Fabio Capello believes ‘Real Madrid are worse than Roma at the moment’ but warns the Champions League ‘stimulates’ Los Blancos.
Madrid’s mini-revival came to an end on Saturday as they were beaten 3-0 by Eibar, although Roma similarly suffered a 1-0 defeat to Udinese.
“Perhaps Real are worse at the moment,” Capello, who coached both clubs in his career, told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Fabio Capello believes ‘Real Madrid are worse than Roma at the moment’ but warns the Champions League ‘stimulates’ Los Blancos.
Madrid’s mini-revival came to an end on Saturday as they were beaten 3-0 by Eibar, although Roma similarly suffered a 1-0 defeat to Udinese.
“Perhaps Real are worse at the moment,” Capello, who coached both clubs in his career, told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“They’re paying the price for having thought that they could’ve carried on picking up results without Cristiano Ronaldo.
“For Roma it’s different. They played well in Udine, but I heard Di Francesco talking about their great ball possession during the game.
“Those things no longer count for anything, but one thing I noticed was that when Dzeko came on, the team changed.
“It’s a shame that he’s a doubt for the match. He’s a point of reference and he gives the team security.
“He’s indispensable for this Roma side because with you need patience with younger players.
“However, it seems to me that Di Francesco has understood what the problems are, although he sometimes comes across a bit of a philosopher with his comments.
“I like being more to the point, but Eusebio has matured. He started off with a fixed idea and even I told him to be more flexible. It seems to me that now he’s more so.”
“Eusebio did a good job last year. They had a transfer campaign with profit and the future in mind.
“Unfortunately Coaches are tied to results and Roma are dropping points against the smaller sides.
“I was very worried about those drops when I was Roma’s Coach. It’s always been a problem and the year after we won Scudetto, we dropped points against the sides who were relegated.
“There’s a winning mentality at Madrid and everyone at the club passes it on to you. If they match us in humility, things will become difficult.
“Rome must be careful. The Champions League stimulates them and Real are always among the favourites after the group stage.
“We suffer when Spanish sides keep the ball, but I’ve seen Roma very well physically and that counts for something.
“I believe they can have an excellent game and go on to win.”
The 72-year-old was then asked about whether he would return to the Olimpico as a consultant.
“I have too much advice for them! Jokes aside, Roma have a big part of my heart,” he concluded.