logo
Ex AC Milan Coach Argues ‘If Inter Milan Stopped Messi In 2010 They Can Stop Yamal Now' Ahead Of Barcelona Champions League Showdow

Ex AC Milan Coach Argues ‘If Inter Milan Stopped Messi In 2010 They Can Stop Yamal Now' Ahead Of Barcelona Champions League Showdow

Yahoo19-04-2025

Ex AC Milan Coach Argues 'If Inter Milan Stopped Messi In 2010 They Can Stop Yamal Now' Ahead Of Barcelona Champions League Showdow
Ex AC Milan Coach Argues 'If Inter Milan Stopped Messi In 2010 They Can Stop Yamal Now' Ahead Of Barcelona Champions League Showdow
Fabio Capello feels that 'if Inter Milan stopped Lionel Messi, they can stop Lamine Yamal' in their Champions League tie against Barcelona.
The legendary former AC Milan, Real Madrid, and England coach gave his thoughts to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, via FCInterNews.
Advertisement
Inter Milan will face Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League.
The Nerazzurri know full well that they will be up against one of Europe's most formidable attacks.
Barcelona have operating very well as a team in attack. But they also boast significant individual quality.
And it is teenage winger Lamine Yamal who has arguably been the Blaugranas' star man.
Yamal was one of the stars for Spain at the Euros last summer. And despite his young age, he is very much one of Barcelona's key men.
Capello Argues 'If Inter Milan Stopped Messi In 2010, They Can Stop Yamal Now'
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MAY 23: Laureus Ambassador Fabio Capello attend the Laureus European Summit on May 23, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo byfor Laureus)
Inter Milan have already faced plenty of top-class forwards already this season in the Champions League, however.
Advertisement
Among these have been Bayern Munich's Michael Olise, Manchester City's Savinho, and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka.
And in the view of former Milan and England coach Fabio Capello, 'Lamine Yamal is not Messi.'
'If Inter managed to stop Messi in 2010, they can do it again now against Lamine Yamal for Barcelona.'
Capello continued that 'I've read some exaggerated comparisons regarding Lamine.'
'He's a player who's doing great things,' the former coach went on. 'When he first broke through at Barcelona, people said that he's the new Messi.'
'But he's not at that level,' argued Capello.
'He's an extraordinary player. Spectacular. Elite.'
'But he doesn't have that genius that Messi had,' Capello argued.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Newcastle's summer transfer strategy: Are fans right to worry about the lack of activity?
Newcastle's summer transfer strategy: Are fans right to worry about the lack of activity?

New York Times

time3 hours ago

  • New York Times

Newcastle's summer transfer strategy: Are fans right to worry about the lack of activity?

After three successive transfer windows without strengthening their first XI, Newcastle United will be active in the market this summer, but nothing has happened yet. High-profile targets already appear to be heading elsewhere, prompting the usual array of fury, froth and frustration on social media. Advertisement When the 2025 close-season's Club World Cup-enforced first mini-window shut on Tuesday, Newcastle had done little more than announce their retained list, with no senior arrivals. The window reopens on Tuesday, June 16, and runs until the night of September 1. With Paul Mitchell, the sporting director, standing down effective June 30, and Darren Eales, the chief executive, already serving his notice, are Newcastle in a state of limbo? Or are they merely biding their time? Our Newcastle writers Chris Waugh and George Caulkin examine the pressing issues at the club. Caulkin: This is multi-layered. Most obviously, head coach Eddie Howe needs some help. Last season's achievements by him and his players represent a miracle, given the discomfort of a year ago, when the squad was weakened. Howe's first XI needs refreshing — greater competition. For too long, motivation has come from within. Those players now need pushing via an injection of quality. Returning to the Champions League next season also gives them another front to fight on. Two years ago, when they last played in that competition, a skinny squad was stretched to translucency by injury. Newcastle require more depth. GO DEEPER Newcastle are back in the Champions League. It changes everything After the PSR (the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules) debacle of last summer, Newcastle are in a far stronger position, particularly after recouping fees for Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly in January. So they have money available, but there are caveats. They are not the biggest wage-payers and will not be taken advantage of when it comes to the so-called 'Saudi tax' — a reference to the deep pockets of their majority owners, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Waugh: Fundamentally, Newcastle want to significantly bolster Howe's squad while maintaining financial prudence. The owners are determined to avoid going multiple windows without investing again; they want to leave PSR headroom to recruit again in next year's winter window and beyond. Advertisement Newcastle are adamant they will not overpay for players, though, believing present asking prices are inflated. However, sizeable expenditure is anticipated; the boardroom-level desire to support Howe within sustainable limitations is absolute. There is a recognition that the squad's average age, especially at centre-half and goalkeeper, requires lowering. The majority of players being targeted are between 21 and 24; they have been recognised for their elite potential, given Newcastle cannot afford to bring in multiple established stars. Those under consideration are players who can improve the first XI and, so, the squad. Quality will take precedence over quantity. A complicating factor is UEFA's homegrown quota. Only Sean Longstaff qualifies as a 'club-trained' senior player and, while Newcastle believe they should have the depth to manage regardless, this detail has been a consideration. With John Ruddy, the reserve goalkeeper, in negotiations over an extension, now free-agents Fraser Forster and Tim Krul are unlikely to be recruited, even if their names were mentioned internally, given their homegrown credentials. Waugh: The priorities are obvious. A right-sided centre-back and right-winger (or at least another attacking player of some sort) are wanted, alongside a goalkeeper. A versatile forward is desired, and a midfielder may arrive. Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo was their top right-winger target, but his preference to join Manchester United has led to a re-evaluation. Previous offers were made for Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga, Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth is admired at Newcastle and Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro is a long-term target. The club must determine whether they have the capacity to sign an adaptable attacker, a right-winger, or both. Advertisement At centre-half, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is still highly regarded and James Trafford of Burnley is the priority goalkeeper target. Further details can be found in the latest DealSheet. Caulkin: That idea of priority is fluid. There have been initial negotiations with Burnley over Trafford, the optics of which are not ideal, given his arrival would leave Newcastle with six goalkeepers if nobody departs before then. Yet it isn't a case of saying it should be a right-winger who comes in first. Newcastle are responding to where the market takes them and acting accordingly. Two summers ago, they already had established full-backs, but went out and signed Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, who are both fundamental to their team now. It is not all about immediacy. Clubs who are not in need of money can hold firm. Priorities change according to circumstances. Caulkin: On the face of it, sub-optimally. 'Speed is key for us and I've reiterated that many times internally, because we have to be dynamic,' Howe said last month. 'We have to be ready to complete things very quickly because good players don't hang around for long.' Since then, Mbeumo has seemingly become unobtainable. Ipswich striker Liam Delap opted for Chelsea. Defender Dean Huijsen left Bournemouth for Real Madrid. With Manchester City already spending big and Liverpool pushing to sign Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez to go with early signing Jeremie Frimpong, it doesn't feel like Newcastle are moving with the dynamism Howe referenced. Yet good players are going to attract rival suitors, and when it comes to salaries, Newcastle cannot compete with a flailing Manchester United, let alone City, Liverpool or Chelsea. Other targets may simply not be available yet. One long-established mantra at Newcastle under PIF's ownership is 'process-driven' decision-making. The problem is that getting transfers over the line often requires being fleet of foot; how and whether this can work, given the flux at director level within the club, is not yet clear. Advertisement Waugh: It is only June 12. As dismissive as that sounds, it is important. Most players are either on holiday, have just finished international duty or are off to take part in the Club World Cup, while club executives are also on their breaks. The majority of the deals concluded so far have involved release clauses (Huijsen, Delap and Matheus Cunha's move from Wolves to Manchester United) or have been driven by sides wanting players signed in time for the Club World Cup. Liverpool are perhaps an exception. Putting last year's PSR-dominated window aside, Newcastle's first senior signing of the corresponding 2022-23 one was Nick Pope on June 23 (excluding Matt Targett's loan becoming permanent) and the following summer, it was Sandro Tonali on July 3. Mitchell's exit is inopportune and Howe would ideally have liked a signing by now, but it is premature to be dismayed. Waugh: Sort of, in the sense some fans are (to an extent, understandably) growing concerned about the lack of incoming. Internally, the mood is not as extreme. There has been frustration, but speed costs money and Newcastle are confident fees will become more realistic as the summer progresses. There is a recognition that it is worth waiting for the targets they want, rather than rushing to acquire someone who is not the ideal fit. Most targets whose names are in the public domain are at English clubs, leading some fans to suggest Newcastle are prioritising Premier League experience over cost. Yet the message from some insiders is that the market in continental Europe is also distorted and will not necessarily prove much cheaper. Newcastle insist they are ready to act — and, crucially, can do so even before June 30. Those at the top are confident the club will end the summer in a far stronger position than they started it. Advertisement Caulkin: Managers always want more. They always want business done early. Howe talks about being motivated by a fear of failure, so he will be fretting. The first team continue to drive everything at Newcastle; if they are considered an elite outfit, it's because of what the head coach has done, not because of their infrastructure or commercial income. So far, the help he needs has not materialised. The situations with Eales and Mitchell — two roles which should shape Newcastle's future – do not encourage stability. The Athletic has spoken to other senior figures who have talked about their uncertainty in terms of the bigger picture. Ultimately, that uncertainty will not dissipate until new appointments are in place and their vision established. The message is that Eales' successor is close to being determined — David Hopkinson, a former executive at Real Madrid, is a leading candidate — and the search for Mitchell's replacement is underway. In the short term, Newcastle have to demonstrate that the status quo remains operational and then that a new leadership model can get things done while building relationships. That first signing, whenever it comes, will calm nerves. Caulkin: The club maintain it is 'business as usual'. Mitchell will continue to direct Newcastle's transfer policy — with Howe retaining the final say — until June 30, when Eales is expected to pick up the slack. A year in charge without making a game-changing signing would not be the glossiest entry on Mitchell's CV, but this is not driving his agenda. Newcastle's plan for this entire window is his plan, at least in part. Last summer demonstrated that having a new sporting director in place guarantees nothing. Will whoever comes in next have the same ideas about strategy and recruitment? Advertisement Waugh: Steve Nickson, head of recruitment, and Andy Howe, assistant head of recruitment, took on prominent roles in the post-Dan Ashworth interim and will be empowered again. The latter has been an influential voice since the takeover, following Eddie, his uncle, to the club from fellow Premier League side Bournemouth. Targets have been selected by the head coach. He would ideally like one or two additions before pre-season begins on July 7, and definitely before the squad leave for a training camp in Austria — by which time the true direction of their window will have become clearer.

Alonso's new-look Real Madrid aiming for Club World Cup glory
Alonso's new-look Real Madrid aiming for Club World Cup glory

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Alonso's new-look Real Madrid aiming for Club World Cup glory

After Real Madrid's hopes of major silverware this season faded the Club World Cup took on far greater importance for them and it will provide an insight into new coach Xabi Alonso's strategy. The 43-year-old Spaniard, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, along with new arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen add a fresh look to a team that emerged battered and bruised from a domestic season dominated by bitter rivals Barcelona. Former Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso may deploy his favoured 3-4-3 formation which would give England international Alexander-Arnold an important role on the right flank. Recent Spain debutant Huijsen also bolsters a back-line which has been badly hit by injuries this season. Madrid still have several players sidelined, including Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga, but some may be able to make their return during the tournament. Midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to have shoulder surgery after Real's participation ends which they hope is after they have been crowned champions. Their title ambitions is why they paid a reported £10 million ($13.5 million) to sign Alexander-Arnold early, his Liverpool contract was due to end on June 30. In Group H Real Madrid's campaign begins against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami, before facing Mexican outfit Pachuca in Charlotte on June 22. Alonso's team then face Austria's RB Salzburg in Philadelphia on June 26 in their final group game. Al-Hilal may be a tougher proposition than many expect, having recently appointed Simone Inzaghi as coach after he guided Inter Milan to the Champions League final. With a squad full of well-known names, including Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo and Kalidou Koulibaly, Al-Hilal will believe in their chances of causing an upset. Pachuca have former Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon leading the line but are seen as the weakest team in the group. Madrid beat them 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup last December, with Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior all on target. Real also thrashed Salzburg 5-1 in January in the Champions League group phase, although the record 15-time winners were dumped out by Arsenal in the quarter-finals. - 'Ambitious' play - Ancelotti suggested a year ago that top clubs including Madrid would skip the Club World Cup, but was forced to backtrack, and with the winners bagging as much as $135 million, victory is important to the Spanish giants. After Barcelona reclaimed La Liga on the way to wrapping up a domestic treble, beating Madrid four times in the process, Madrid would also welcome some sporting success to raise morale and increase belief before the new campaign. Some of the same problems that Ancelotti could not solve are in Alonso's in-tray and the Club World Cup is the first chance for him to answer them. The Italian complained about a lack of balance because of the top-heavy attack, and Alonso has already suggested Bellingham will be used in a deeper role than previously. A classy midfielder at Madrid and Liverpool in his playing days, Alonso must find a way of playing both Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe without causing Madrid too many problems at the back. "We have to get everything we can out of them -- I have ideas," said Alonso earlier this month. "I am thinking about how to make a balanced team... (and create) a stability that will allow individual qualities to flourish." Madrid's football was often criticised under Ancelotti, to the Italian's chagrin, and Alonso said he wants his team to excite the fans. "We want an ambitious and active game, knowing how to take the initiative, and we have the players for it," he added. "I want a team that transmits emotion, energy, ambitious play and connects with the fans." Alexander-Arnold's supreme passing range may help Madrid overcome the absence of Toni Kroos, who left last summer, while Croatian veteran Luka Modric is playing his final matches for the club before departing. Leaving with a trophy would be an appropriate farewell for one of the game's modern greats, while record 15-time European Cup winners Madrid would also take pride in being the first team to win the expanded Club World Cup. rbs/pi

Verstappen seeks record fourth Canada win and trouble-free weekend
Verstappen seeks record fourth Canada win and trouble-free weekend

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Verstappen seeks record fourth Canada win and trouble-free weekend

Max Verstappen is on the cusp of a ban after driving into George Russell in Spain (Pierre-Philippe MARCOU) Max Verstappen will be seeking a record fourth consecutive Canadian Grand Prix triumph this weekend and a trouble-free race that helps him banish the threat of a suspension following his "rash" moment in Spain. The four-time world champion goes into Sunday's race knowing that, if he collects one more penalty point on his racing license, he will automatically miss the Austrian Grand Prix later this month. Advertisement That, according to his great mentor, Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko, "would be a catastrophe". "He mustn't do anything wrong over the next two weekends and, of course, he will be told not to do anything rash," the Austrian told The 27-year-old, who lies third in the drivers' championship with 137 points, behind leader Oscar Piastri on 186 and his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris on 176, was penalised at the Spanish Grand Prix for ramming into George Russell's Mercedes. "He admitted it was a deliberate action that "should not have happened" following the race, won with supreme self-control by Piastri, but now must survive two Grands Prix without incident before the points total on his license is reduced. Advertisement "Barcelona was disappointing for us," admitted Verstappen. "Although we gave it everything, it was not the way we would have liked the race to turn out... "We are looking forward to Canada –- the track is unique, has some old school kerbs and plenty of opportunities for overtaking." For Verstappen, the return to a high-speed circuit where brakes are tested to the limit may be welcome as he and Red Bull seek to slow runaway leaders McLaren in the title race. - Winless Mercedes - Mercedes and Ferrari will also hope for encouragement at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve where a big crowd is likely to give home hope Lance Stroll support as he returns after a medical procedure to reduce wrist and hand pain. Advertisement Mercedes technical boss James Allison said: "It's a track where we've tended to go well in the past and I'm looking forward to it. We have a few new bits to take and we'll see how we get on." The Silver Arrows are winless since the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year while McLaren, remarkably given their current supremacy, have not won in Canada since 2012 when seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton claimed one of his seven wins at the venue, a record that he shares with Michael Schumacher. Ferrari, always well-supported by the knowledgeable and passionate crowd, last won in Montreal in 2018, but will need a swing in fortune to secure another success, although the circuit has always been a favourite for Hamilton, who claimed his maiden win there in 2007. However, Hamilton arrives in Canada without a single podium finish this year and in need of a boost as he struggles with his car amid much paddock debate about the wisdom of his decision to leave Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world titles. Advertisement For the 40-year-old Briton, it is not yet a crisis –- he retains total support from Ferrari and team boss Fred Vasseur –- but after nine of the 24 races this year, a long way from being a success. The American Haas team will mark their 200th race by switching to a grey livery that recalls their original colours in 2016. str/jc

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store