CORNERFLICK
Fabio Capello believes Real Madrid can be among the strongest challengers for this season’s Champions League under José Mourinho. In a column for Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Italy coach also picked out the Madrid-Inter meeting as one of the most intriguing ties in the league phase.
Capello backs Mourinho’s impact
Capello said Mourinho has already addressed issues that were present last season and has given Real a clearer structure. He added that the squad now looks more like a coherent team than it did before.
The 80-year-old also pointed to the quality of Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. In his view, that talent makes Real very difficult to beat if Mourinho keeps the same line of progress.
City kept in the frame
Capello was more cautious about Manchester City. He still sees them as competitive, but said Pep Guardiola’s departure could affect their level. He nevertheless described Erling Haaland as a decisive figure.
The draw in Monaco has also left Italian clubs with difficult fixtures. Inter face Real Madrid and Liverpool at Anfield, while Roma are set to meet Mourinho’s team. Como, meanwhile, will play Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.