ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - AC MILAN

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 09/02/2009

Kaka entering the San Siro donning a foreign jersey. The two most storied clubs in the world facing off twice in the span of several months. This could not have been scripted any better. Destiny just had it that Milan first opponents of the Champions League group stage were the new Galacticos of Madrid: a team that over the summer spent nearly a quarter billion Euros to revamp its roster, and purge any Dutch player in the process.

At first thought, this is a great challenge for us since it's more convenient to play Real Madrid in the group stage as they're still gelling as a unit, rather than in a direct elimination face off later on in the contest.

As the draw continued, our second opponent was deemed to be the French club Olympique de Marseille, a team that some are predicting to be the fairytale of the group. There's definitely a chance, as Marseille (led by new manager Dider Deschamps) made some upgrades with a few eye opening acquisitions: Gabriel Heinze, Fernando Morientes, and Lucho Gonzalez.

So far we were pitted against arguably the two best teams from pot 2 and 3. Next up, the final draw. I took a quick glance at the teams placed in pot 4, after reading a slew of foreign clubs whose names I will not even attempt to pronounce, only one team in particular stood out: VfL Wolfsburg. Wonderful, with our luck on the day, all we needed as the final team were the German champions to join our group of death.

Whew, Zurich: the giants of Switzerland who are still minnows in Europe, and although I am not an expert on Swiss Soccer, I've heard that this is a tricky squad that certainly cannot be taken lightly. Historically, Milan is a team that performs better against tougher opposition. Last year, we were ousted from the Europa League because we seemingly undermined our weaker opponents, losing concentration and perhaps not giving it a full 100% effort.

Anyways, does anyone remember the Champions League semifinal win in 1989 against Madrid? Anybody?

5-0.

Although the current Rossoneri defensive back line is a far cry from the famous "Invincibili" of that era, a repeat of that performance would surely draw headlines.

Now, there seems to be a bit of panic from Rossoneri supporters after the Derby Demolition, and yes Milan have seemingly distanced themselves a bit from the true elite teams of Europe. But ask me this, are Benzema, Kaka, and Cristiano Ronaldo playing on defense as well? Madrid won 3-2 in a nail biter over the weekend against Deportivo, playing a risky 4-2-4 formation susceptible to counter attacks. Their defensive line is a lot less glamorous than the attack: Garay, Albiol, Marcelo, and Arbeloa. The casual fan just thought "who, who, who, and who?" Granted, two of their best are out: Pepe is their most accomplished defender but has earned a reputation as a bruiser, and Sergio Ramos is dangerous pushing forward but a bit of a defensive liability at the back. I am confident that Pato will be a thorn in their side throughout both matches.

Have a bit of faith Rossoneri supporters!

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Comments

Posted by Michele F on 09/02/2009

While I respect the fact that you are staying positive on Milan's chances and it is true that one loss does not make a season, I cannot help but feel that you are being a little blinded by our past. This Milan team is a shadow of its former self. I would be surprised if Milan pick up 1 win from the 3 first matches. Real Madrid at BEST will be a tie but I expect the speed up front to destroy our aging midfield and stoic defence. They have one of the best keepers in the world and we have a 3rd stringer(even with a healthy Abbiati I would give the edge to Real). As you yourself alluded to, Milan tend to play poorly against weaker opposition. I contend that Marseille will give us problem and if all goes well we will scrape more than a point again Switzerlands best. I am not a pessimist but a realist. This Milan team was hyped up after a 2-1 win against Siena. SIENA!? Milan should be destroying these types of teams, so to think that Milan will get out of the first round seems ludicrous to me

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 09/03/2009

Michele F:

Saying it's ludicrous for Milan to get out of the opening group stage doesn't sound realistic, it sounds pessimistic.

Here's a more realistic scenario: 1 point total against Real Madrid, 3-4 points against Marseille, and 6 points against Zurich. There's no reason why Milan can't get the second slot. If your rather pessimistic views materialize into reality, then it will truly be an embarrassment for the organization and fans all of ther world.

Posted by Ude on 09/03/2009

We have a strong chance of finishing 2nd and a stronger one of finishing 3rd. am just being realistic. Yes Madrid has a poor defence, but Milan has a very poor attack, yes we have Pato but can he do it alone? When you consider the might of Madrid's attack and our shabby defence, I expect 1point from the 2 games. OM has signed some good players and are a very good side be it french standard, even at that will give Milan lot of problems, the fact that we were seeded top of our group does not mean we are still among the elite of european football based on current form over the past 3 seasons. zurich shouldnt be a problem. If we are not careful we will not qualify. Our Grandfather(old players) syndrome started bcos we were won the CL, when all the analysts said it wasnt possible, that the players were 2 old. now we all no they are 2 old except the management. If by some miracle we win something this season, believe me most of the oldies will stick around. has Kalac left?(pray so)

Posted by Michele F on 09/03/2009

Admittedly I overspoke when I said "ludicrous", let's just say I will be shocked if they finish 2nd in that group. I do feel you are being optimistic though. I'll reserve further judgement until I see their performance in the next few games but needless to say I am not expecting much. What scares me is that this does not bode well for the Nazionale. The fact that some of our players start for Italy scares me. Lippi's continuing obsession with NOT selecting Cassano is baffling but that is a different topic completely.

Posted by franco rossi on 09/05/2009

Being a die hard Milan fan, i must admit that we cant be in dream land anymore. This Milan squad is the poorest i have seen for a long long time!I mean, i cant bear to see us going down hill rapidly, the pre-season friendlies clearly portrayed all the fears and that humiliation at the hands of Inter..well..It is ridiculous that we still rely on finished goods favalli, zambrotta and the rest..we have not even made a single decent signing..iam absolutely sure that we will finish 3rd or last in the group stages, no way we will be able to compete( forget about getting results9 against Madrid or Marseille..It is so sad to see us spiralling down rapidly, even gattusso and Pirlo are on a steady decline..pippo cant score in each and every game at 36!!

Posted by Olaseni on 09/30/2009

I love Milan but it will be OM and Madrid out of the group. Whether we even get demoted to teh Europa cup will depend on the generosity (or not) of FC Zurich.
It's painfully sad that over two seasons, this bein teh 3rd, this is how far the team has been allowed to drop. Milan have been in freefall for all to see since that hapless UCL campaign that ended in ignoble defeat at the hands of a young gunners side. And it's even worse to know taht since then no (and i mean NO) lessons have been learnt.
Finishing in the top half of teh league this year would be a sheer miracle and would require the very intervention of heaven.

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