Cafu: Milan ‘should always be in the Champions League, Walker one of the best right-backs’ | OneFootball

Brazilian legend Cafu insists Milan ‘should always be in the Champions League’ but argues that the ‘season is far from over’ and that Kyle Walker remains ‘one of the best right-backs in the world.’

Milan were eliminated by Feyenoord in the Champions League knockout playoff on Tuesday and will face Torino away in Serie A today.

Former Milan defender Cafu released an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport analysing the Rossoneri’s season and their future targets.

“They must keep believing in themselves and fighting for the goals that remain. The season is far from over,” said the ex-Brazil international.

Nevertheless, Cafu was disappointed by Milan’s Champions League exit.

“I’d say it was a tough blow because Milan could and should have advanced,” he argued.

“That being said, it’s late February, and there are still many important matches to play in the next three months.”

Cafu: Milan ‘should always be in the Champions League, Walker one of the best right-backs’

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Kyle Walker of AC Milan reacts towards referee Szymon Marciniak during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan are five points below the top four but have a game in hand and earning a Champions League placement for 2025-26 is the minimum target set by the club.

“It would also be a huge disappointment for the Rossoneri fans and for football in general because a club with Milan’s history should always be in the Champions League,” said Cafu.

“Hopefully, they can put together a winning streak and close the gap on the teams ahead. It won’t be easy, but I believe in a comeback.

“Against Torino, there’s a tough match to play and win to continue the positive run of the past few weeks in the league,” continued Cafu.

“Playing away will be difficult because Torino are a good team, but Milan must play their game. Most importantly, they must stop looking back. The past doesn’t matter.”

Milan hired Sergio Conceiçao in December 2023, and Cafu believes that the Portuguese coach is the right man to help Milan bounce back.

“For me, yes. This is the right time to turn the season around,” he said.

“In difficult moments, a team must react, and Milan have everything it takes to bounce back immediately.”

The Rossoneri signed five new players in the January transfer window, including Kyle Walker and Santiago Gimenez.

“Walker remains one of the best right-backs in the world,” argued Cafu.

“He has experience and quality. If you sign a player like him, you can’t go wrong. Joao Felix is an incredible talent, though the team’s current situation may not be helping him. Bondo and Sottil are also great additions. Two players who bring enthusiasm and can be valuable alternatives.”

Cafu finished the interview with a message for Milan fans: “Stay close to the team. Right now, the players need your support. They can still bring you joy.”