Capello: “Milan lack grit, Fonseca’s words reveal unease”

Former AC Milan coach Fabio Capello has weighed in on the current situation at his old club, offering a critical assessment of the team’s performance and Paulo Fonseca’s recent outburst. Capello’s comments come in the wake of Milan’s narrow Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade, after which Fonseca delivered a scathing critique of his players’ attitudes.

“Fonseca used strong words, but it’s clear something isn’t working in the team,” Capello observed. “He doesn’t seem at ease, and his goal is to make the players take responsibility. But the main thing to understand is whether it’s the players not following Fonseca, only playing matches they deem important like the away game at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid, or if there are tactical situations they disagree with.”

Capello emphasized the need for action, regardless of the root cause. “In the first case, the club should intervene and show support for the Portuguese coach. In the second, mediation from a team leader would be needed, someone who sides with the coach and brings the rest of the dressing room on board. My doubt lies here. My certainty is that everyone is under scrutiny.”

The former Milan tactician drew from his own experience, recalling a similar situation during his return to the club in the 1997-98 season. “The team wasn’t built by me, and above all, I didn’t see the right spirit,” he explained.

Addressing specific player performances, Capello highlighted concerns about Theo Hernandez. “Things are happening at Milan that have never been seen before. The French left-back might have off-field issues; he’s going through a moment. If it’s just a whim, that’s different. But the certainty is that he’s not the same Theo as last year.”

Capello also criticized captain Davide Calabria’s recent behavior. “Against Red Star, he didn’t help. As a man, he seems fine, but as a captain, I didn’t like his protest at all when he was substituted.”

The former coach strongly agreed with Fonseca’s desire for players who would “die for Milan,” like Camarda and Abraham. “He’s absolutely right because it’s true that Milan is lacking more players like them. The players aren’t performing as they should; they lack desire. When they lose the ball, there’s no anger to recover it, no aggression.”

When asked about the difference between the current squad and the one under previous coach Stefano Pioli, Capello was cautious in making direct comparisons. “I can’t compare with the past, also because Pioli’s Milan had a different midfield compared to the current one, it had a different quality. But yes, the former coach had managed to create a good group.”

Looking ahead to Milan’s upcoming Serie A match against Genoa, Capello offered advice on how to move past the recent controversy: “By running and helping each other. Everyone is under discussion, and the match against the Rossoblu will serve as a test for everyone.”

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