Capello criticises forwards in analysis of Milan’s defeat to Feyenoord: “Too soft when they had to fight” | OneFootball

Fabio Capello was critical of AC Milan’s performance during their defeat to Feyenoord, but believes that the tie is far from lost.

Milan have left themselves with it all to do in the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie against Feyenoord as they lost the first leg 1-0 at De Kuip.

The only goal of the game came in the opening few minutes and in truth it will be one that Mike Maignan will not be happy with, as Igor Paixao’s shot from range somehow beat him at the near post.

There was a lot of talk in the build-up to the game about the ‘Fantastic Four’ and Milan’s potentially overwhelming forwards options, and yet they were kept out by a side that conceded 21 goals in eight games in the first phase.

Capello was covering the game for Sky and he gave his thoughts on a performance that – by the admission of key players like Rafael Leao and Tijjani Reijnders – was nowhere near the right level.

“Not enough from Milan. There was talk of imagination with four forwards, there was little of it: they all carried the ball too much and there was no real opportunity. They suffered too much on the counter-attack because the midfield didn’t break things up,” he said (via MilanNews).

“The thing that struck me most was the lack of moving the ball: everyone carried it and it was easy for the opponents to position themselves. The only one to try to dribble was Leao, but he always touched it one too many times.”

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He also spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport and touched on the notion that Milan might have underestimated the game, given Feyenoord are fifth in the league and had a caretaker coach.

Was the game underestimated?

“I knew that Feyenoord is a tough opponent at home. A team that runs, has decent quality and knows how to occupy the pitch well, also dragged along by a very passionate crowd.

“It wasn’t an easy away match and Milan suffered, offering a bad performance. Let me say this: perhaps in Italy the challenge was a little underestimated on the eve.”

Shouldn’t we have expected a little more quality from Milan?

“The match was directed and complicated by Maignan’s glaring error after just three minutes. From then on, the tactical plan smiled on Feyenoord, who were able to close down to counter quickly, also taking advantage of the natural imbalance of a Milan lined up with four attacking players plus Reijnders.

“You can show quality when you control the game and open up spaces, but if your stars are forced to run more backwards than forwards, then they are in difficulty.”

Is a comeback possible in the return leg?

“Of course. But first of all we will need more anger. Milan in Rotterdam were too soft when they had to fight. At San Siro I expect a very different performance, but we will need to be very careful of the Dutch counter-attack.

“And in particular of that Igor Paixao, who put a veteran like Walker in serious difficulty, who in the end even got out of it, because he has experience and intelligence. Of all the attacking players on the pitch at De Kuip, the Brazilian from Feyenoord was certainly the most brilliant.”

Photo by AC Milan

Let’s talk about the four AC Milan stars, starting with Leao…

“Perhaps he’s the only one who tried to do something concrete, but even on the rare occasions when he managed to beat an opponent, he always made the wrong choice, the wrong touch or the wrong cross, not having an impact in the end.”

Joao Felix failed to inject creativity into the team…

“The same thing goes for him as for Pulisic. If players with great quality but a bit light are forced to chase the ball more than play it, then they suffer.

“In particular, Pulisic also struggled in his tracking back, causing difficulties for Fofana, Reijnders and especially Walker, who often found himself up against two men, one of whom was always the talented Paixao.”

It wasn’t a good return to Rotterdam for Gimenez…

“I would say no, but I don’t know how much of it is his fault. The Mexican certainly wasn’t brilliant, but how many useful balls did a centre-forward like him get? Zero… For a striker with his characteristics, supplies are essential and Gimenez didn’t get any.”

Image: AC Milan

Perhaps Pavlovic was the only one on the ball in terms of attitude?

“Solid, concrete. Yes, Pavlovic in defence cleared up two or three dangerous situations, because when Feyenoord countered they always did it quickly and with a certain conviction.

“Luckily the Serbian put in more than one patch and in general the defense held up. Even Walker, who had to deal with a Paixao in great form, somehow contained him a bit.”

The midfield a little less?

“The midfield pairing of Fofana-Reijnders was in difficulty because it suffered from the general imbalance of the team. I wouldn’t say it’s the fault of one individual or the other, but of the collective system.”

Overall, is Conceiçao’s mark being seen in some way or are Milan still searching for an identity?

“Conceiçao has achieved some results, such as winning the Supercoppa in Saudi Arabia or going through to the next round in the Coppa Italia against Roma, but I have seen very little style of play.

“The team remains tied more than anything to the play of individuals and struggles to move as a single unit. But then it becomes difficult to find consistency in performance…”