News Focus
- Fabio Capello doubts Ralf Rangnick’s suitability for AC Milan’s management structure
- The Rossoneri currently have no head coach or sporting director after a mass clear-out
- Rafael Leao appears set for the exit door after losing focus on the pitch, claims the former manager
- The club risks a third consecutive season without Champions League football
Former AC Milan manager Fabio Capello has raised serious concerns about the club’s current direction. He believes the potential appointment of Ralf Rangnick would face major challenges within the Italian game.
Capello spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about the crisis at the San Siro. The Rossoneri recently parted company with head coach Massimiliano Allegri. They also removed sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and chief executive Giorgio Furlani.
The Italian legend praised Rangnick’s previous achievements with Red Bull’s clubs in Germany and Austria. However, he finds it hard to imagine the German’s methods working in Serie A. Capello explained that Italian football culture traditionally separates the roles of head coach and sporting director. He feels it would be difficult for one person to control every department.
The delays worry Capello. He stated that owner Gerry Cardinale must act quickly. “Cardinale reset everything within a few seconds. Now he has to move fast to find replacements,” he said. The American businessman apparently prefers foreign candidates. Capello admitted this preference makes him uncomfortable as an Italian.
The absence of Champions League football has left supporters furious. Milan have missed out on qualification for two consecutive campaigns. Capello warned that a third failure would create serious tension between the fans and the board.
Capello also criticised winger Rafael Leao. The Portuguese star recently announced he wants a new challenge in a different league. Capello believes this proves Leao never matured as a player. He noticed the forward seemed distracted and disengaged during recent matches.
“He was thinking more about other things rather than football,” Capello observed. He suspects Leao has already agreed terms with another club. This situation weakens Milan’s position when negotiating transfer fees.
Rangnick is expected to meet with Milan officials within the next seven days. He currently works with the Austrian national team. The German previously had a brief spell in charge of Manchester United.