Fabio Capello believes that AC Milan’s midfield needs work if they are close the gap to Inter, urging them to sign Youssouf Fofana from Monaco.
It has been no secret since the beginning of the summer that the Milan management are looking to add a piece to the midfield department, namely a more defensive-minded player who can help protect a back four that was too exposed at times last season.
Fofana has emerged as the leading candidate and work on the deal has been ongoing for some time now. The latest update is that the Rossoneri are getting closer to Monaco’s asking price, and that terms have already been agreed over a potential contract.
Capello gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he spoke about the current state of the Milan squad and the additions that they should make to try compete for the Scudetto.
What can Fofana add?
“I start from a premise. The Rossoneri conceded several goals last year, but the fault, in my opinion, was not their defensive strength, but the lack of a filter in midfield. A decisive factor.”
Can the arrival of the Frenchman fill that void?
“I would say so. More than being a playmaker, Fofana is a dam. A balancer. Someone who can act as a breakwater and plug that gap that emerged last season. With his addition, Milan would solve a big problem. Also because, I repeat, he is not a playmaker.”
And Loftus-Cheek? Better as a mezzala or as an attacking midfielder?
“I think he should play in the middle, in the position where he scored 10 goals for Sarri’s Chelsea in 2018-19. He should be put back there.”
Would this be the decisive move?
“He has legs, technique, pace, an excellent sense of making runs. Milan’s midfield will depend on this type of tactical solution. He is physically overflowing, we have seen it several times during the year, and in fact as an attacking midfielder he unlocked several games, but as a midfielder he can make the difference.”
Could Samardzic’s possible arrival be enough to bridge the gap with Inter?
“Inter are complete, we said it, but Lazar has talent, imagination, flair. He is a player with great shots, but inconsistent. Fonseca will have to be good at this, but he will have no problems.”
Reijnders and Bennacer remain, who stays in the XI?
“The Reijnders I saw at the Euros was exceptional. He raised the bar in a spectacular way. I watched all the Holland games, it was really fantastic. Frankly, I would never give up on someone like Tijjani.”