Capello and Costacurta Slam Milan’s ‘Random English Names’ and Ibrahimovic’s Role

FolioPitch.com – 26 June 2026 | In a scathing critique, legendary AC Milan figures Fabio Capello and Alessandro Costacurta have lambasted the club’s recent management overhaul, specifically targeting the influx of ‘random English names’ and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s influence. The phrase ‘Random English names Capello and Costacurta criticise Ibrahimovic and Milan’ encapsulates their frustration with the club’s direction.

Fabio Capello, a former Milan coach, expressed bewilderment at the club’s decision to fire four staff members abruptly in May and replace them with individuals whose roles are unclear. ‘Once upon a time, when you approached a club, there was a sporting director, a technical director, people whose roles you knew,’ Capello said on Sky. ‘I can’t understand why these clubs have to throw in a bunch of these random English names, when you don’t really understand what those people’s role is.’ He singled out Ibrahimovic, stating, ‘Ibrahimovic has only caused damage to this Milan, so I hope he doesn’t do the same with this coach.’

Alessandro Costacurta, the legendary centre-back, echoed the sentiment, suggesting the club’s communications strategy is designed to dampen enthusiasm. ‘The impression is that this is a true communications strategy, both low-key and aimed at dampening enthusiasm from the outside,’ he said. ‘It’s worth noting that this is clearly their modus operandi, and it also applies to the dismissals and lay-offs made at the end of May.’

The criticism comes amid fan discontent after AC Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League for the 2026-27 season. Owner Gerry Cardinale pursued various external hires to build a solid management around coach Ruben Amorim, but after numerous rejections, settled for internal promotions. The promise of a ‘world class organisation’ has not been delivered, according to the legendary duo. The situation has been further complicated by the duality between Ibrahimovic and the rest of the management, a point Capello emphasized.

This is not the first time ‘Random English names Capello and Costacurta criticise Ibrahimovic and Milan’ has captured headlines. The duo’s comments reflect a broader unease among Milan legends about the club’s direction. Capello mentioned Igli Tare, a professional he respects, but noted that Ibrahimovic’s presence creates a problematic duality. ‘But there’s always this duality there, between Ibrahimovic and the rest,’ Capello added.

The impact of these remarks could be significant as Milan seeks to rebuild. The club’s summer upheaval has left many questioning the leadership structure. Costacurta’s observation about the communications strategy suggests a deliberate attempt to lower expectations, which may clash with the fans’ desire for transparency and success. As the new season approaches, the Rossoneri must address not only their on-field performance but also the off-field discord highlighted by these club icons.

In conclusion, ‘Random English names Capello and Costacurta criticise Ibrahimovic and Milan’ serves as a stark warning to the current management. The club’s legends have spoken, and their words carry weight. Whether AC Milan heeds their advice remains to be seen, but the pressure is on to restore the club’s former glory.