Former Italy manager Arrigo Sacchi has blasted Charles De Ketelaere as a “scared loser” due to his struggles at AC Milan. The 76-year-old - who won two European Cups as Rossoneri boss - is losing patience with the summer signing.
Leeds United were among the favourites to buy the Belgian after an impressive season at Club Brugge. However, Milan won the race by stumping up around £30million to lure De Ketelaere to the San Siro.
The exciting project in Serie A was cited as a key reason why he snubbed a move to Elland Road. But the switch has proven a disaster so far, with the 21-year-old yet to score a goal in 15 league appearances. Failing to settle at the Italian giants hampered his World Cup dream, as he made only one appearance in Belgium's doomed group stage exit in Qatar last year.
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In October, just two months after his arrival, Sacchi was already sounding the alarm about De Ketelaere’s lack of confidence. He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Today he is a confused boy, we have to be patient. He is afraid to play, he enters with the anxiety of having to demonstrate his value. I hope he can bring out his qualities as soon as possible.“
The veteran has now doubled down on those claims - going as far as to call the youngster a loser. De Ketelaere was left on the bench for the entirety of Milan’s 2-2 draw with Leece at the weekend.
With the derby against Inter just days away, one of the club’s all-time greats slated their marquee signing - providing solace to Leeds supporters who were wounded to miss out on the midfielder in the summer.
“He enters the field almost like a loser,” Sachi said. “He seems confused… scared. Now he is suffering. Let us remember that foreigners always need time.”
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