Capello critical of Milan’s first-half against Bayer Leverkusen: ‘They weren’t on the pitch’ | OneFootball

Fabio Capello believes Milan should analyse their poor first-half against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and their worrying inclination to react only after conceding a goal.

The former manager admitted the Rossoneri ‘woke up’ after falling behind in their 1-0 defeat at the hands of the German champions, but he still has ‘doubts’ over Paulo Fonseca’s side due to the issues that led their opponents to dominate the first part of the match.

Capello also praised Alvaro Morata’s attitude, saying his presence on the pitch ‘makes the difference’.

Capello: Milan can’t keep conceding before reacting

“Milan had some important chances in the second-half. After Bayer Leverkusen’s goal, the team woke up,” Capello told Sky Sport Italia after the match, as quoted by Milanpress.

“However, they can’t always concede a goal before reacting.

“I would analyse the first part of the game above all, to understand why we weren’t on the pitch, why we allowed Bayer Leverkusen to be dominant and create a lot of chances, why Maignan needed to save many shots.

“In the second part, they also lacked something.

“This team leaves me with some doubts – there were problems on the flanks, so maybe playing with a midfield trio could help shield the defence.

“When Leverkusen counter-attacked, there was a line of four advanced players and then two midfielders alone. I think a midfield trio would be better.”

Alvaro Morata came on to replace Tammy Abraham after 62 minutes, a substitution that helped the visitors end the match on a higher note, despite not finding the equaliser.

“Morata coming on was a spark for his teammates,” Capello said.

“When you have players like him, you want to give something more, he makes the difference.

“And then we need to wake Leao up. I think it’s the most difficult thing and there’s something I didn’t like about him: he would gesticulate every time he sprinted and did not receive the ball.

“To make gestures means that you’re teammate with the ball made a mistake, and you underline this situation by making this.”