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Fabio Capello has defended Massimiliano Allegri over Milan’s inconsistent performances this season, arguing that the Rossoneri’s struggles against smaller teams stem from squad limitations rather than coaching deficiencies. Milan have dropped points repeatedly against bottom-half teams despite remaining in the title race with 39 points.
Capello Refuses to Blame Allegri for Milan’s Struggles Against Smaller Teams
Milan have earned just two points against newly promoted sides Sassuolo, Cremonese and Pisa this season, while also being held to a 1-1 home draw by Genoa. The Rossoneri’s inconsistency against weaker opposition has raised questions about Allegri’s tactical approach, but former Milan coach Capello believes the issues lie elsewhere in the squad structure.
Capello told Gazzetta that Milan’s difficulty in finding consistency depends less on coaching ideas and more on the level and characteristics of the players available. The former Italy manager highlighted the importance of a team’s central spine, comprising goalkeeper, centre-back, playmaker and centre-forward, suggesting Milan lack the quality that rivals Inter and Napoli possess in these key positions.
The 78-year-old emphasized that Milan rely heavily on individual brilliance to make the difference, particularly from players like Modric. “When Modric switches off a bit, the light dims, and the whole team suffers,” Capello explained. He suggested Allegri should focus on the psychological aspect and mentality rather than tactical changes, noting that the team lacks consistency within matches and struggles to develop play against defensive smaller teams.
Capello acknowledged that Milan paradoxically perform better against bigger teams who try to control games and leave themselves exposed to counterattacks. This theory is supported by Milan’s recent victories over title rivals Napoli and Inter, demonstrating their ability to rise to major occasions while faltering against supposedly weaker opposition.
The former Milan boss dismissed suggestions that Allegri’s public statements about Napoli and Inter being title favourites could demotivate his players. Capello described Allegri as “far too experienced and clever” to make such tactical errors, suggesting the coach’s comments serve as protection from media pressure rather than admissions of inferiority, while acknowledging that describing Napoli as stronger is not untrue.
