Fabio Capello: Milan’s Choice to Bet on Young Players Wasn’t Easy But They’ve Done Well

Renowned former football manager, Fabio Capello, has commented on the current conditions and potential future for AC Milan. His statements were made in an interview with the Italian sports newspaper, La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Capello emphasised the importance of the prestige of the club saying, “The shirt you wear, amongst the most glorious and famous in the world, should be enough to drive you to strive for success. A coach leading Milan should have this in mind and nothing else: to take the team to victory. Of course, it’s difficult. But I repeat, if you are Milan, you have to try and never give up.”

The Italian football tactician also stressed the importance of harnessing young talent. “I begin with the youngsters, because to bet on them is an act of courage that I see more often. Doing this at Milan can be even more challenging. Seeing so many young players on the pitch in the Coppa Italia, and not only, was wonderful. They have shown spirit and quality.”

The resurgence of striker, Jovic, was another point that Capello highlighted. “Milan has rediscovered the player they knew they had signed last summer. Recently he has been scoring and performing well. It would be important if this continues for multiple reasons: for him, for the team, and for a healthy competition with Giroud.”

Capello also touched upon the club’s transfer strategy saying, “It depends on what kind of market there will be. It would be important to sign ready players, who don’t need time to adapt to the league. The abolition of the Growth Decree will play against that. However, we must also consider the players who will return from long-term injuries and will be available again.”

Lastly, Capello expressed his continued support towards exciting young forward Rafa Leao. “I am always a sponsor for him. Rafa Leao is one of the few reasons to watch the match, he shows something different. His goal in the Coppa Italia has served to regain confidence in himself. It’s normal to demand a lot from him. I don’t believe that all defenders have become so strong and capable of stopping him, it’s about Leao finding himself again and the goal might have aided him.”