Capello names 7 Milan players who deserve to stay: ‘No revolutions’ | OneFootball

Former Milan manager Fabio Capello stated that the Rossoneri should focus on bringing in two or three top-level reinforcements who can ‘truly make the difference’ for next season, rather than making ‘total revolutions’.

Milan’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Inter in the Coppa Italia semifinal was one of the rare occasions this season where they could fully demonstrate their worth, further reinforcing Capello’s belief that their ‘foundation is good’, and that they should build their future on that.

Whatever areas they choose to strengthen, the 78-year-old emphasised that the important thing is for Milan to identify players who can provide ‘solid guarantees’.

APRIL 23: Luka Jovic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the coppa Italia Semi Final match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Capello picks 7 Milan players who should stay: ‘No total revolutions needed’

“The key to the Milan of the future is one: bringing in two or three top-level players who can truly make a difference,” Capello wrote in a column for La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“There’s no need for total revolutions, with eight or ten new signings. But a couple of them, yes, and wherever they come from will be fine: whether it’s a great central midfielder, another very strong midfielder, a right-back, or a winger who can make an impact.

“Not experiments, but players who already offer solid guarantees. The foundation is good, and that’s what’s also frustrating: if the Milan we saw in the derby is the real one, why did it take so long to show up?”

Capello went on to name some specific players that the club should retain, possibly building an even more competitive team around them.

“We need to start with the players already at the club, and elevate their value,” the former coach continued.

“This season, in a Milan that’s been in general confusion, Reijnders, Pulisic, and I would also say Fofana have stood out.

“None of the others have performed like they did two nights ago — they have. They form a solid base. I’ve been closely following Reijnders between Milan and the Netherlands. You could tell he was a player of a different level, especially for the personality he has.

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 15: Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I admit, though, I didn’t expect fifteen goals this season. He has a really strong sense of positioning. And together with Fofana, they form a great duo.

“I’ve seen great determination in Pavlovic, and I wonder: why was Tomori pushed to the margins? It surprises me seeing him today that he wasn’t considered before.

“I saw a Leao who was finally hungry: with his physical strength, if he played at 80% of his potential, he would be unstoppable — that should be his standard. But too often, he limits himself to 40%.

“Beyond that, Maignan has bounced back, and I like him; it’s hard to find someone better without spending a lot of money. I have no doubts, I’d keep him.

“Pulisic is another player who brings consistency and quality, fitting perfectly in Milan. He’s one of those players who’s guaranteed a 6.5 rating, and sometimes even a 7 or higher. I always ask myself: who could I find better than him?”

In another recent column for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello also noted that simply questioning Sergio Conceição for not being able to reach Champions League qualification would be ‘misleading’.