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Capello believes Yamal has not reached Messi’s level. |
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport , Capello stressed that Inter have all the elements to reach the final in Munich. He paid special attention to how to break down the tactical system that Hansi Flick is applying to Barcelona.
“Barca have a great ability to press after losing the ball, which is a clear strength. But that also exposes their weaknesses. If they can overcome the first layer of pressing, Inter can make them pay,” Capello analyzed.
When asked about the comparison between Yamal and Messi – two elite products of La Masia, he frankly said: “Yamal is not Messi. If Inter could stop Messi in 2010, they can absolutely do the same with Barca’s current squad”.
Capello affirmed that Yamal is doing impressive things, but it was a bit of an exaggeration to call the young player “the new Messi”. “He is an extraordinary player, playing beautifully and with class. But Lamine does not possess the natural talent like Leo”, he commented.
Meanwhile, Inter’s defensive mainstay, Alessandro Bastoni admitted: “Individually, our squad is not as strong as many other clubs. But when we play as a unified unit, Inter can beat anyone. When we unite in difficult moments and choose the right moment to counter-attack, we are ready to match any opponent.”
Inter brilliantly defeated Bayern 4-3 in the quarter-finals, while Barcelona endured heart-stopping moments before defeating Dortmund 5-3 over two matches.
The book “Fear and Loathing in La Liga” by famous sports journalist Sid Lowe, a Spanish football expert on the Guardian , published in 2014, tells stories on and off the field surrounding El Clasico matches throughout history.