Last update 15 October, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
European football has witnessed great teams throughout history, But few sets have left a mark as deep as the AC Milan of the years 90 that was one of The teams with the most undefeated games in history.
In the center of this monumental success is found Fabio Capello, a methodical and visionary technician who transformed an already powerful team, that came from marking time with Sacchi, In a real winning machine. His influence on Milan of that time consecrated him as one of the best coaches of all time, And his legacy at the Italian club is unforgettable.
Fabio Capello's legacy in AC Milan
Fabio Capello assumed the reins of AC Milan in 1991, happening to Arrigo Sacchi, who had already managed to take the team to the top of world football. However, Under Capello's command, Milan would reach a new dimension. His ability to balance defensive solidity with a lethal attack made him the Invincible Milan Architect. In his first mandate (1991-1996), The team reached a historical streak of 58 undefeated matches in Serie A, A record that is still admired.
The strength of the defensive system
One of the key elements of Capello's success was his focus on defense. Inheriting an iron defensive line with players like Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta y Mauro Tassotti, Capello perfected the tactical system that had already left Sacchi, focusing on maintaining a solid and compact defensive block. This structure was the base that allowed its Milan not only to be difficult to overcome, but practically impenetrable.
in the season 1993-1994, AC Milan granted alone 15 goals in 34 parties of series A, ensuring the title with a big difference over their rivals. Defensive robustness was one of the pillars of Capello's success, But he also knew how to provide his team with an unstoppable offensive.
An unstoppable attack
The Milan of Fabio Capello not only shone in the defense. The team's attack was made up of world -class players as Marco van Basten, Dejan Savicevic, Daniele Massaro y George Weah (who arrived later) And it was the first African gold ball in history. And so far, the only.
Under the direction of Capello, Milan adapted to a pragmatic game, But lethally effective. Although some critics argued that the team was more conservative compared to that of Sacchi, The results spoke for themselves.
The greatest example of the offensive power of Milan de Capello occurred in the UEFA Champions League final 1994, When they destroyed at FC Barcelona by Johan Cruyff for 4-0 In Athens, In one of the most impressive victories in the history of European football. Capello made his team not only effective, but also capable of shining in the most important moments.
The titles under the command of Capello
The impact of Fabio Capello on AC Milan is measured not only by its invincibility, sino por los títulos conseguidos durante su gestión. En sus cinco años al frente del club (1991-1996), Capello llevó al Milan a ganar:
- 4 títulos de la Serie A (1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96)
- 1 UEFA Champions League (1993-94)
- 3 Supercopas de Italia (1992, 1993, 1994)
- 1 European Super Cup (1994)
Este impresionante palmarés lo consolidó como uno de los entrenadores más exitosos en la historia del club, llevando al Milan a dominar tanto en el ámbito nacional como internacional.
The departure and return of Fabio Capello
In 1996, Capello dejó el Milan para unirse al Real Madrid, donde continuó su exitosa carrera, winning the Liga Española in its first season. However, no cuajó con la grada del Bernabéu y su conexión con el Milan era tan fuerte que, tras algunos años en otros equipos, regresó al club en la temporada 1997-98. Aunque su segunda etapa no fue tan fructífera como la primera, Capello's figure was already recorded in the history of AC Milan as one of the most important coaches.
The rest of Fabio Capello's career
Fabio Capello is remembered not only for his work at Milan, but for his career in general. Was 2 years in Real Madrid separated (1996-97 y 2006-07) and in both, He won Spanish LaLiga.
Continued training teams such as AS Roma, the Juventus and selections such as England and Russia, achieving successes in several countries and contexts. Your tactical style, focused on defensive discipline and efficiency in attack, It has been a key influence on subsequent generations of coaches.
He Milan de Capello is considered one of the best teams in football history, Also that of his predecessor Arrigo Sacchi. Fabio Capello evolved to AC Milan in an invincible team for much of the years 90, And his meticulous approach remains an example of how to manage an elite team.
Although like all, It has detractors and in love with its method almost in equal parts. But the numbers are in history and those of Capello, There they will be forever.
How many titles Fabio Capello has won as coach?
Fabio Capello, Throughout his successful career as a coach, has won a total of 15 important titles at club level. Next, their most outstanding titles are broken down:
With AC Milan:
- 4 A series: 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96
- 1 UEFA Champions League: 1993-94
- 3 Supercopas de Italia: 1992, 1993, 1994
- 1 European Super Cup: 1994
With Real Madrid:
- 2 Leagues Spain: 1996-97, 2006-07
With AS Roma:
- 1 A series: 2000-01
- 1 Italian Super Cup: 2001
With Juventus:
- 2 A series: 2004-05, 2005-06 (Both titles were revoked by the Calciopoli scandal, But at the time they were won in the field).
Besides, You can also add other achievements such as work with selections and their contribution in different roles in world football.