave them too much space they will punish you. We will have to be very careful,” he wrote.
The game is scheduled for Tuesday evening and just five days later, Milan will be up against Inter in the Derby della Madonnina. In other words, these are two decisive games for Fonseca and the remainder of the Rossoneri’s season.
That’s also my worries… against a team that is bound to be relegated is easy, controlling midfield vs McAllister, Szlobozlai and Gravenberch isn’t easy, when Trent keeps helping them
Fofana and Abraham’s attitude on the pitch yesterday infectious and the whole team worked hard and I for one believe we have the personnel it is a mentality thing, we have 3 undoubted world stars in Leao, Theo and Mike
Tijani is up there or will be soon, if he has a good season, with every game as in the Euros he is improving at a very fast rate , he is so quick in transition and when the attack is in full ‘sync’ with Tijani we will be at a much higher level then now
Its not impossible either
What a surprise from the ever negative vibes dude.
Capello was not negative. He knows better cuz he had do did and done it all in the world of football.
If things were not right people like know will talk.
reading his words “The English side have a few problems, but in defense if you leave them too much space they will punish you. WE WILL HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ,” he wrote.
Against Liverpool, I think it will be more reasonable to play less high up the pitch and rely a bit more on counters. Losing the ball while all the players on the opposition’s half would be suicidal against players like Diaz and Salah. Every player must help on the defensive phase.
I wouldn’t change yesterday’s formation with the exception of Morata instead of Abraham and perhaps Calabria instead of Royal. Maintaining Gabbia instead of Tomori should also be considered. But maybe too much lessons shouldn’t be taken on yesterday’s game.
Loftus-Cheek and Fofana’s physicalities would be crucial against Liverpool.
But that’s just my opinion.
with players like Leoa Thoa Pulisic and Abram Milan will be dangerous on counter either.. Liverpool also need to be careful not coming all out attack .
The good thing is England team leaves more spaces while marking compare to how italian team mark
But do you think we are playing Italian style?
A positive: Fonseca isn’t as stubborn as Pioli with his tactical adjustments. He would be wise to study Gasp’s victory at Anfield last season to see how to stick it to Liverpool for the upcoming clash.
Liverpool is clinical on the counters especially down the wings. I bet they are salivating at the chance to run a riot down our right flank.
I bet if we field Emerson and Calabria and then put another player to “double” team Luis Dias we might stand a chance.
I don’t know what Capello is seeing on Fofana, he was far from been good for me and I doubt his ability
Fofana’s timing is really off. He might go hunting, but he is there late and was played through over and over. This was not a strong team, but he made them look dangerous.
And who are olumighty and danc27? What have you both done for football or what exactly do you about football aside placing bet…
What question are you asking? Do you disagree with the comment? Venezia was just promoted and I have never seen Busio dribble by someone once much less three times in a single game…Fofana would rush out to defend the ball but because he got their late, he never registered a tackle and left a lot of space behind to play into…he needs to consider taking a foul on those plays as more clinical teams are going to take advantage. it’s one thing for a forward to get to the ball late, but he plays too deep to make those mistakes more than once in a game…you would hope to see some adjustment and pattern recognition kick in…
Fofana is not a true DM. Both with Monaco and France, he used to play with good defensive midfielders (Tchouaméni then Camara/Zakaria in Monaco, Tchouaméni or Kanté in the NT). I didn’t watch him often in the past, but we can assume we was used to someone covering up for him if he got late.
On the Venezia game, I didn’t like what I saw from him in the first half, but in the second half he seemed to get more on his groove and nullified some actions. Granted though it was Venezia and the game was already sealed by this point.
Depending on your definition of a dm (I typically think of them as single pivots)…Kante played as a box-to-box and in double pivots (like Kessie, Tonali) and likes to win the ball high…I think Fofana is somewhat similar. At least, he was last season…My concern is that it’s not the first or second game he’s struggled to time his challenges, which is very core to that 4-2-4 defense and what Kante did better than anyone ever.