For some time now, it has been understood that Fabio Capello's opinion of Roberto De Zerbi is not very positive. The former coach of Milan and Juventus reinforced this opinion on Sunday evening, after the end of Atalanta-Roma.
Present in the "Sky" studios, Capello also talked about the coaches with the other commentators in the studio. The discussion also fell on De Zerbi (one of the names that are rumored as Milan's coach), who is experiencing a not positive moment at Brighton, after taking the "Seagulls" to Europe for the first time. When asked what his opinion is about the former coach of Sassuolo, he answered: "Negative, especially because of many praises for him, while he has a personal record without an important trophy.
Tell me what De Zerbi won and did in his career? This year he is the tenth, ninth, eleventh... I don't understand why he is talked about so much as one of the top coaches, he is the most sponsored of all in terms of media".
It is not the first time that Capello has spoken in less positive terms about De Zerbi. He also did so in March, after the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 between Roma and Brighton, comparing the coach from Brescia to De Rossi: "Daniele doesn't just talk about schemes, he certainly doesn't have the arrogance of De Zerbi. De Rossi is modest, kind and very attentive in communication. Even the players, who read and listen to everything from newspapers, mobile phones, television and radio, have convinced themselves that they are strong."
On that occasion, De Zerbi responded to Capello. Or rather, he was forced to answer, as English journalists asked him for an opinion on the statements of "Don Fabio" before the return match against Roma: "I don't listen to what Fabio Capello says."
De Zerbi, as mentioned, is not having a positive moment in charge of Brighton. Two games before the end of the Premier League is tenth in the classification with 48 points, the same as Bournemouth. In recent months, he has often had to face crushing defeats, most recently 4-0 and 3-0 against Arsenal and Cherries between April 25 and 28.
Brighton have shown signs of revival in their last two games, beating Aston Villa and then drawing at Neecastle. Four points which, however, were not enough to soften Capello's judgement.