Capello states Fonseca must ‘relaunch’ Theo in Roma preview: “Milan have some problems” | OneFootball

AC Milan host Roma in the return from the Christmas break tomorrow night, and Fabio Capello has looked ahead to the game, taking stock of both teams.

It is a huge game for Milan to return to, and the Rossoneri must be ready for a difficult game against a disappointing Giallorossi side. So far, the two have been Serie A’s biggest ‘disappointments’ if you will, and there must be an upturn in their fortunes soon.

Despite being in a slightly better position, the duo were both expected to get Europe this season, but the Diavolo’s aspirations were above hopes for a European place, instead, looking towards the top of the table.

Neither club has a strong European hope at present, but things can change quickly, and both teams will hope to restart their season with a turnaround result. Ahead of the game, Fabio Capello has spoken about the teams and Calciomercato.com have relayed his words for Sky.

“It will be a not easy match for both teams. Milan must win to stay hooked on the Champions League, a different result would be hard to digest. Of course, having Pulisic would have been different… Roma, on the other hand, seem to me to be getting back on their feet, especially now that Dybala is upping his game.”

There are a lot of market rumours about Dybala these days. Would you keep him or not?

“I always keep good players. If we discuss Dybala we can discuss anyone. He has some physical problems, we know that, but when he’s well and goes on the pitch he almost always makes the difference.”

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Is he playing more Ranieri who has to restore Roma’s dignity or Fonseca in the hunt for the Champions League?

“Ranieri will have time until the end to work and give dignity to the team, which he is already doing very well, with great desire. Claudio seems very determined to me. Fonseca, on the other hand, has to get Milan at least into the 4 Champions League, hoping that in the end it can even be 5.

“It’s a heavy commitment, of course, but Milan is a club that requires important efforts.”

Fonseca has the doubt about the left-back: Jimenez advances as a winger, but Theo might not play anyway…

“I would see Hernandez and the Spaniard together well: two players who exchange with each other, who overlap, perhaps even changing position when defending. But I think it is Theo’s recovery that is fundamental above all: his strength, personality and quality are important.

“The fact that he worked even on the day off shows us how much he wants to come back. And I think what he has shown is very important.”

In Roma would you bet on a 3-4-2-1 or a thicker midfield, perhaps with Pisilli starting?

“The midfield becomes strong when everyone runs. There are two phases, defence and attack. When you lose the ball the defenders have to shorten and the midfielders have to balance the game. Talking about numbers leaves time to be found.”

Reijnders is doing wonders this year. How can he be contained?

“He and Fofana represent a luxury midfield. You have to try to keep them there, because they have a unique balance and strength: one recovers balls, the other overturns the action and has vision. It’s a pair that I like a lot.”

And Paredes-Koné on the other hand, what kind of pair is that? Well-matched?

“Paredes is growing thanks to the trust that Ranieri has given him back, lately I’ve seen him do good things. But with Koné it seems to me that he still has to find himself, amalgamate perfectly.”

Could Morata sub-striker and Abraham centre forward be another surprise move?

“Certainly, Morata can do that job there, he moves well and keeps the team moving. Abraham, on the other hand, is looking more for the goal, but through the pursuit of power.”

But why do you think Juric didn’t play Paredes and Hummels? ‘I don’t know, we should ask him, everyone sees football differently. But there are no whims on the part of the coaches, the coaches always field the team they consider most functional in the search for victory.

Tomorrow, in your opinion, what could be the key duel?

“I think Milan have to be very careful on free kicks and corners because Roma are strong there, while Milan have some problems. So Fonseca has to put these things right here and then in the offensive phase he’ll have to look for more speed and less lateral passing.”