NBC: Capello compliments Milan’s performance but has two issues for Pioli.

Fabio Capello believes AC Milan put in a significantly improved performance against Newcastle United in the Champions League, even though they did not win.
Capello was on the panel that covered the match live on Sky (comments were carried by Radio Rossonera), and before the game, the ex-Milan manager commented on Stefano Pioli’s team selection and something he wasn’t expecting.

“I’m surprised by Reijnders’ absence; he’s the only one who knows how to invent a vertical pass that causes the game to spin quickly.” “I would have played him in a home game that Milan needed to win,” he stated.

Another criticism was leveled at Pioli prior to the game regarding Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was at Milanello the day before the game.

“Ibrahimovic arriving on such a sensitive day as yesterday?” If he came on his own and was allowed to speak with the players, the coach’s leadership left something to be desired.”

Moving on to the study of Milan-Newcastle, Capello conceded that he noticed some positives from the Rossoneri, at least in comparison to the 5-1 loss to Inter four days previously.

“I saw a Milan that finally didn’t concede counters to the opponent, because Newcastle are a team that is very dangerous when they counter normally in the Premier League.”

Normally, when Milan loses the ball in the league, they always allow the opponent to get in front of the goal or be dangerous: this time, we saw a Champions League Milan, just as we saw them last year. Capello also spoke about the injuries to Mike Maignan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, both of whom came off in the second half, the latter with cramp.

“I think I know what caused these two injuries. The intense excitement of the derby, the bitterness after the derby, and the strain of winning this match and putting on a terrific performance with your head all use a lot more energy. This can result in mild injuries. I’ve seen goalkeepers finish games with cramps: it’s all about the head.”

Capello concluded by discussing Milan’s group opponents, specifically Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain.

“It’s a ridiculous team without Mbappe.” Manchester City, on the other hand, is one of the favorites to win the Champions League. I saw the first two games, and they were outrageous football, but then Mbappé returned, and we saw a different team.”