Ex-Milan coach Fabio Capello has ‘doubts’ over Rafael Leao and insists the Portuguese star should be more determined: ‘Look at Jude Bellingham’s impact at Real Madrid…’
Milan will finish another season empty-handed and saw their city rivals Inter celebrate the Scudetto on Monday night after the sixth consecutive victory in a derby della Madonnina.
“In the second part of the season, Milan lacked the contribution from some key players: Maignan, Theo, Tomori and Leao,” Capello told Gazzetta.
“If they are the pillars of Milan’s future, it’s hard to think about how to do it. The first thing directors must do is to understand whether these players still want to stay or if they want to leave.
“Milan will need three signings, a centre-back, a central midfielder and obviously a centre-forward.”
Leao has been criticised by fans and media following Milan’s loss to Inter and a Europa League elimination at the hands of Roma.
Capello explains doubts over Milan star Leao with Bellingham example
“Leao has enormous potential, but you never know what kind of game he’ll play,” noted Capello.
“This is why I have doubts. It seems incredible to me that a player with this class lacks the determination I expect from a player like him. Look at Bellingham at Real Madrid. His impact was shocking. That being said, if Leao and Theo are stopped, Milan lose 60% of the team.”
Capello didn’t say whether Milan should sack Stefano Pioli at the end of the season but is sure about one thing.
“In any case, fans must be grateful to Pioli,” he said.
“He deserved to win an unexpected Scudetto and led Milan to a Champions League semifinal.”
What Capello said about Pioli and Ibrahimovic
Capello was Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s first coach in Serie A, and the former striker will have a key role in deciding Pioli’s future and his possible successor, as well as Milan’s transfer strategies.
“I know Zlatan well and I don’t think he’ll push for one candidate just to make the fans happy,” said Capello.
“He is smart and competent. He’ll make his assessments, perhaps getting advice from people he trusts.”
Will Milan become title contenders again in 2024-25?
“I hope so, for Milan and the entertainment,” argued Capello.
“The title race ended after half a season this year and the last year. The Champions League can’t be the most important aspect from February.”