Capello urges Milan not to hire a coach from abroad: 'Since 2000 only Mourinho'

Fabio Capello has urged AC Milan not to hire a coach from outside of Italy as the club continues to be linked to individuals from all over Europe. 

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Radio Rossonera), the former Milan coach explained that the next coach should be an Italian, an opinion that may ruffle a few feathers.

His argument is that there are few examples of coaches who came from outside of Italy to then enjoy major success in Serie A.

He makes his point with some ‘dated examples’ and then lands on Jose Mourinho as the best modern idea.

“Who came from outside to win in Italy?”. A few examples which are now dated: [Nils] Liedholm, [Vujadin] Boskov, [Sven-Goran] Eriksson. Since 2000, only Mourinho. It must mean something,” Capello explained.

He then pointed out some of the great Italian coaches that could be used by Milan, with Bologna’s Thiago Motta being the primary choice.

“We look outside when we have Thiago Motta at home, ready for the big teams. [Gian Piero] Gasperini himself hasn’t just been dancing for a year, he’s been doing it for years. Every time he manages to give something more, he constantly renews himself, always managing to be competitive. For the abilities he has, he deserves any important job,” Capello said.

One of the most plausible options for Milan right now seems to be the Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao. His future at Porto is uncertain after the presidential election and he is thought to be very keen on the job.

Mourinho is the only non-Italian coach to win Serie A since Sven-Goren Eriksson with Lazio in 1999-2000. Since Mourinho’s second title in 2009-10, it has only been won by Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri, Stefano Pioli, Simone Inzaghi and Luciano Spalletti.