Former legendary coach Fabio Capello spoke to Milannews He answered many questions regarding the club, Pioli, Maldini, Ibrahimovic and much more.
– Was Pioli better mentally or tactically by insisting on 4-2-3-1?
Capello: “I think that the tactic comes from the mind. It’s important to enter the minds of players who understand and like that game system considering that it made them all perform at their best. I am very happy that Pioli remained with the club, because hasty decisions were going to be made. There was Maldini‘s skill and determination to maintain continuity in the work done and the results prove him right.”
– Did you expect such a performance in this role for Maldini and how do you rate his work so far?
Capello: “With Paolo Maldini I have a relationship of great esteem and affection, having had a great friendship first with Cesare and then with the whole family. The fact that he could do so well in such a short period is amazing. He managed to approach this role with the talent and precocity that he showed in his debut on the pitch. He made himself ready. I coached him at the age of 16 in the Primavera and I know something about him. I am very happy that they have awarded him as the strongest left-back in history. Finally some awards have also arrived for the defenders.”
– Among Maldini’s choices, together with Boban and the Rossoneri management, there was the desire to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Did his performance surprise you?
Capello: “No, it absolutely did not surprise me. He is a proud professional and always wants to show that he is the strongest of all. He manages to do it because he is an absolute champion and has the head to be able to continue. He still has the incentives to stay on the pitch, to sacrifice himself and to be able to work and in this sense he is an example for everyone and for the whole team. Ibrahimovic is a player capable of making a difference and we have often forgotten about him when we talk about the greatest players ever.”
