Former AC Milan player and coach Fabio Capello has offered a scathing assessment of the team’s recent performance and the behaviour of key players to Gazzetta dello Sport, particularly focusing on Theo Hernandez and the team’s overall attitude.
Theo Hernandez’s Leadership Questioned
Capello was particularly critical of Theo Hernandez’s conduct, stating, “Another behavior not befitting Milan. Whoever wears the captain’s armband should be a leader, the symbol of the team. We remember Baresi and Maldini, don’t we? Hernandez, instead, has only brought negativity to the group with his attitudes.”
Penalty Controversy
The ex-coach also addressed the recent penalty incident, describing it as “simply unacceptable.” He emphasized the importance of adhering to pre-match decisions, saying, “When preparing for a match, clear choices are made and communicated. This applies to corners, free kicks, and of course penalties.” Capello expressed his disapproval of players acting independently, particularly criticizing the captain for deciding to take the first penalty autonomously.
Milan’s Performance Against Fiorentina
Regarding Milan’s recent loss to Fiorentina, Capello observed, “I saw a team that took to the field without the will to fight. They would occasionally wake up, play 10-15 minutes of good football, and then fall back asleep. It’s a matter of attitude. Milan lost in Florence primarily because they desired victory less than their opponents did.”
Leao Substitution
Capello also commented on Rafael Leao’s substitution, noting, “It’s undeniable that Leao was doing some interesting things in the second half. He was in the game, unlike other times.” However, he supported coach Fonseca’s decision to replace Leao with Okafor, explaining that the coach wanted more depth, which Okafor could provide more than Leao.
Coaching Decisions
In conclusion, Capello defended the coach’s right to make tactical decisions: “I will never criticize a coach for a technical or tactical choice: he played an extra card, it may have gone wrong, but it’s his duty to make decisions.”
