Capello questions Milan’s transfer strategy and Fonseca’s Influence

Former AC Milan coach Fabio Capello has raised concerns about the club’s recent transfer activities, questioning both the decision-making process and the influence of current manager Paulo Fonseca on player acquisitions and departures.

Writing for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello emphasized the importance of understanding who made the transfer decisions and whether they were in agreement with Fonseca’s needs. He expressed doubt that some purchases and sales were based on well-considered football evaluations or the coach’s requirements.

“Before we ask whether Milan’s summer market was more or less successful, let’s ask ourselves two questions: who made the decisions? And above all, were the choices made in agreement with Paulo Fonseca, the coach?” Capello stated, emphasizing the need for clarity in the decision-making process.

He expressed skepticism about some of the club’s signings, particularly highlighting Emerson Royal. “Emerson Royal doesn’t seem like Milan material to me. It’s a purchase I wouldn’t have made because it doesn’t improve you in an area where you already had Calabria, young Jimenez, and potentially Kalulu,” he remarked. Capello further criticized the decision to let Kalulu go while bringing in new players who may not elevate the team’s quality.

Capello also addressed the striker situation, noting that while fans are clamoring for a prolific goalscorer, finding one within budget constraints is challenging. “The fans ask why Milan didn’t sign a real goalscorer, one capable of 20 goals. As if it were easy. The question to ask is: who could they have bought with the same budget?” he explained. He defended the signings of Álvaro Morata and Tammy Abraham as solid options but acknowledged that more could be done to strengthen the attack.

In discussing Milan’s tactical needs, Capello pointed out that with Fonseca preferring Christian Pulisic as an attacking midfielder, a high-quality right winger was essential for balance. “Unfortunately, Chukwueze has never really got going, and there’s no similar alternative in terms of characteristics,” he noted. He questioned why Saelemaekers was allowed to leave when Fonseca had expressed a desire to keep him before the season began.

Capello concluded with a poignant observation: “It really seems to me that Paulo hasn’t been listened to much…” His comments reflect a broader concern about Milan’s direction and their ability to compete at the highest levels in Serie A. As the club navigates its current challenges, it remains to be seen how they will address these issues in future transfer windows.