Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has weighed in on Milan’s summer transfer activities and the challenges facing new head coach Paulo Fonseca, especially after the season opener against Torino, Soccernet.football reports.
Despite a strong preseason showing against top European teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Barcelona, Milan’s first Serie A match revealed underlying issues that need urgent attention.
Duvan Zapata’s second-half goal put Torino ahead 2-0 at San Siro, leaving Milan on the brink of a disappointing defeat.
However, late goals from substitutes Alvaro Morata and Noah Okafor salvaged a point for the Rossoneri, highlighting the team’s fighting spirit but also its vulnerabilities.
In his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport as per PianetaMilan, Capello, who also previously managed the Rossoneri, expressed his concerns about Milan’s balance on the field.
He noted that while Milan’s transfer strategy aims to make the team more competitive in Europe by focusing on physicality and mentality, there are still adjustments to be made, particularly in midfield.
“Milan are conducting a mercato aimed at becoming even more European, in terms of physicality and mentality. From the Rossoneri, and in particular from Paulo Fonseca, I expect growth, especially in midfield,” Capello said.
“Against Torino, Milan had balance problems, but I am sure that the Portuguese coach has already understood how to deal with it, also thanks to new purchases like Fofana.
“It will take time, hopefully not too much, to integrate the new players and then the Rossoneri team will be able to do good things in the Champions League too.”
In other news, 19-year-old talent Demirel Hodzic is set to join AC Milan from Bologna after arriving the club on Thursday for his medicals.
Milan has reportedly finalised the paperwork, and Hodzic, considered a future star, will train with the first team while playing for the Futuro side. His signing is expected to be officially announced soon.