ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - AC MILAN

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/18/2010

Put a fork in the Scudetto race, it's done for Milan. A 2-1 loss to Sampdoria essentially put an end to this constant drama surrounding the club. With the way Milan have performed lately, I'd be more worried of conceding the third spot to Sampdoria.

Did we ever truly think we could oust Inter for the race with the team currently at Leonardo's disposal? Injuries have ravaged the club. A laundry-list of stars are out, proving that Milan are only an above average team that cannot seriously compete for any silverware if any of the key components are injured.

Before I delve into the extensive list of negatives and unleash a scathing attack on nearly everybody, what positives can we take from this game? Marco Borriello could be the 20 goal per year hitman that we've all been craving. Keep in mind that he missed chunks of the season with injuries. A doppietta last week combined with a powerful header at the weekend put him at 14 strikes for the season.

Borriello has been in fine form lately ©Gazzetta

Random Notes:

- Today in Genoa, Leonardo deployed a Pirlo-less formation, with Mancini included in the three man attack alongside Borriello and Ronaldinho. The former Roma winger once again could be seen lumbering around the field, attempting clumsy dribbles to no avail. What's the point of having a winger who lacks any semblance of pace and can't beat his man one on one anymore? Answer: No point. Ship him back to Inter. Then again what can we expect from a player who has been rotting at the end of the nerazzurri bench for the past two seasons?

- The game essentially was ruined by the crude tackling of Daniele Boneheadera, who lunged at Cassano inside the box, earning him a red card, and Sampdoria an equalizing penalty strike to make it 1-1. With Ambrosini's injury added to the mix, Leonardo was forced to set a bizarre defensive formation consisting of Massimo Oddo slotting into central defence. Stop pinching yourself to try and wake up from this nightmarish thought, you read it right. But hey, at least we don't have to see his wayward crosses sailing into the third row of the stadium. Instead, we had the displeasure to watch Oddo being constantly out of position in a role he has NEVER played at any time in his career. Any time miniscule players such as Franco Semioli and Cassano win aerial battles in the box and are able to head the ball successfully, you know something is drastically wrong at the back.

- Without Pirlo in the formation, it took Milan ages to make their way forward. As much as I've made note of Pirlo's negative aspects, (Losing possession that lead to lethal counterattacks, inexplicable passes to the opponent, his hair) I missed him today. The playmaking duties were given to Slowdorf, who plays an entirely different role than Pirlo. Ronaldinho was uncharacteristically quiet. Some of his passes were head-scratchingly off, although it's hard to play when every time you gain possession, you're swarmed with three defenders kicking at your shins and tugging at your shirt.

- So in the end, Milan failed to capitalize on a few opportunities to go up against Sampdoria. With Samp's keeper Storari out of position, Mancini butchered his shot at an open goal which sailed so high above the crossbar it would make Massimo Oddo proud. The other miss came from Gattuso, who has a bidet instead of a right foot. The third came from Borriello, who was forced to use his weaker right foot to shoot the ball. Borriello can be compared to Messi in this aspect, as they both use their left to create any moment of magic. Am I being too bitter overall? Milan has been outperformed for the past month by nearly everyone. Losses to Sampdoria and Parma. Ties to Catania, Lazio, and Napoli, have essentially put to bed any hopes for a Scudetto which were given to us by Inter's momentary downfall.

- And I haven't even mentioned the possible reports of Pato leaving. Apparently, Milan slapped a €55m price tag on the young Brazilian starlet. News exciting enough to give Florentino Perez a heart attack.

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Comments

Posted by gordon soccer on 04/18/2010

I hope pato doesnt leave. they can't really be serious about selling him can they? have they watched milan without him this year at all??

Posted by RG on 04/18/2010

It is well past due for management to clarify what they intend to do with this team.
Forza Milan

Posted by chris11 on 04/18/2010

I dont know whats worse!Knowing milan wont win anything this season or knowing that unless we get new owners we will never make any real progress in any competition.

Posted by Kamil on 04/18/2010

"Mancini butcher his shot at an open goal which sailed so high above the crossbar it would make Massimo Oddo proud" very funny

Posted by RobStyles on 04/18/2010

It's been very difficult being a fan of this team recently. Fortunately the NY Red Bulls are off to a red hot start!

Posted by punditguy on 04/19/2010

Matteo

If Milan sells pato i swear i'll stop supporting them! I will only start back IF the team is in the hands of some one else other than Burlusconi and Galliani! Its depressing to watch them play and its even worst when you hear news like Pato is up for sale!

I supported this team since i was 9 years old and im 23. If i dont see any improvements in the transfer market come the end of this season im no longer on this thread or any of Milan forums!

Burlusconi did great in the past. But thats the past! How much longer are they going to keep living in the past! This is now and everyone is improving there squad! Instead Burlur/Galli are stuck in time!

I dont know what to say anymore and its very depressing to watch Milan games. The only positive thing is Borriello who is starting to find some consistancy. i hope they pick him for World Cup. i think him and Gilardino will be excellent to watch!

Posted by Saurabh on 04/19/2010

"With Samp's keeper Storari out of position, Ronaldinho put a beautiful ball to the center of the box, only to watch Mancini butcher his shot".
It was Bori who setup Mancini

Posted by D on 04/19/2010

You don't sound too bitter dude, just frustrated like the rest of us. It's frustrating to watch the side that gets put out week after week. We all saw the age issue coming, why didn't management? It's more surprising AC is in third than some of the recent poor performances.

As big a fan as I am of Pato - hated reading the Chelsea rumors last summer, will inserting him into this lineup make them a CL contender? How does one winger help the D? The midfield? He was in that 1st game against MU and they still lost...and for anyone he stops to point out the 1st game was closer I'll ask you this ... is that more becuase of Pato or Nesta missing from the 2nd?

With the recent reports of no cash infusion for summer transfers what are the alternatives? All of the aging players everyone agrees needs to go won't command the cash to buy the players we need. Would love to hear how everyone thinks we'll fund these moves we all want.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/19/2010

The latest Pato rumors I've heard were actually reported yesterday on TV during the Real Madrid-Valencia game. Apparently there's a prospective deal brewing that would send Pato to Madrid, and Karim Benzema + cash considerations to Milan.

Posted by Anonymous on 04/19/2010

Its not really surprising that Milan isn't performing, what with all our squad's problems... But what's really depressing is that Pato might leave. Instead of selling off young players, we should keep them, and focus on buying them. Selling Pato, even for that amount of cash, would be a complete waste. Speaking of cash, what happened to all that we got from Kaka? Because i havent seen any transfers into Milan which would drain those millions... Even if we dont get any world-class players soon, we should focus on youngsters and developing the sqad we already have. Then, we might be on top of the league in about 2-3 years.

Posted by MrCarvalho on 04/19/2010

Its incredilby depresing to see a team like milan take such a nosedive in status in a considerable short amount of time.Just three years ago we were european champions and now we cant even beat lower teams fighting for survival.Every game is as wishful as the other.

All this i owe to bad management and the incapibilty to think long term.
Big teams upgrade and we degrade.

I think we've lost our elite european status.

Posted by Saurabh on 04/19/2010

Well if they are planning to sell Pato for sure I would like to see him swapped for cash+Ivanovic from Chelsea. And also the money
we get from his sale should be used to reinvest in the squad instead of 'balancing the sheets'.
At least Huntelaar has given us some glimpses of his striking abilities this season, Benzema on the other has no abilities at all ; he would be a terrible purchase . I mean how on earth can we even contemplate Benzema to be Pato's replacement?

I feel we need to rejuvenate the squad with players like Ivanovic, Hernanez and a young proven front man like Dzeko. But deep down inside I know that nothing of that sort would happen as Milan is not on Mr. Berlusconi's top priorities. I hope the management does not make us a laughing stock again just like last summer where the transfers of players like Cissokho and Luis Fabiano became instances of ridiculousness.

Posted by D on 04/19/2010

Thanks for the update.
Is this the move we need, curious on your thoughts on this.

For me Benzema doesn't do it. He's young enough - and has a good upside, but he's only got 8 goals in 27 appearances this year. RM paid 35M euros for him so I'd expect at least 20M to come with him if it happens.
20M would get a player or two.

Sound familiar - young up and comer signed by RM, can't find a regular spot, sent to ACM? Smells like the JKH transfer fiasco all over again.
He could turn into the Zidane people of expected of him when he first broke in though, who knows. Would still spend the $ on Dzeko first though - he's tearing up the BL.

If we're going to grab someone who's having a subpar year why not take a look at Podalski? His numbers are way down, but he's got skill. We're all so enamored with strikers, but as others have consistently pointed out - we have pressing needs from the middle of the pitch back. [start the Cesc chants now!]

Posted by D on 04/19/2010

by the way ... what's this Berbatov nonsense? Can't crack the MU lineup so we want him? Hmm.. starting to be a bad trend.
The dude is 30 years old and is slow as molasses. He'll fit in well.
If we're going to poach someone from MU I'd rather snag Macheda ... bring him back home.

Posted by Preston on 04/19/2010

MB:

I think you said it best -- Milan are an ABOVE-AVERAGE team. If one is a true Milan fan you have to look at the current line-up and admit they are not world-class.

Having said that, being above-average is OK if the team has the potential for greater things i.e., built on youth or players entering their prime. Unfortunately a lot of the current lineup is in their "decline" phase (we all know who they are -- Gattuso, Zambrotta, Bonera etc.)and there is not the quality to replace them .

Dare I say it, but Milan must rebuild, be willing to be competitive but not title challengers for a couple of years and say goodbye, with gratitude, to a lot of the old guard NOW.

Next would be to invest WISELY in new players. (I was devastated when Sheva was sold, but even more so when that money was used to purchase players like Oliveira and Ronaldo.)

I am not so dismayed by the results on the field as I am by the seemingly lack of a plan by the Milan management.

BTW great blog.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/19/2010

Berbatov rumors are rubbing. Don't look to far into that. Secondly, Benzema has a tremendous upside. Remember Real Madrid is the same team that deemed Wes Sneijder as surplus, and look at what he has done at Inter. My best theory is that Benzema still needed time to adapt, and wasn't given enough games to prove his worth. An attack with Ronaldinho slotting behind Borriello & Benzema sounds very, very appealing.

Preston:

If Milan were to sell Pato, they probably would do so knowing something that the other team doesn't know. The first thing that springs to mind: constant injuries at his age. Can he hold up for an entire season? So far he has been plagued by various problems each year.

Posted by Francesco on 04/19/2010

Leonardo should have never put Oddo in as a central defender, a position he has no idea how to play. Pazzini beat him to the ball on the second goal as he was positioned badly. With Leo having to throw on a defender when Bonera went off, why not put in Primavera central defender and highly regarded starlet Michelangelo Albertazzi who was on the bench? Sure, maybe throwing a 19 year old into that situation may have done damage, but I'm also sure that as a natural central defender he would've known how to position himself a hell of a lot better than Oddo.

Posted by Rummy Dummy on 04/19/2010

Tho it may seem reckless to sell Pato, it has to be said: he's missed more games than most of the geriatrics on the team, and 55 mil isn't too bad. But didn't the Kaka money just go to cover existing debts?
Milan needs help most desperately in the midfield. Their midfield are either aging (Seedorf, Ambro) or serious limited skillwise (Rino,the ugh-tastic Flamini), and they're all fiendishly slow.
There's problems elsewhere too.Mancini is using up valuable air, Oddo could start his own space program with his crosses, and Antonini and Abate are fast and eager but not very skilled.

Posted by Anonymous on 04/20/2010

loving it

Posted by Ejalen on 04/20/2010

We have endured another lack lustare season once again and we all know the problem with the team,player way past thier prime and lack of experience from the coaching staff,i love leonardo as a person but he is not the man for this job. Gattuso should admit it's time for him to leave milan,seedorf is crawling at snail pace and produces flashes of brillance once in a while to con us to believig he is still relevant. Getting Dzeko,shoring up the midfield and wing backs in the summer is non negotiable if we are to make any head way next season. Even a school boy supporter know our problem and don't know why Galliani and co don't. Milan forever in my heart..

Posted by Ernest, Accra - Ghana on 04/20/2010

Milan must overhaul because what is happening lately is frustrating and deeply humiliating. Milan simply cannot compete at the level of the club with these players in the team.
We can curb this embarrassment if via this platform, we can start a campaign for President Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani to buy players who would return Milan to where it truly belongs.
At least two young but quality central defenders to augment the team of Nesta, Silva and Bonera, two full backs so Luca Antonini and Ignazio Abate can play in their usual and natural midfield and wing positions.
We need some quality midfielders, about two of them, some ball jugglers, play makers and two good strikers to help Pato, Borrielo and Huntelar and Izaghi can be given a deserved rest now.

Milan has a reserved and unchallenged position on the pinnacle of world football at club level from players who have played for this club and the titles we have won.

Please lets revise, invigorate and reclaim our POSITION

Posted by drunkmunkehISgod on 04/20/2010

Matteo,

brilliant article. Not even in the Gazzetta dello Sport have I seen such brutal honesty about Milan's below-average year. Your assessment of the team is harsh, yet true and necessary. An undeniably hilarious article as well. Keep up the great work.

Cheers from Florence,

Matt

Posted by ATODO ACHOR on 04/20/2010

I'm so heart broken that the Scudetto was given to us but... I think Milan needs a total overhualling.
Bulli\Galli should better do something.
Get striker of good quality not Mancini, Hunter and co.

Posted by Desilolla on 04/20/2010

Signore! I agree. But the main problem is that they have a soft spot for washed out over-the-top players like Zambo, Oddo, Favalli, Pirlo(Not so old, but useless and slow. Mediocre for 4years so it's time to get rid of him) Gattus(No brain no football sense. Most useless player ever. He may work hard but his soccer abilites sucks, can't score, can't pass and always makes stupid errors that result in red cards or injuring himself...Remember Edgard Davids??worked like an warrior and possesed immense technique and football sense), Beckham(Publicity stunt), Nesta(Always injured, what is the point of having him if he's always injured?) and Seedorf(Is still good but should retire). Mario Yepes, 34years old is joining. So just imagine what happens if you have a bunch pensioners playing against young top trained athelites. Sell Hunter, play Flamini more and bring Ever Banega, Kjaer, Drenthe, Alessandro Crescenzi, Lorenzo Ariaudo, Vincenzo Fiorillo, Ederson(LYON) and bring back Matteo Darmian.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/20/2010

Desilolla:

While I wouldn't mind Banega, Kjaer, and Drenthe - If we're spearheading our revival on a 19 year old Grosseto player, then shoot me right now.

As for Darmian. I keep hearing what a solid prospect he is. Time for him to show it at Milan (he was loaned to Padova this year)

Posted by MilanFaithFull on 04/20/2010

I live in south afrcia a place were finding a milan fan is as likely as finding a bar of gold on your porsche.And sometimes it can be so embarresing because the rest are mostly premier league supporters ready to laugh and crucify you every time milan loses.Throwing insults such as;milan is an old age home ,why are those pencioners not retired,etc.For the past three weeks its been worse beacause of milans recent for form of late.

I think it is time that Milan makes a move for the players they want to get and not waste money on useless players like JKH and Mancini.Or i will never get a rest.

Every year you think there will be changes but nothing happens.Some of this players have already grown moss.Time for demossing.

Posted by Andrew on 04/20/2010

Living in Australia I don't get the opportunity to watch too many Milan games but recently saw our games against Catania and Samp. The sheer ineptitude of this geriatric squad was heart-breaking. The reality is Milan need to replace 7-8 members of the starting line up to be trully competitive. The mentality adopted by the powers that be at Milan with respect to the transfer market is depressing; they either purchase/loan players past their prime i.e (Mancini) or those who have failed to produce at other clubs (Flamini/Huntelaar). Why is it that Milan don't embrace a youth program/policy like the likes of Barcaleona and Ajax. When was the last time a world class player was produced by the club itself? Until significiant changes are made I think that Milan will just remain an above average side and I will be forced to think back fondly on our halcyon days when the likes of Van basten, Gullit, Rijkaard, Baresi and co terrified the Seria A and devestated Europe! Forza Milan.

Posted by Tony on 04/20/2010

Matteo,

Great piece as usual. Now that our changes are pretty much shot at winning the scudetto and everyone is now talking transfer rumors to beef up the squad I am curious as to why the management of Milan as well as so many other clubs in Serie A do not look to their own youth systems to rebuild/achieve long term success. Is it so unlikely to think that we would have just as good a chance of performing well if we started players like Astori, Albertazzi, De Gennaro and Zigoni instead of wasting money on has beens like Mancini and overrated players like Berbatov? The very thought of wasting 20 Million Sterling on a player like Berbatov makes me cringe. Maybe it is just more difficult to get a read on whether or not these players are ready since you don't get to hear much about them in the US, but I would like to think if the Primavera guys are good enough to win the Tim Cup why can't we start incorporating some of them now?

Cheers!

Posted by Falodun Akinyemi on 04/20/2010

AC Milan should get another young and good goalkeeper.I have been saying this several times.AC Milan has to sign another keeper and also bring in reliable defenders.

Posted by Ambrose on 04/20/2010

Great article and quite humorous. However, I am a little dismayed listening to all of this doom and gloom coming from AC Milan supporters. I only say this out of perspective, because being an AS Roma fan I cannot say Milan has hit anywhere near bottom. The possibility of finishing in a CL spot is still good. Selling Pato would be a tragedy surely, but all of this is getting ahead of yourselves. Roma finished in 6th last year, we limped into Europa League and got knocked out, our owners looked keen to sell the club at fire sale rates and our chemistry was seemingly nil without the often injured Totti and mismanagement of Spaletti. However, fast forward nearly 6 months and we are now in the scudetto drivers seat. With that said I think we can see that Serie A is somewhat in flux, and with a few signings I could see AC Milan back in the mix by the next campaign. Finally, I think you can all at least rest assured that at least you aren't Juve!
FORZA ROMA

Posted by reddevil on 04/20/2010

MB,

Nice blog due to the brutal truth laid out. Its good to see that my follow milan fas aren't as blind as Galli & Zio Silvio. The truth is the team may not be truely competitive in Europe or the Lega Calcio until Maldini's son is ready to take over as captain. Said truth is we sold away our tickets to the UCL over the last couple of years, Kaka' & Sheva with a weak, sorry pathetic back up plan of Ronaldinho, finished and JKH who still needs to develop. Pato's injuries are enough to concern anyone this year and I could do without the heavily saturated 30+ club between the midfield and defense.

As for the future of the club, bright spots in Abate & Antonini as long as they keep playing to grow and get better. Bring in the contracted young blood and let go of the old guard.

Fish stinks from the head, get the point?

Thanks

Posted by Will on 04/21/2010

I'm a Milan fan, and I miss the days of Kaka. Even last year with glimpses of Kaka and Beckham in the mf, I saw beauty. Now, however, there's nothing left. I think Huntelaar, despite his poor start, will become better with time, and Borrielo is certainly the most consistent striking option (barring injuries).

In defense, don't forget Onyewu, bought over the summer for virtually nothing, he could prove a valuable replacement for some of the old guys when he finishes recovering from his injury.

As far as MF, I've got one crazy, sporadic idea... Landon Donovan. Cheaper than most players of his caliber, he's fast and has the ability to create. He can play outside or inside, forward or midfield. They already embraced one player from Galaxy (Beckham), why not give Landy a chance to shine? I'd love to see him finish his career in Milan.

Posted by Desilolla on 04/21/2010

Matteo:
As long as The special one is at Inter, Milan has never ever opportunity to win any silverware. So the best thing is to build a new squad with fresh young blood. Banega is like Davids, excellent with the ball and a hard working def.mid. Kjaer is one of the best defenders and a hot prospect. Drenthe is a superb winger and can play full-back. Alessandro Crescenzi is an attacking right back, with the ability to play also on the left side. Lorenzo Ariaudo is a superb defender. Vincenzo Fiorilloa
is a good shotstopper. Ederson(LYON)needs no introduction and Matteo Darmian as all know is a good player. If you believe that a young playr(s) from Grosseto(or any other small clubs)is a bad idea then you don't know the game. Talents and good players doesn't always play or come from big clubs. Every superstar starts at the bottom and works to the top. Note these names cuz they're gonna be big. This is the best time to use these young talents cuz Inter will rule seria A for 2-3years.

Posted by KoolMILANFaN on 04/21/2010

Plz dont tell me i heard correct and we might sell pato?...plz say it isnt soo...and as far as what i would do if i were manager....sack all the dead weight such as,oddo,bonera,gattuso,kaladze,mancini, and sell DIDA.....FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME!, dida cannot catch a ball to save his life! always making consistant errors on the pitch...MILAN SHOULD SIGN..mexican national goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, only 23 years of age and he is forming up to be a world class goal keeper!, Milan should start signing players who want to play for the club and give it there all..Balotelli keeps coming up as a promising player and has definately shown his love for AC MILAN and hopes he will one day play for us, and if god forbid we sell Pato, we use that money to sign a world class player, preferable a brazilian who will get along great with leonardo and dinho, sum1 along the lines Adriano, or robinho, whom realistically speaking i think are great choices who will drastically improve our attacking abilities

Posted by o'bedlam on 04/21/2010

matteo
as a madridista it's also hard for me to see my team in complete disarray. i saw that madrid/valencia match this sunday and to me it's just another signing that doesn't make sense. but have you heard other rumors? it may be complete speculation, but rumor has it that madrid might sell sergio ramos to ac milan, along with diarra. do you think ac milan would benefit from a CDM and a RB? this would really suck for madrid to let go of ramos.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/21/2010

Desilolla:

Thank you for the humor you've provided me with your opening line. Now: Rephrase it to: "As long as Berlusconi doesn't open up his checkbook, Milan have slim hopes at silverware." Even with our injury ravaged team, we almost could have won the Scudetto this year. We basically lost it to Livorno. Think about it: two ties to the worst team in the Serie A.

Second: Everyone has elevated "The Special One" to god like status, but fail to realize his shortcomings. Two summers ago Moratti gave 'The Special One' an opportunity to have a say in the transfers. Poor Moratti wasted nearly 50 million 'Special Euro's' on two players that would supposedly be perfect the Mourinho's untouchable 4-3-3 formation. Ring any bells? His formation was scratched after two weeks, as he reverted back to Roberto Mancini's 4-3-1-2. Mancini rotted away on the bench for two years, and Quaresma has been virtually invisible.

CONTINUED

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/21/2010

PART 2:

Desilolla - As for the transfers, thank you for the scouting report. But it was unnecessary, as I know all the players you've mentioned very well. Milan fans are impatient, and rightfully so. We need players who can step in right away and contribute. The team has enough young players on loan that are ready to come back and contribute. By the way, most of them have Serie A experience. Banega would be a great buy. I've mentioned before that Valencia is my second team, and I watch all their games and know their players just as well as the ones suiting up for Milan. Either way, in the defense we could bring back Astori & Darmian. In the midfield we need proven reinforcements, and in attack we need one very good striker. Plus why bring in a 19 year old right back when we have Abate?

Posted by HoNgKi on 04/21/2010

AC Milan need to change 2 things in order to become strong first change coach second change president.

Posted by Pius ibharoga on 04/21/2010

Enough of this heart break,how long are we going to play second fidle to the likes of inter milan, Roma and other smaller clubs? First they forced kaka out and now Pato is on the verge of leaving, it better be joke than reality.
Mr Belusconi should know that football is all about investment and hence the need to bring in quality players and a coach who has a big heart like guadiola, morinho,capelo, benitez etc this coming season becus the team need a total overhaul from the goal keeping department to attacking department. Milan is dear to my heart and i don't want this club to go down,however whether good or bad i remain a milanista for life.

Posted by Pagliuca on 04/21/2010

Brother Matteo:

I know we have playes out on loan and some good prospects. But,I still don't understand why Leo didn't start Albertazzi instead of Oddo last week? Personally, I don't think the issue is that we don't have playrs but are they Milan material. We used to have a great mercato in bringing in players that would dump Inter or Juve, and make a deep run in Europe. Now are we buying players that will just compete and needing miracles to beat Inter? If Silvio trial ends up on a good note and he dosen't have to pay that fine. Then I think he will open the wallet and buy players like Ramos, Diarra, Dzeko, Kolarov, or Jovetic. We are a world class team and we need the same talent to make us who we are. If we get so/so players I don't know for how long we will be competative. Did we overachieve this season? Don't know? I'm hoping management realizes what we need and not being disallusinoal on players past their best. Still Forza Magico Milan!!

Posted by Paul Lennon on 04/21/2010

Pirlo
i have always admired because of the way he can split a defense with a pass, and his free kicks; he is a constructive midfielder in the classical sense, a bit like Scholes at ManU...but Andrea is getting a bit slow and Milan need another younger and faster version; they need to learn from Man U to bring younger players in.

Posted by punditguy on 04/21/2010

@Pagliuca

All the players u named are really good and perhaps expensive but thats not the point im going to make.

My point is....Milan have always kept a well balanced team in the sense of Italians to foreign players. And i dont think they should compromise that and become like Inter or Real Madrid or Chelsea.

I agree on Dzeko BUT what about players like Criscito or Astori or De Silvestri? Or what about players like Giovinco or Ballotelli or Giuseppe Rossi?

So you see...Milan dont need to look far. There are a lot talented players in there backyar and at the same time not compromise our identity and have all these foreign players!

Posted by Desilolla on 04/22/2010

Signore Matteo I agree that Milan is a big club who tend to bring superstars to San Siro. But I don’t feel that buying established over the top stars is the solution. Look at Real Madrid, bought overrated Kaka and CR9 (Who is good but not worth the price tag) are out of CL and will mostly end at second place on La liga. Milan has done the same thing season after season, buying players who perform above average in 2 or 3 seasons. Then they make the same mistake and buys burned out players to replace the other mediocre players. What is the point of replacing grandfather Favalli with the 34 years old soon to retire Yepes? Why bring Beckham who is 35 and totally washed out and is more focused on his Hollywood career? Why bring an injury prone old striker like Trezegol? Why bring a benchwarmer like Mancini who can’t dribble an old lady in wheelchair? Why do they want Gallas, who is excellent but only have 1 or 2 seasons left?

Posted by Desilolla on 04/22/2010

Continues:
Why did they bring Flavio Roma(They had Storari), Oddo, Zambrotta and Favalli who were nearly pensioners and didn’t perform at all. Why don’t they use Flamini instead of the lunatics Gattuso?They had Senderos but choosed to use Favalli and Kaladze. They had Gourcuff but used the slowest player on the earth Seedorf. Why use Abate as right-back when everybody knows that he is a winger and is terrible at defending? Why sell Gilardino(who is excellent at Fio) and buy the flop of the year Hunterlaar? Why is Milan always getting these players that no other clubs want? You have players like Digao, Diniz, Legati, Osuji, Aubameyang, Scapuzzi and Umunegbu who they just loans out. Use these players in Copa Italia and as reserves. To blame Berlusconi is just a joke, because it’s his money and he can spend it like he wants. Milan must build a youth academy and give the young players more chances. I will say it again: As long as The Special One is at Inter, no other club will win.

Posted by Nicoacademia on 04/22/2010

True Milanese will never stop supporting Milan. I do turn a blind eye to their sufferings like back when we had the dutch party that helped us finish 10th(Patrick Dick Kluivert).

That said I think it's quite harsh on Seedorf. Personally I think a midfield trio of Seedorf Gattuso Pirlo would know their way around a match and actually have quality to cover.

Ambrosini was never a choice for me other than his headed goal against PSV a few years ago.

Our defense has been in shambles ever since we started buying weird players. No it didn't start with Senderos. It started with Daniele Bonera. Then came Senderos, Onyewu?

Basically our whole team needs refreshing. One would think selling Kaka would have given us the money to do so. It hasn't.

Something's gone very wrong in Milan and Berlusconi is probably now taking money from Milan.

Our owners have not invested a dime in it well since 2000. Perhaps Berlusconi lost his money in dotcom?

Forza Milan nonetheless!

Posted by Arbey on 04/22/2010

Zambrotta,Bonera,Favalli,Gattuso,Oddo,Kaladzhe,Jankulovski,Huntellar,Mancini..Should be kicked in the ASS out of my MIlan!..Damn..they have no use whatsoever!..Then Have Onyenwu ready for first 11 as Nestas back problem comes up!..Add Balotelli to the team,go for dzeko very hard!..Bonega come in and one other young midfielder in his early 20's who have lots of prospects...then promote boys from the team II as we need quality bench too..nothing wrong with leonardo,just some floss at times in SUBs..he will adjust with time!..GALLIANI ILL FACE FOOL HOPE YOU CAN READ THIS!

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/22/2010

@Desilolla

Why they don't play Flamini ahead of Gattuso is beyond me. If you take away Gattuso's athletic abilities, is he even a soccer player? As for Abate: he is rapidly improving at fullback. If you've noticed in recent months he has more significantly fewer errors than before. He is still very young so he can learn a new position easily. Plus, he'd be much more effective at fullback than winger once he learns how to defend properly. He lacks the technical ability to be a winger.

@Pagliuca

I think Kolarov is a bit overrated. Is he even better than Antonini? If we're going to buy a fullback, then it better be one that significantly improves us. As for the other players you've mentioned, Jovetic would be an interesting buy. Personally I like Pastore better, but either of them would be an excellent replacement if Pato were to be sold.

Posted by Pagliuca on 04/22/2010

@Desilolla:

I agree with you.Letting go of Gourcuff was a war crime, but for the rest I think Seedorf is class when he can be and I like him. Gilla was never Milan material. A big difference when you have ALL of Parma playing for him than where you have to hold your own in Milan. Mancini can be effective but Leo's playing him on the right a position he has never played there before (right winger), and Hunter;since when was a full punta ever a winging attacker? Another out of positition. Abate has world class speed but his dribbling and defense must improve! Berlu and Kojak(Galli) are both to blame! Instead of buying players like Motta, Bonnuci, and raiding Inter for Santon. They have done NOTHING! Either Silvio sells the team or he opens the wallet.

@ punditguy; I agree, but some of the straneri are good or better but some of those teams will have huge tags on them, and using my list for possible rotation and bench, not solely doing what Inter or Chelsea do. (Cont...)

Posted by Pagliuca on 04/22/2010

Part II. We need players like Baresi, Pendolino etc. Will some of these home grown players adapt and play in our system. If not we have to look at mixing home with others, and I don't think anyone will complain if we get players like "Il Genio" when he was here, despite him being non-home player.

@Matteo: Kolarov is fast and does he have a kick like Antonini's? He reminds of Roberto Carlos. That's why I like him! Final question: Should we let Brother Balotelli full fill his dream and join the rosso-nero brotherhood? ;)

Forza Milan!

Posted by punditguy on 04/22/2010

MATTEO

What do you think about Pedro Leon?

Posted by punditguy on 04/22/2010

MATTEO

What do you think about Pedro Leon?

Posted by MilanFaithFull on 04/22/2010

I think that we should also focus on other areas of the game such as goalkeeping.Not only on outfield players.Goalkeepers like Dida should not deserve to be playing .Not even for Livorno.Thats why we should sell him and Roma.
And think of buying keepers such Sergio Asenjo,Hugo Lloris or maybe Neuer.Their all great prospects and right now very young with more reaction time than Dida.I swear he dips his glove in oil before most matches.

Posted by Milan Joe on 04/22/2010

The team's in need of a major overhaul...the Oddos, Nestas, Gattusos need to be thanked & sent on their way. Start anew, secure some young talent (what ever happened to all that cash we got for Kaka?) & even if we don't make Europe for the next 2 - 3 years, it's still better than watching this storied team flounder along at it's current pace. I have followed the rossoneri for the better part of 50 years & quite frankly it's heart-breaking to see how far we've fallen. Mgmnt needs to think past their noses & re-build the team, if they are serious about contending for major hardware. Otherwise, we will continue to diminish as the great power house we were once known as! Galliani, you need to take the thumb out & see about rescuing our beloved rossoneri!!!

Posted by forza azzuri on 04/22/2010

You want to see disapointing? Watch some the Juventus games. They make me scream at the t.v. more then I want to. They have been my team all my life but lately their games are hard to watch. Even though you guys are having some trouble, I wish Juve was in Milan's position right now!

Posted by Italia on 04/22/2010

Matteo

I agree with the assessment of Milan, but it might be a little negative. As a Juve fan, I don't even know what to expect of my team anymore.
Defence in my opinion is the numer one issue for Milan (as if I should be talking with players like Cannavaro in my team). Favalli obviously is too old and slow to react as CB. I personally don't like Abate at ALL. I cannot stand him. He cannot defend at all and should not be starting for a team like Milan when last year I didn't even know who he was. When you have an Italian international player in Zambrotta on the bench, who can defend if fit, it's useless to keep fielding the same backline that has frustrated Milan so much lately.
I would keep Luca Antonini though as he is good at getting forward and more keen in defence than Abate.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/22/2010

Italia: I'll always be negative if the club doesn't win any silverware. Unfortunately as Juve & Milan fans, we've been spoiled by our respective clubs. Only in the last decade I've seen my team win 2 champions leagues (should have been 3, damnit!) I watch most Juve games so I definitely can understand the misery of not even making it to the Europa League

punditguy: I don't think much of him

Pagliuca: Balotelli would be the biggest risk Milan could take. He could either be a perennial headcase, or develop into one of the best players in the world. It'll be interesting to see how it pans out. I'd buy him in a heartbeat. And comparing Kolarov to Roberto Carlos is like comparing Favalli to Maldini.

Posted by Soto on 04/23/2010

Matteo

Well you are great as always for telling the truth about Milan.I live in Athens and over here its a bit embarrising to be a Milan fan because (everyone here is a fan of every year's big team and this makes me mad!) i have been a fan of Milan since i was 5 years old (i am 17 now) and luckily i have seen glorious times of Milan. Lately i have been thinking and i came to an coclusion that Milan in order to come in the world class possition again,our president MUST make some investments!! Next year i can't bare other defeats like those of Inter and manchester united!! This summer i hope and i wish that they think clearly and make some great moves in the transfer market. I always remember the 2007 final..!! i had taken a seat with my buddies since early octomber because i had a feeling that that year was Milan's year !!!
FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/23/2010

Thank you for all the comments, some great input as always.

Anyways, today Galliani came out and insisted Milan are not selling any stars. Who knows what will happen.

Posted by MilanFaithFull on 04/23/2010

Matteo:
Why would you believe what Galliani said about not selling the star players?Remember last season they insisted they were not selling Kaka ... and all of sudden we hear that they have sold him for 66mil.I personally still think there is arisk of pato being sold.

Posted by Milan Joe on 04/23/2010

Please no more talk of Balotelli joining Milan...we already have enough problems to worry about with an aging team, namely at defense, before attempting to rehab an 19-year old brat. Do we really think that a change of venue will suddenly transform this "me me" idiot into a team player? If Mou couldn't turn him around, why would anyone think Leo or any other coach can?

He needs to be exiled to some outpost where his antics would just incite the local ultras to the point where he would need to constantly look over his shoulders.

Mario, it's not too late, shut up, play & respect the kit you wear...there are others less talented & fortunate than you that would gladly take your spot.

Posted by Pagliuca on 04/23/2010

Fratello-Matteo:

I can see your point about Kolarov, but here is my reason, I said he reminded me of R.Carlos not that he is. Still, here's why; he's fast, reads the game well, and his shoot is something. I was thinking if we had somebody with that type of kick would be dangerous with free kicks and his sprints down the side. Motta and Kolarov on either end and Pastore in the middle would be a nice factor. By the way, I heard on the Italian news that Milan's transfer budget is $30 Million. IF, they sell Pato that could bring in 60-70 Million. In total we could have 100 million on the mercato. Would they buy the right players or will they "really" sell Pato at all?

Forza Milan!

Posted by Chris on 04/24/2010

Dear Matteo,

I along with other people doubt that we will able to obtain Dzeko over the summer. But if you pay attention to Wolfsburg what do you think about Zvjezdan Misimović? I know he can't score as many goals as Dzeko but he's a really good. I think Milan should go after him. He can be a really good Attacking Midfielder than Milan could use.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/24/2010

Chris:

Misimovic is great. Although I'm not sure where he'd play in Milan's 4-3-3 formation. He excels in a 4-3-1-2 where they slot him right behind the two strikers.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/24/2010

Pagliuca:

Who knows, Galliani has already played this trick on us already (Hint: Kaka last year).

Now he came out to the media and said that none of the star players are for sale.

Posted by Milan 1963 on 04/26/2010

Dear Matteo,
Congratulations on your blog, it is getting more and more comments.

Yes Galliani said not star player will be sold, he obviously meant Gattuso, Seedorf, Favalli,Pirlo, Seedorf,Dida and co as they are his star players....

Now seriously my worries are that Berlusca has lost interest in the team and even if he decides to sell, it does not mean that we will go back to what we were with new Owners and more investments. The reason we had all those successful years was because of the way he was handling the team and not just by how much he was investing. I agree with you on the policy of having home grown talents, a few Italian stars and a few foreign stars as it has always been.

Now it seems that he leaves Galliani run the show with little money and Galliani has no idea what to do and especially who to buy.

We need Berlusconi back fully committed to bring Milan to where it belongs or it is going to be tough.

Posted by Flea on 04/27/2010

What we need now is a complete overhaul of the system. Starting with the head.

1.We need someone like Wenger at Arsenal who is courageous enough to put youngsters that have the potential for greatness on the pitch. 2.We need someone who is able to identify these talented youngsters also. 3.Someone who can coach them to a better tactical formation to what we have been seeing. Something like the one Barcelona employs from an early age.

Even if we don't win anything for the next few years at least we know we have the talent pool available.

That leaves the transfer market out of the picture totally. It only comes into it when there are problem areas which have been identified and players that have become available.

My 2 cents. Vent and rant.

Posted by Gustavo Faldon on 04/27/2010

Hi, Matteo!
I'm glad you wrote a comment in my blog. Even though I'm a Roma fan in Italy, I enjoy Milan a lot and will comment in your blog often.

I tottaly agree with you about the thing you said about Dunga's mind. Unfortunately his work can't be criticized because he won the America's Cup and the Confederations Cup. But we'll see.

Hey, I have a question for you since you're closer to 'Calcio' than me. Do you think Totti should have a spot in Italy's squad for South Africa??

Posted by cant tell u on 04/27/2010

actully i am happy im a juve fan

Posted by Gaijin on 04/29/2010

Whats is Milan thinking?seriosly? Berbatov? Mario Yepes? Trezeguet? 30+ yrs old? come on!!! even a kid know the problem in Milan squad, old players, keep buying wrong players, selling great players and lack of giving apportunities to their young players..dont get me wrong, i am milan fan and always will, but nowadays i dont see a great milan... Forza Milan..i hope they will win the scudetto next season..

Posted by Pagliuca on 04/29/2010

Br.Matteo:

Now, I don't know what to think? Leo is gone and if Tassotti or Galli come would this be worse or better? We need fresh sigingns and I don't think Silvio has this in his mind. How bad is this going to get? M.Mia!!

Posted by Pagliuca on 04/29/2010

Br.Matteo:

Posted by Soto on 04/30/2010

Well, selling Pato will be THE GRATEST MISTAKE!!
I heard some dayes ago that milan was going to maake a deal with man united..Pato for Berbatov + 40 millions....Nonsense,,Berbatov is the slowest and dumbiest striker i have ever seen..Even Favalli runs faster then him..
Anyway we must sell players that are useles to us and buy fresh and talented blood...

Matteo what do you think of Ninis he is 19 and is playing for Panathinaikos..he is very talented and i think he might be very usefull to us..Remember the game with Roma? He was great and i have watched every game he has played..
IF he moves to a great club he might become a world class midfilder..
Anyway congratulations for the blog and
FORZA MILAN!!!

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/30/2010

Gustavo:

Yes I do. Knowing Lippi, Totti will probably be starting alongside Gila/Borriello/Pazzini. Are there players more in form? Definitely. Does Lippi care? Unfortunately, not really.

Pagliucaa:

Have faith. I have a feeling we'll be pleasantly surprised this summer.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 04/30/2010

Soto:

First time I saw Ninis play was against Roma. What a talented player he is! He seems to be comfortable right behind the strikers and also on the right hand side. Definitely an interesting prospect.

Posted by Saurabh on 05/01/2010

Hey Matteo,

Do you think Lippi would have Di Natale and Miccoli in the squad.
I would feel very bad if Di Natale does not go with the Italian squad

Posted by Gaijin on 05/01/2010

Selling Pato will be a huge mistake,cause i dont see any faster striker than him in Milan,exchange Pato for Berbatov? another slow striker and have the same skills as Huntelar and Boreillo, hope they think about this.. and hope they find another younger defensive and a midfielder, striker? i think its enough, just give Huntelar and Boreillo time.. Forza Milan and goodbye Leo thanks.

Posted by FORZA PANATHINAIKOS on 05/02/2010

Dont rush to get Ninis guys..

HE IS ONE OF THE BEST!! Forza PANATHAAAAA

Posted by PTFD on 05/02/2010

Matteo-
What do you think about buying landon donavon as a midfielder? he done pretty decent in england and was voted americas best player in the mls league...granted he has missed some tap-in goals but he has done a good job, and i bet ac milan could get him semi cheap...and he is not 30+ years old.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 05/02/2010

PTFD: Honestly I don't think it's a good idea. Donovan has already shown through his career that he is most comfortable in a mid-table team. I don't think he wants to be a substitute at this point, and that's all he'd be at Milan.

Saurahb: Well Lippi announced the provisional squad today. So the answer is no, no and no.

Posted by maithani on 05/03/2010

I believe he does have Di Natale in the squad

Posted by Soto on 05/03/2010

I was thinking that another great summer move would be Fabregas !!! Well i know that all of you will say that we dont have a lot of money..but i think that it is time for our president to make another of his big moves like the one 20 years ago.. starting with the leonardo..i thank him with all my heart for what he achived with this slow and aging team but his class is not for Milan..I think Van Basten or Raijkard would be GREAT !! Secondly the second move would be to thank all the players that have contributed to the team and then send them away the ones like (Favalli..Gatuso//Oddo//inzaghi..Mancini..who has done nothing..dida...roma...storari.. and any other who does not accour to me right now..)
After this clean up..we should buy.some fresh blood for the years to come..players of low cost that in the future will become ours leaders..and in the mean time buy some hmmhm "expensive" players.. 2-3 only.. One defender .like ramos...one midfilder..like fabregas..

Posted by Soto on 05/03/2010

CONTINUED
AND another fast midfilder or a good defender..
I think our attack is great... buying these players our attack should have more chances to score because now they RETURN to defend..
Dont forget that next year we will have Adiyah also and our attack Ronaldinho/Pato/Huntelaar/Boriello/Adiyah would be just great...
So Matteo what do you think of this possible plan?? It is a bit expensive but if we can achive these moves i bet next year we will be 100% on the semifinals of the champions league ..( even bayern went this year in the final..) and we would ceartenly would be a fine competitor for the Scudeto..
FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!

Posted by richard on 05/04/2010

i real not agree with what has been said by Galian
what he said is not true,we learn a lot frm what he did last year by sold kaka he can do the same also in pato.i think milan has to divorce all old players and give the chance to young stars like owenyu,donavan,mathew flamin,teves,dzeko because the problem not leonardo is ll about players.
thanks

Posted by Flea on 05/06/2010

Well to say 1 or 2 players will be able to change the situation we are in, is being overly optimistic.

What we need is to start focusing on a younger squad. Start pruning the older players off. The likes of Favalli, Oddo, Roma. Come on they may be cheap but they have had their shelf life.

This may be radical, but why not try some young players who are hungry for success. They are relatively cheap as well. For sure they may not be as polished as the oldies. However they certainly can provide the energy needed, keeping in mind the sharp learning curve.

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