Cafu believes that Sergio Conceicao can be the right man to lead AC Milan forward, while he urged the fans to rally around the team in a difficult moment.
The Brazilian defender has won almost everything there was to win in his career, but he has also experienced (a few times) difficult moments like the one Milan is going through.
On Tuesday, he watched his favourite team’s match against Feyenoord from Brazil and was disappointed by the result, as Milan exited 2-1 on aggregate.
Despite the sock elimination from the Champions League, he is convinced that the season can still reserve some positive surprises for Conceiçao’s team.
Cafu spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport to give his thoughts on the Rossoneri’s season to this point and what the future might hold.
Cafu, what is the first thing that Maignan and his teammates have to do this evening?
“Continue to believe in themselves and fight for the goals that remain. The season is certainly not over.”
The disappointment at being eliminated from the Champions League was great…
“I would say it was a bad blow because Milan could and should have gone through to the next round. That said, we are at the end of February and in the next three months there will still be many important games to play.”
What happened in Theo’s head on Tuesday?
“Continuing to talk about elimination from Europe is useless now. The Champions League 2024-25 is no longer an objective, but there are other goals. Against Feyenoord we should have gone through, we all agree. But now there is nothing more to do and looking for culprits is useless.”
So what do you suggest?
“Against Torino there is a tough match to play and win to continue the positive path of the last few weeks in the leagye. At the home of the Granata it will be tough because theirs is a good team, but Milan must play as they know how. And above all not look back anymore. The past does not count.”
Can Conceiçao turn things around in the next two away games against Torino and Bologna?
“For me, yes. It’s the right time to turn the season around. It’s in difficult moments that a team must react and Milan has everything it needs to get back on its feet immediately.”
Do you expect January signings to give an extra hand?
“The club made a major effort to improve the squad. It seems to me that players with personality have arrived who have already shown what they are worth.”
Are you referring to Gimenez, who has already scored three goals?
“He’s good, very good. He’s a centre forward with important characteristics, which I like. He started off strong and his goals will be useful.”
Do you approve other additions too?
“Walker remains one of the best right-backs in the world. He has experience and quality. If you take someone like that, you can’t go wrong. Joao Felix is very strong and perhaps the moment the team is going through doesn’t help him. Bondo and Sottil are also good, two who will bring enthusiasm and can be valid alternatives.”
Without fourth place in the league, Milan would not be in the Champions League. It would cause very serious damage…
“It would also be a bad blow for the Rossoneri fans and for football in general because a club with the history of Milan should always play in the Champions League. We hope that they put together a series of victories and that they recover ground on those ahead of them. It won’t be easy, but I believe in a comeback.”
Is Conceiçao the right man?
“He is a coach who understands football, who has both the experience of a former player and of a coach who led a club like Porto for years. The results in the league have been important and he won the Italian Super Cup. Now, however, what counts is the future and what he will do from now on.”
Shall we close with a message from you for the fans?
“Stay close to the team. The boys need it right now. The team can still give you satisfaction.”
