Kaka Highlights Milan’s Evolution Ahead of Derby Match
In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, former AC Milan player Ricardo Kaka expressed optimism about the changes within the club following Rafael Leão’s departure. Kaka described the current squad as “a collective,” emphasizing a shift from reliance on a single star to a more integrated team approach under Rúben Amorim.
“It’s a work in progress,” Kaka stated. “For seven years it was Leão’s Milan, a great player the club relied on a lot. Now it’s different. The team is a collective with new faces and two masters: Modrić is still the brain, then there’s Rabiot. And Ramos is a goalscorer.”
Kaka noted that the team needs time to gel but emphasized the importance of aiming high, including aspirations in the Europa League.
Leão transferred to Galatasaray in August for €38 million after a notable seven-season tenure at San Siro. In response to his exit, Milan made significant investments, notably signing club-record acquisition Gonçalo Ramos for €73.1 million.
As the anticipation builds for tonight’s derby against Inter Milan, which starts at 20:45 CET, Kaka also reflected on the previous season’s disappointment, where Milan failed to secure Champions League qualification on the final day after losing to Cagliari.
“I think all the fans expected Champions League qualification. Was it a physical drop, a mental one? Maybe a bit of everything,” he admitted. “When confidence starts to go, everything changes. Now the aim has to be to get back into the best European competition. The Champions League is special.”
Going into the match, Milan currently stands fifth in the league with 18 points, trailing behind Inter by seven. Kaka highlighted key players who could impact the game: “Modrić and Rabiot are masters; they can control the game and set the tempo. Pulisic enchants me with his intelligence, and Gonçalo is a goalscorer.” He acknowledged the strength of Inter, noting, “They’re a consistent, solid team, and there are a lot of dangers.”
