Capello analyzes Milan's defeat in the Champions League: Here's what didn't work against Feyenoord

Former Milan coach Fabio Capello analyzed the Rossoneri's defeat in Rotterdam in an interview with "Gazzetta dello Sport":

"The match became complicated immediately after Maignan's serious mistake, after just three minutes. From that moment on, the tactical plan favored Feyenoord, who closed well and used their speed on counterattacks. Milan played with four offensive players, plus Reijnders, creating a natural imbalance. Quality is valuable when it controls the game and creates spaces, but when the team's stars are forced to run after the ball more than manage it, then they encounter difficulties."

Is the result reversible in return?

Of course. But, it will take a lot more aggression. Milan in Rotterdam were very soft in the duels. In 'San Siro' I expect a completely different performance, but maximum care must be taken against the counterattacks of the Dutch, especially against Igor Paixao, who caused a lot of problems for a veteran like Walker. The latter somehow managed thanks to experience and intelligence. However, of all the offensive players on the field, the Brazilian from Feyenoord was the brightest.

How do you evaluate the performance of Milan's four stars?

Leao was perhaps the only one who tried to do something concrete, but even when he dribbled past an opponent, he ended up making the wrong choice, pass or cross. He failed to really influence the match. Joao Felix and Pulisic? The same goes for both. Talented but physically light players, they suffer when they have to chase the ball more than play it. Pulisic also struggled in the defensive phase, putting Fofana, Reijnders and especially Walker in trouble, who often faced two opponents, one of whom was the always excellent Paixao.