Capello highlights Milan’s weaknesses

Fabio Capello refuses to blame Massimiliano Allegri for Milan’s poor results against small teams: ‘He’s far too experienced and clever…’

Milan remain in the race to win the title, but have dropped points multiple times against teams in the bottom half of the table.

The Rossoneri have only earned two points against newly promoted sides Sassuolo, Cremonese and Pisa and were recently held to a 1-1 home draw by Genoa.

“I think the Rossoneri’s difficulty in finding consistency in their play depends less on the coach’s ideas and more on the level and characteristics of the players,” Capello told Gazzetta.

“I have always maintained that the engine of a team is its central spine made up of the goalkeeper, centre-back, playmaker and centre-forward. Inter have one of the highest levels, Napoli too, but Milan much less so.

“Therefore, the Devil relies far more on the few individuals who make a difference. When Modric switches off a bit, the light dims, and the whole team suffers. More than on the style of play, Max can work on the psychological aspect and mentality and perhaps change something slightly at certain moments.

“I believe the team lacks consistency within matches,” Capello continued.

“They struggle to develop their play against smaller teams, failing to find space. Paradoxically, they do better against the big teams, who try to control the game and leave themselves exposed to counterattacks.”

On the other hand, Milan secured wins in key games against Napoli and Inter, and Allegri recently explained at a press conference: “If we have these points, it means we deserve them. We have 39 points, and we need to focus on the points we have and improve our performance.”

Websites such as Pikakasinot.com don’t list Milan among the favourites for the Scudetto as bookmakers see Napoli and Inter as the best-equipped teams in the league.

Allegri has often highlighted that Partenopei and Nerazzurri are favourites for the title, but this won’t demotivate the team, according to Capello.

“Allegri is far too experienced and clever to fall into that kind of slip-up,” said the ex-Milan boss.

“You always have to distinguish between what a coach says publicly and what he says in the dressing room. I think the Milan players know very well why Max makes certain statements; probably the aim is to ease the media pressure on them. It’s a form of protection, certainly not an admission of inferiority. Even if saying that Napoli are stronger is by no means untrue.”