Fabio Capello has spent less than two months on his voyage of
discovery in English football, but he has already made his mind up
about the quality of Arsenal. The England manager described them
yesterday as "one of the very top teams in Europe" and warned his
former club Milan that they could not have a more difficult task
when they visit the Emirates in the Champions League tomorrow.
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There are some aspects of life in England upon which Capello is
prepared to reserve judgement – the question of England's next
captain for example – but when it comes to Arsenal he has already
intimated that he would like his national team to play the same way
as the Premier League leaders. He said yesterday the
counter-attacking style of Arsène Wenger's team would be a
challenge even for the European Cup holders and their weight of
experience in the competition.
Capello said that Milan, whom he led to a Champions League
triumph in 1994 and who lie fourth in Serie A with their two
first-choice goalkeepers injured, would have to try to score an
away goal to give themselves a chance. "Since the draw I've felt
that Milan could not have got a worse proposition than Arsenal,"
Capello said. "I believe that at this time Arsenal are one of the
very top teams in Europe. They combine great quality with great
speed. They will be very different from the team beaten 4-0 at Old
Trafford.
"Arsenal defend with 10 men and attack with six. They are a very
well organised side, full of talented players. If you leave them
any space, they counter-attack with four to five players at such
pace that the opposition cannot figure out what's hitting them.
Milan can count on their huge experience and, as I've said, they
always give their best and more on such occasions. But to have a
chance with Arsenal they'll have to be in top physical
condition."
Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive in London today with Clarence
Seedorf and Pato serious doubts for tomorrow's game. They have
already lost their Brazilian goalkeeper Dida and his understudy
Zeljko Kalac is suffering from a hand injury, which could mean a
rare outing for the 38-year-old veteran Valerio Fiori, who has not
played since December 2003. The World Footballer of the Year, Kaka,
made a return in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Parma, during which Paolo
Maldini came on for his 1,000th appearance for Milan. Ronaldo is
out for the long term.
Capello said that Manchester United had managed to negate the
threat of Cesc Fabregas in the FA Cup tie on Saturday, which had
proved "a key factor for their dominance". He added: "We know that
Milan can rise to the challenge in crucial matches, but this is a
very difficult time to face Arsenal. But [Emmanuel] Adebayor,
[Mathieu] Flamini, [Gaël] Clichy will be back against Milan, for a
very different Arsenal team.
"They [Milan] will need their quality players in their best
form, and it is vital for the likes of Kaka and Seedorf to recover
in time. They will need a strong midfield to face Arsenal, [Andrea]
Pirlo is a must. If Pato recovers in time it will be a big bonus
for them. Arsenal have Adebayor on extraordinary form, but the
whole team play great football. Milan will have to endeavour to
score an away goal, which would give them a boost for the San Siro
game."
Wenger's claims that his Arsenal team have played more matches
so far this season than any other side in Europe – 42 games – will
be his justification for such a half-hearted exit from the FA Cup
at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, he should reap the benefits tomorrow
with Adebayor, Clichy and Flamini all available. Bacary Sagna and
Tomas Rosicky could also be back in contention.
