View Full Version : UCL Final - Milan vs. Liverpool... Athens, May 23rd
In a year when Milan was not even supposed to be in the competition because of the decisions of the judges about the Moggiopoli scandal...
In a year when Milan didn't get the expected reinforcements to face a competition starting at -8 points...
In a year when injuries hurt the team more than the individual players themselves...
In a year designed for Inter's glory...
In a year when Costacurta has announced his retirement... and Maldini's knee
threatens to force him to do the same...
In a year when one of the team's glories broke not just our line up, but our heart...
In a year when his replacement is not allowed to play in the UCL...
Here we go again... to take what's ours... to take revenge after that horrorific night in Istambul...
Sempre con te, solo con te...11 Leoni... Oggi piu' che mai... a Milano, a Europa, ovunque...Insieme, con il Diavolo in Corpo... RICONQUISTIAMOLA!!!!!!!
Well said. Athens has been good to us in the past ... :)
and I want Milan to don the black&red jersey. we were the home team and gave away its privilege. we will be the home team again, and this time please make no mistake. I want revenge. Liverpool always (100%) won with their red on, and always (100%) lost without red. this is no superstition, but more psychological.
i am pretty sure that we will win. it is our game to lose. we just need to play our own game. liverpool is more physical, but definitely not better than man united.
P.S. If I remember correctly, Nadir, you also predicted a 4-0 win two years ago, did you? I know I did. :(
this time, I don't care it is 0-0, or 4-0. as long as we win, I will be in cloud nine.
forza milan!!! :fero:
rosoneri_11
03-05-2007, 02:17
It will be great!I hope to win iy again and makes us again fantastic feelings!
I had to say it that here in greece the most world wanted to the final liverpool and Man Utd because thesse two teams they like more.
Well im the exeption!
forza.manish
03-05-2007, 02:41
its not very long back that we all witnessed sheva missing the final penalty kick and gerrard lifting the trophy, but now its the payback time at athens and no one can stop the forza from simply rampaging the reds.
that was a strange game 2 yrs back where the worlds best defence was penetrated 3 times in 11 minutes and i m pretty sure this wont happen this time.
wat bothers me is that milan played magical yesterday but with maldini coming back in side who is the one who should be sitting in the finals??
wat should be the final 11 at athens??
get red black ribbons for the cup as its coming to milan this season
Beautiful Post SANT. I'm glad you posted this rather than I. You make it sound less confrontational.
Indeed! A time when even our own thought of this Club being in the DOLDRUMS... Look where we are! See what many thought couldnt! Hold on! The best is still yet to manifest!
Why should we ever worry where this club goes? Hasnt it always been towards the path of greatness? A hike to the mountain top at its least has its dips, bumps and obstacles. Yet a good deal of us moan and groan the whole trip adding more problems to reaching the top peak.
This should be a good lesson for us all to learn. It's not a hard one either!
As SANT has posted: In a year when....
...it's not going our way.
...our team was old.
...our coach sucked.
...our tranfer seasons sucked.
...this/that player sucked.
...INTER is doing this/that.
...qualifying for next years CL is darn impossible.
...we'd be lucky if we arent relegated next year.
a good deal thought this and affirmed it so by posting it. What say you now?
Only one thing....
FORZA MILAN!
GREAT POST SANTI!
forza.manish
03-05-2007, 02:45
milan was magical last nite & i m sure it will continue in athens but should maldini be back or same team should play that played against man utd yesterday.
as for the reds, its payback time now.
get red black ribbons for the trophy as it is heading to milan this season
kastriot
03-05-2007, 03:23
milan was magical last nite & i m sure it will continue in athens but should maldini be back or same team should play that played against man utd yesterday.
as for the reds, its payback time now.
get red black ribbons for the trophy as it is heading to milan this
season
Never question weather Maldini should be back if his fit. What Maldini can give to the team an what he represents to them is beyond anything!!!!!!!
wookiee06
03-05-2007, 03:49
Ac milan 7th cl title in Athens
We beat the best in the EPL, The Champs of 2006 - 2007.
Liverpool looked tired, we will out play them
Let's secure at least a preliminary round in CL next season in Serie A first, then fully concentrate the last, and the most important, game of the season. Let's come back to this thread later....
Oh no Jeff! LOL! We've won. I've seen this. Not out of prophesy, but of discernment. We might as well leave this open for just a couple of days and already start the celebration thread! LOL!
Boy carlos queer'o seems pretty upset.
Kaka took your boy cristiano to school. did you see all those stupid tricks that didnt come off?
BTW didnt you once try your hand at management with madrid and got sacked?
?
This punctuation mark will be used a lot in next 20 days because there will be a lot of questions.
From will Kaka shine again to will it be 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 ? From who will win to who'll wear the white jersey ?
But for me the main question is How will Milan players cope with the memories of the most terribile night in their careers ?
They are still men, they aren't robots. They will remember Istanbul the moment they see the familiar faces of Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Carragher and Jerzy Dudek at the bench. The question is will that influence their performance in Athens and in what way ?
Will Istanbul catastrophe make them stronger or more vulnerable ?
The Balkans welcome Milan for the 3rd time in a CL final. The first 2 times were epic .... what will happen the 3rd time ?
P.S : Kui :bri:
Perfect example of how a man can see the future because he has knowledge of the present situation combined with huge knowledge of history !
(and little luck :) )
zlatanov
03-05-2007, 07:56
bar any injuries to the players who won vs ManU, I don't think Carlo will change his line up for the final ... it simply wouldn't make sense + he doesn't have the personnel in attack to play 2 forwards and Kaka at the same time.
As for Milan players being possibly troubled to face Pool with all those bad memories, I think if that was a problem for them, it would have come out already and they wouldn't be in the final to begin with.
Also, I really don;t see any reason to worry as Milan were the better team for 114 of the 120 min of that clash and clearly outclassed Pool for vast periods of the game ... that result was not due to lack of ability but came down to that being just one of those nights.
Couple this with milan being the most experienced team in the competition and all the problems we've had this year - problems which have done nothing but unite the players even more than the past years - and I think we will be having a vintage performance by our players.
Whether we'll win, I don't know as a lot of things can happen in 90 - or 120 min - but just hope we show our brand of football (as the British tabloids called it "Footie of the future" :)) and be the better and more composed side ... the win will heavily depend on that.
Of course, keeping these players healthy and fresh for that final would be very important too.
hitmannq8
03-05-2007, 07:59
and I want Milan to don the black&red jersey. we were the home team and gave away its privilege. we will be the home team again, and this time please make no mistake. I want revenge. Liverpool always (100%) won with their red on, and always (100%) lost without red. this is no superstition, but more psychological.
i am pretty sure that we will win. it is our game to lose. we just need to play our own game. liverpool is more physical, but definitely not better than man united.
P.S. If I remember correctly, Nadir, you also predicted a 4-0 win two years ago, did you? I know I did. :(
this time, I don't care it is 0-0, or 4-0. as long as we win, I will be in cloud nine.
forza milan!!! :fero:
i had bet 20dollars on 4-0. i know we drew 3-3, but its funny to say that it was so close to being 4-0 had sheva's free kick gone in. i would have made around 1500 dollars!
r u sure we're the home team this time? im not sure of that..
Milan_Mad
03-05-2007, 08:06
So guys how do we find out who wears there home jerseys, and after gila's goal last night i think hes in pole postion to start in athens
zlatanov
03-05-2007, 08:09
I believe Milan are the "home" team for the final, so they would be able to choose between the R&B or white kit.
with Istanbul in mind, I think there is a good chance we'll go for the red-and-black jerseys.
Milan_Mad
03-05-2007, 08:14
I believe Milan are the "home" team for the final, so they would be able to choose between the R&B or white kit.
with Istanbul in mind, I think there is a good chance we'll go for the red-and-black jerseys.thanks zlat for the good news i have a good feeling about this final :devf:
zlatanov
03-05-2007, 08:23
good news would be for me to post on May 23 around 5.00pm EST the following:
"Congrats to all Milan fans for number 7"
:D
and I want Milan to don the black&red jersey. we were the home team and gave away its privilege. we will be the home team again, and this time please make no mistake. I want revenge. Liverpool always (100%) won with their red on, and always (100%) lost without red. this is no superstition, but more psychological.
Milan always wear white in a Champions League / European Cup Final. This is our tradition.
ginoformaggino
03-05-2007, 09:02
:5ok:
1989 Inter won Scudetto > we won in Barcelona against Steaua
1994 Inter won Scudetto > we won in Athens against Barca
2007 Inter won Scudttto > we are in Athens;
everytime we met Manchester we reach the Final
and
1958 we lost vs. Madrid
1969 we win vs. Ajax
2005 we lost vs. Liverpool
2007 we ....
we came from preliminary round
just as Liverpool 2 years ago
happy and proud for my old Milan :diablo:
Rayno_acm
03-05-2007, 09:08
:5ok:
1989 Inter won Scudetto > we won in Barcelona against Steaua
1994 Inter won Scudetto > we won in Athens against Barca
2007 Inter won Scudttto > we are in Athens;
everytime we met Manchester we reach the Final
and
1958 we lost vs. Madrid
1969 we win vs. Ajax
2005 we lost vs. Liverpool
2007 we ....
we came from preliminary round
just as Liverpool 2 years ago
happy and proud for my old Milan :diablo:
Er... in 1994 we ( MILAN ) won the scudetto... :uhm:
zlatanov
03-05-2007, 09:10
don't wanna spoil your thing, gino, but in 1994 it was Milan who won the scudetto :D
I believe Milan are the "home" team for the final, so they would be able to choose between the R&B or white kit.
with Istanbul in mind, I think there is a good chance we'll go for the red-and-black jerseys.
I think I mentioned this in the other thread - Milan's tradition in the CL or EC finals is to wear white. So given the choice, they will choose white.
Milan_Mad
03-05-2007, 09:17
I think I mentioned this in the other thread - Milan's tradition in the CL or EC finals is to wear white. So given the choice, they will choose white.But after 05 dont be so sure
I read somewhere that no matter what, we are in the Champions League next year because we have qualified to the final. Is that correct information ??
zlatanov
03-05-2007, 09:23
No, we have to win the CL final to be sure of participating in next year's CL.
?
This punctuation mark will be used a lot in next 20 days because there will be a lot of questions.
From will Kaka shine again to will it be 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 ? From who will win to who'll wear the white jersey ?
But for me the main question is How will Milan players cope with the memories of the most terribile night in their careers ?
They are still men, they aren't robots. They will remember Istanbul the moment they see the familiar faces of Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Carragher and Jerzy Dudek at the bench. The question is will that influence their performance in Athens and in what way ?
Will Istanbul catastrophe make them stronger or more vulnerable ?
The Balkans welcome Milan for the 3rd time in a CL final. The first 2 times were epic .... what will happen the 3rd time ?
P.S : Kui :bri:
Perfect example of how a man can see the future because he has knowledge of the present situation combined with huge knowledge of history !
(and little luck :) )
Told you before, this is AC Milan not Inter. Our players don't run out onto the field like chickens. The players won't be scared of Liverpool, not by a mile. They will only remember how we truely outplayed them for 114mins 2 years ago and will be determine to take back what we so truely deserved. It will be determination and not fear. Our players already shown against Man U what Milan is truely make up of.
I expect Milan to lead by at least 2 goals by half time.
Milan always wear white in a Champions League / European Cup Final. This is our tradition.
Its not a tradition but a good luck kind of thing. I am sure after 2005, that is no longer a point, i believe we will just play with our red and black jersey and just go out onto the field and show the world what AC Milan is about.
Its not a tradition but a good luck kind of thing. I am sure after 2005, that is no longer a point, i believe we will just play with our red and black jersey and just go out onto the field and show the world what AC Milan is about.
which means, TRADITIONALLY, we have worn white in all the finals we have played. I hope we wear white again!
which means, TRADITIONALLY, we have worn white in all the finals we have played. I hope we wear white again!
I don't care what we wear as long as we WIN :devf:
even though I would go with red & black :zany:
kastriot
03-05-2007, 09:55
:5ok:
1989 Inter won Scudetto > we won in Barcelona against Steaua
1994 Inter won Scudetto > we won in Athens against Barca
2007 Inter won Scudttto > we are in Athens;
everytime we met Manchester we reach the Final
and
1958 we lost vs. Madrid
1969 we win vs. Ajax
2005 we lost vs. Liverpool
2007 we ....
we came from preliminary round
just as Liverpool 2 years ago
happy and proud for my old Milan :diablo:
in 1994 inter won the Uefa CUP...which is fine by me,it seems that we always get the CL title when they win smth. Good to know
zlatanov
03-05-2007, 11:14
which means, TRADITIONALLY, we have worn white in all the finals we have played. I hope we wear white again!
I think the tradition was more of a good-luck thing, as hwmook said ... correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think Milan has played in white in all CL finals altogether but, until 2005, we had played in white in all or almost all of the CL finals that we HAD WON by then, including manchester 2003.
That was the main reasoning behind Milan choosing the white, reserve kit for istanbul and foregoing their "home" team status for that game.
Obviously, after that loss to Pool, in which the last thing we had that day was LUCK, I wouldn't be surprised if the management and coaching staff and players are seriously, I mean seriously thinking about dropping the white kit.
i guess we'll know more in about a week or two.
Hello to everyone. I've been pretty busy recently that why I disappeared from here.
I'm going to Athens cuz we're all in search of revenge. Everyone wanted this final especially after knowing that we where going to face Liverpool.
MUST WIN FINAL IN 20 days time. FORZA MILAN PER SEMPRE.
my vote is for the white kit...that way Sheva can remember what he wore in the 2003 final, what he wore in 2005 and what he should have been wearing in Athens :bri:
Also stripes have a slimming effect as someone said earlier and Ronaldo would be most grateful for that :rone:
rome1977
03-05-2007, 12:10
Is it best to go with the all white strip again or the usual strip?
rome1977
03-05-2007, 12:17
I vote for the white kit.
If we abandon the white kit, we will be showing the first signs of fear to the englanders. And their media will highlight our fears.
I was going to mention that in the thread of the Final...
we're the home team again... two years ago we declined to use our home jersey because the white one is supposed to be the lucky one for UCL finals... although we had already lost the 1995 against Ajax...
we allowed Liverpool to wear their red jersey...
I think this time, given how well we played against ManU., and the bad memories from 2 years ago, we should go with the RED/BLACK.
rome1977
03-05-2007, 12:38
if we do decide to retreat and instead wear red and black, will we not appear yellow?
Told you before, this is AC Milan not Inter. Our players don't run out onto the field like chickens. The players won't be scared of Liverpool, not by a mile. They will only remember how we truely outplayed them for 114mins 2 years ago and will be determine to take back what we so truely deserved. It will be determination and not fear. Our players already shown against Man U what Milan is truely make up of.
I expect Milan to lead by at least 2 goals by half time.
Berlusconi : All of us feel the need for revenge, as we are still under shock from Istanbul !
The need for revenge. That's what i like to point out. I know Milan won't be scared, but the "need for revenge" is very dangerous. Milan players need clear mind , not need for revenge. Dunno about you guys, but i lost all my battles when i wanted revenge and that thought occupied my mind.
Ancelotti : I think there are teams that are better at Cup competitions. These games are very special in terms of tempo, determination and focus.
Only 2 teams come to my mind when i hear these words : Milan and Liverpool ! That is why i think Pool will have a tougher job in Athens than they had against Barcelona and Chelsea while Milan will have much more trouble then they had against Bayern or ManU.
Ancelotti :It is a fascinating clash and Liverpool are a different side to Manchester. They have less quality, but are physically and temperamentally stronger.”
So true words. Milan is also very strong physically, not as strong temperamentally as Pool , but has more quality than them.
In 2005 Liverpool players were newbies in CL knock out stages. Milan had the experience, the quality, everything. Accept it or not, these were the reasons Milan outplayed Pool for most of the match.
This year Liverpool ain't no rookie. They are as experienced as Milan is and much more than 4/5 of ManU's team. Physically they are one of the best prepared teams in the world, not like ManU, who had 11 exausted players on the field yesterday. Temperamentally they've proven how strong they are in last 2 years. Defensively they have runners who can cope with the pace of Kaka.
Quality - this is where i see Milan's biggest chance. Pool doesn't have Kaka, Pirlo and Seedorf calibre. If these 3 players give 100% and concentrate on the match and only on this match for full 90 minutes, then Milan wins for sure.
But if they listen to Berlu and seek revenge, then we'll hear You'll Never Walk Alone while Gerrard's holding the trophy with a huge smile on his face !
rome1977
03-05-2007, 12:45
that is very good post, Tony. I agree with it.
Liverpool are tight cohesive team unit. They have much experience of Europe. Benitez is a very intelligent man.
But if Gerrard had no big engine, would he be half the player. I wonder.
hitmannq8
03-05-2007, 13:28
We chose the white jersey in 05 because everytime we wore the white jersey we won with it (4 times before the 05 final)..
i think we have to play with our traditonal colors.. we are the ROSSONERI we arent the BIANCO's! red/black all the way..
hitmannq8
03-05-2007, 13:33
milan won every semi-final they played in..
and won every CL title after they beat bayern munich (4 times).. but last season this numbers got broken...
we beat bayern for the 5th team and lost in the semi's to barca..
this season we beat bayern for the 6th time and won our 10th semi-final (out of 11)..
you guys decide for yourself what you think will happen but i think we can beat liverpool but we wont thrash them like how we did in 2005 (in my mind, i still see it as we thrashed them even if we lost)
Giovanni
03-05-2007, 13:35
I just tell all Liverpool fans who will come on these boards in the next weeks this that we are waiting for this final night since 2 years.
Every single moment i've watched that comeback i've felt bad and angry.
Now we have a chance to avenge that injustice.
I speak in friendship, but sportwise we'll spend every single moment of that match trying to literally tear you apart.
There won't be technical issues. Just sportive anger will mark the difference that night.
If you will cope with our anger on the field, and win, then this will mean you have done a great job.
We wanted to play that match again the day after that Final. That day you were more hungry: it was many years you idn't reach the final. This time it's different: we feel like starved dogs.
I want to see our players like authomatic cyborgs on the pitch for 90 mins. The must prepare this match just like Sacchi' s Milan did: try every movement 60-70 times each day.
If we play like we did yesterday, we'll do our celebrative mocking jerseys as well.
Giovanni
03-05-2007, 13:41
In 2005 Liverpool players were newbies in CL knock out stages. Milan had the experience, the quality, everything. Accept it or not, these were the reasons Milan outplayed Pool for most of the match.
This year Liverpool ain't no rookie. They are as experienced as Milan is and much more than 4/5 of ManU's team.
This year Milan has one thing they lack: anger.
curry chicken
03-05-2007, 13:47
I can't wait to see how long this thread is going to get before the 23rd!
I've been forced to rest my revolutionary Good-hair Theory, because though it rained yesterday, our hair was flat and we looked like wet cats, STILL we managed to win. Stop proving me wrong Milan. :D
There was a bit on the official site about the 'important of the dates' and if I remember correctly, someone had posted something similar to that before the 2005 final. We've already talked about the 07 in 2007, but anyone have any other crack/number theories?
I have given myself 20 days to to come up with a kick-ass banner I can print out and stick on my living-room wall, so everyone can see that AC Milan is in the finals. Dad's going to be so embarassed.
Now this isn't the best graphic ever, but my brain wouldn't calm down and I just couldn't resist that picture of Ricky viciously praying in the rain.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/bakedtimbit/athens.png
This year Liverpool ain't no rookie. They are as experienced as Milan is and much more than 4/5 of ManU's team.
3 UCL finals, 4 UCL Semis, WC Final etc....In term of experience, no team in the world come close and i do mean no team.
No defence in the world can stop us from scoring, they can pack 11 in their own half and we would still score.
The only thing that can stop Milan is Milan. As long as the players stay focus and keep fighting, we will beat Liverpool and do it convincingly.
My prediction for the match: Milan 4-0 Liverpool
rome1977
03-05-2007, 13:59
How did Shevshanko miss that double chance at the end of extra time in 2005?
He was not good enough. He had to be sold.
And now he cannot get into Chelsea team.
Giovanni
03-05-2007, 13:59
In terms of experience i just point out that Paolo Maldini will reach Francisco Gento's record of 8 CL Finals played...
Giovanni
03-05-2007, 14:00
How did Shevshanko miss that double chance at the end of extra time in 2005?
He was not good enough. He had to be sold.
And now he cannot get into Chelsea team.
True. A player of his power would have buried Dudek two meters inside the goal from that distance. But that's the past.
We can have our revenge. I can't wait.
rome1977
03-05-2007, 14:04
I cannot wait either. Yes, the luck was with the englanders that night. Dudek used all his luck in those 2 seconds.
Will Maldini be able to cope with the pace of Kuyt and Bellamy, or the aerial threat of Crouch?
wookiee06
03-05-2007, 14:27
it sounds liverpool are very afraid of us
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is wary of the threat posed by Milan to their dreams of winning the UEFA Champions League later this month.
The two European giants will lock horns in Athens on 23rd May in a repeat of their 2005 classic final.
Liverpool beat Milan on penalties in 2005 after they came from three goals down to send the game into a dreaded penalty shoot-out.
Benitez knows Milan will driven on by the opportunity of exacting revenge and he believes the Rossoneri are a better side from two years ago.
"It's clear we are going to play a team with players with a great attitude and quality," said Benitez.
"You could see by how hard they worked last night. They are desperate to win the Champions League and after what happened two years ago we must be very careful.
"They are a very dangerous opponent for us."
Benitez has called on his players to ignore all the hype over the final and concentrate on their preparations for the showpiece event.
"We must focus on the final," added Benitez. "The hard work for the players begins now. The final is not today, it is in a few weeks time and we must start our preparation from this moment.
"Some people think because we won two years ago and we also beat Chelsea we will do it again, but this is not the right message.
"You do not win a trophy for winning a semi-final. Playing well in the final is what's important now.
"They (Milan) are strong in every position. Defensively they are good, they have excellent strikers and in players like Gennaro Gattuso and Kaka they have two of the best players in the world.
"They are a team we will show a lot of respect to.
"I have said many times we are stronger now than we were two years ago but I also believe Milan are a better side than they were when we last played each other."
source ;
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=464778&CPID=5&clid=120&lid=&title=Rafa+wary+of+Milan
Giovanni
03-05-2007, 14:31
The only reason i'm afraid of Liverpool is Benitez. He studied with Sacchi and he's a coach of Italian school..i think he took a degree in football coaching in Coverciano too, the temple of Italian coaching school.
He's knows strategy, and he knows italian football. But if Milan plays a la Milan we have nothing to be afraid.
Christopher
03-05-2007, 14:52
its time for revenge, Italy did it to France, Milan wil follow suit.
wookiee06
03-05-2007, 14:55
Benítez was born into a middle class family in Madrid. His father, Francisco Benítez, worked as a hotelier, while his mother, Rosario Maudes, worked as a nurse. His mother was the bigger football fan and supported Real Madrid while his father supported Atlético Madrid. Francisco died in December 2005 while Benítez was in Japan for the FIFA Club World Championship.
He is the second of three children. His older brother, also called Francisco, was born in 1959, while his younger sister, called Rosario, was born several years later. Both studied veterinary science and Rosario later became a vet.
In 1998 Benítez married his wife Montse, a Doctor of Law born in Ourense. They have two daughters, Claudia, who was born in Madrid in 1999, and Agatha who was born in Valencia in 2002.
The young Benítez attended several schools throughout Madrid and played for various school teams. Among his school friends and team mates was Ricardo Gallego. He also showed his early potential as a coach when at the age of thirteen he began training a children’s football team. At the age of twelve Benítez joined the Real Madrid cantera.
He progressed through the ranks, playing as a midfielder for both Real Madrid Afcionados in the Tercera División and Castilla CF, in the Segunda División. He also enrolled as a student at INEF, the sports faculty at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and in 1982 he obtained a degree in Physical Education.
In 1979 Benítez was selected to play for the Spain Universities XI at the World Student Games in Mexico City and he scored a penalty in the opening game, a 4-0 win against Cuba. In the next game, a 0-0 draw against Canada, he was injured following a hard tackle. The injury saw him sidelined for a year and effectively ended his chances of becoming a major player. In 1981 Benítez joined Tercera División side AD Parla. Initially he joined Parla on loan, but eventually signed for them permanently and helped them gain promotion to Segunda División B. He also played a further three games for the Spain Universities XI. In 1985 he signed for Segunda División B club Linares CF and under Enrique Mateos he served as a player/coach. Further injury problems saw him miss almost the entire 1985-86 season and he subsequently retired as a player.
Pireloke
03-05-2007, 14:56
Benitez is trying to push Liverpool in underdog position, that's their favorite position. Well they are favorites, we're not. As my good friend Mr. Viera the Inter-Juventus lowlife hybrid says : Milan shouldn't even be playing in the CL this year.
rome1977
03-05-2007, 14:57
we have to win it in normal time this time.
Reina is arguably the best penalty stopper in the world.
wookiee06
03-05-2007, 15:08
Reina aint going to handle kaka or the rest of milan,
this aint 2005,
We beat the best team on the planet, and our defence handled rooney, and Mr diver.
Liverpool dont have the players what Man utd have.
if we handle Gerrard and Durk. Bean pole.
we will crush liverpool like a bug :ende:
rome1977
03-05-2007, 15:23
we'll need a step-ladder to cope with Crouch.
That article doesn't show Benitez being scared of Milan at all, he's being cautious, respectful and tactical.
Naturally Liverpool don't have as many match winning players as other teams, like a Chelsea, Man Utd or whoever else. However given how much scorn we gave some of the man utd fans who came here recently after they said they'd do this and that to us, some people would be wise not to do the same as them and underestimate the Liverpool players or their team spirit.
That said, i would want Milan to win this one as given the events of this season, it would be a truly remarkable achievement and a just reward.
The only reason i'm afraid of Liverpool is Benitez. He studied with Sacchi and he's a coach of Italian school..i think he took a degree in football coaching in Coverciano too, the temple of Italian coaching school.
He's knows strategy, and he knows italian football. But if Milan plays a la Milan we have nothing to be afraid.
Giovanni glad to see someone if not many more has caught on to Benitez's style. It is downright carbon copy of how Italian teams in Europe used to and still play.Maybe not Milan. Just a quick flashback if you watched Liverpool vs Barca at Anfield, there were stretches in the game for about 8-10 minutes when Liverpool had all their field players in their own half. There are plenty of examples, Barca game is the only one I could think of.
Liverpool look to kill the flow of the oppositon and strictly capitalise on mistakes. They do not put much emphasis on creativity and possession.
Benitez's Liverpool plays a reinvented catennacio in Europe and that is why everybody lauds him as some genius in the European game. And another thing, why haven't people (esp' the press) caught on to somewhat negative tactics? Granted he has had his fair share of success but I find it hard to validate the genius label on him. My concern for the final is Mascherano, he is probably Rafa's most astute buy since his tenure in Liverpool, and probably Liverpool's best player next to Gerard.
Javier is a destroyer and his presence on the field on May 23 could hamper our march to the title.
By the way Giovanni, I was watching a clip where Rino scored and the comentator was screaming in Italian, il vento de lione. My spelling is probably seriously off but I wanted to know what that means. I figure lione is lion.
Pireloke
03-05-2007, 15:31
By the way Giovanni, I was watching a clip where Rino scored and the comentator was screaming in Italian, il vento de lione. My spelling is probably seriously off but I wanted to know what that means. I figure lione is lion.
The wind of the Lion, vento = wind
The wind of the Lion, vento = wind
Grazie Pireloke
which means, TRADITIONALLY, we have worn white in all the finals we have played. I hope we wear white again!
I don't know about 1958.
we won in 1963 (white)
we won in 1969 (red and black)
we won in 1989 (white)
we won in 1990 (white)
we lost in 1993 (red and black)
we won in 1994 (white)
we lost in 1995 (white)
we won in 2003 (white)
we lost in 2005 (white)
??? 2007 ???
however, Liverpool's all final appearance in red, they won;
if they wore white, they lost.
we decided to challenge that in 2005, unfortunately we lost, so 1995 and 2005 were two years that we lost in white.
i think it makes some sense from Liverpool's perspective in 2005, as they are a young team, and young teams are usually more subject to outer environment. for example, milan might not care so much, but had we played Man United at SS first then OT, it might not be as smooth. when their morale is up, it is hard to cope with. that's my opinion. Gerrard mentioned the same thing in 2005, he said 'red' helped their team a lot when they were in difficulty.
so i hope and I am sure that we will wear red and black this time, as we are the "home" team.
I don't know about 1958.
we won in 1963 (white)
we won in 1969 (red and black)
we won in 1989 (white)
we won in 1990 (white)
we lost in 1993 (red and black)
we won in 1994 (white)
we lost in 1995 (white)
we won in 2003 (white)
we lost in 2005 (white)
??? 2007 ???
however, Liverpool's all final appearance in red, they won;
if they wore white, they lost.
we decided to challenge that in 2005, unfortunately we lost, so 1995 and 2005 were two years that we lost in white.
i think it makes some sense from Liverpool's perspective in 2005, as they are a young team, and young teams are usually more subject to outer environment. for example, milan might not care so much, but had we played Man United at SS first then OT, it might not be as smooth. when their morale is up, it is hard to cope with. that's my opinion. Gerrard mentioned the same thing in 2005, he said 'red' helped their team a lot when they were in difficulty.
so i hope and I am sure that we will wear red and black this time, as we are the "home" team.
good analysis. Honestly the colour of the shirt has no bearing. Milan could have been wearing black with pink polka-dots and clown hats and would have still lost.
good analysis. Honestly the colour of the shirt has no bearing. Milan could have been wearing black with pink polka-dots and clown hats and would have still lost.
exactly my point too. for an experienced team like us, that petty little things won't matter much. but teams like liverpool (especially two years ago) could really use some "help" from that. but I could be wrong. all I want is a Milan win. I don't care how doggy the goals would be, if any. :D
Clown hats wouldn't have helped our heading ... :5130:
Uniforms and other "minor" appearance details do have an impact on the performance as it alters the way players perceive themselves...
An example I can not forget is the 1998 Romania NT in France WC... they were playing well until they all decided to dye their hair blonde...
the look ridiculous, felt ridiculous and played ridiculous...
where they heavier? weaker? shorter? NO... but they turned around expecting to see a player like they visualized him in their mind, and found a weird looking version of him...
Pireloke
03-05-2007, 17:52
Liverpool's away kit is yellow this year and their third is white + green this year.
Christopher
03-05-2007, 18:30
More importantly will the full curva be there? and the rest of the Milan Supporters?
@Tony: if you look more closely, only a few (5?) 'survives' in the starting eleven selectino at Liverpool after the 2005 victory. Milan has 7.
I'm not sure if this stats say anything, but if you are talking about experiences in the CL, Liverpool has still a long way to catch up.
Instead, I think Milan has the edge because exactly of their technical skills and expeiences, two factors that stand out and account for why Milan is in the final for 3 times within 5 seasons.
BigHouse90
03-05-2007, 21:32
I picked Milan to lose against Bayern Munich, so I was suprised they came out of that. Now that they've gotten by ManU, it seems like no one can stop them, of course their going to be playing agaisnt another team that's extremly hot in Europe.
I say Kaka' gets another, and the defense holds strong again.
2-0 Milan
By the way, who do you guys think Ancelotti will plug in up top? Pippo or Gila?
I picked Milan to lose against Bayern Munich, so I was suprised they came out of that. Now that they've gotten by ManU, it seems like no one can stop them, of course their going to be playing agaisnt another team that's extremly hot in Europe.
what kind of fan picks their own team to lose against anyone? i don't care who we play against, i pick them to whip them everytime. :5ok:
I think i found the perfect song to accent the big final:
Back in the Saddle - Aerosmith.
"I'm BAAAAAAAAAAAACK ....
I'm BAAAAAAAAACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!!"
:dcool:
BigHouse90
03-05-2007, 21:40
what kind of fan picks their own team to lose against anyone? i don't care who we play against, i pick them to whip them everytime.
I guess I'm a little more down to earth then. I'm not going to be a homer and pick my favorite team, if it's a stupid poll on the internet, I say Milan. But talking with my friends, or on forums, I'm going to state my real opinion. Doesnt mean I was hoping to be right.
In my opinion, Liverpool is much stronger than 2 years ago, and we are slightly weaker. But we are still stronger than them at this moment. We can win. And all I want is a win. :) If we win, Maldini will stay and he will have the chance to win the Toyota Cup for the first time as captain. I know he would enjoy that. He has mentioned it in a few occasions. :)
... we are slightly weaker.
I thought so, but I don't think so. That's why I thought Milan was not to beat Bayern (in Germany) or Man U (at home).
Pirlo Kaka and Clarence will have to be at their creative BESTS on the 23rd because Liverpool isn't a very attacking side and won't grant much space. They play more 'Italian' than we do. That being said Gatu+Ambro should close down their long shots from outside the box leaving them to try to feed Crouch/Kuyt who we SHOULD be able to control. It won't be easy but I believe we can do it. Pippo or Gila? Carlo's choice...and certainly he'll make the right one.
hitmannq8
04-05-2007, 01:04
earlier this season we lost to AEK AThens 1-0 away..was it in the same stadium?
sorry, a bit off topic.
this is a comment from a guy that suit inter very much :
http://uk.reuters.com/article/UK_SOCCER/idUKL0270107920070503
or
http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-6604922,00.html
:mad: :mad: :mad:
forza.manish
04-05-2007, 02:19
So guys how do we find out who wears there home jerseys, and after gila's goal last night i think hes in pole postion to start in athens
i know gila scored but it was a dolly and anyone could have ended it in back of the net.pippo is a better choice than gila as in the first leg gila was hardly seen with or even near the ball. pippo does a better job front. and anyways we got kaka up front so not to worry
ukrainian_CA
04-05-2007, 02:33
i had bet 20dollars on 4-0. i know we drew 3-3, but its funny to say that it was so close to being 4-0 had sheva's free kick gone in. i would have made around 1500 dollars!
r u sure we're the home team this time? im not sure of that..
Well, his free kick didn't go in, but there was a disallowed 4th goal by Sheva.
Wrongly disallowed since there was NO offside.
ukrainian_CA
04-05-2007, 02:39
I was going to mention that in the thread of the Final...
we're the home team again... two years ago we declined to use our home jersey because the white one is supposed to be the lucky one for UCL finals... although we had already lost the 1995 against Ajax...
we allowed Liverpool to wear their red jersey...
I think this time, given how well we played against ManU., and the bad memories from 2 years ago, we should go with the RED/BLACK.
The color of uniform does not matter, this subject is simply not important at all, since i don't think we have any color-blind player on our roster.
I would keep the traditional white stuff and let the pool enjoy their favorite color.
rome1977
04-05-2007, 03:10
I would keep the traditional white and let the pool enjoy their favorite color.
i AGREE.
If we change away from all-white, the englanders will have won their first victory.
rome1977
04-05-2007, 03:16
We walked all over Manchester's midfield. But Liverpool have better midfield, by miles.
They have maybe best midfield in world - gerrard, alonso, sissoko, mascherano.
We will have no space. Biggest worry is if Benitez pulls a rabbit out of the bag (which he does do at times) and puts on a very speedy winger. Gonzalez is fastest runner at Anfield - 10.2 seconds for 100 meters. Wonder could we live with such speed?
They have maybe best midfield in world - gerrard, alonso, sissoko, mascherano.
Kaka` Seedorf Gattuso Pirlo and they have the best midfield in world? With the exception of Gerrard, umm.. I don't think so.
ukrainian_CA
04-05-2007, 05:01
We walked all over Manchester's midfield. But Liverpool have better midfield, by miles.
They have maybe best midfield in world - gerrard, alonso, sissoko, mascherano.
We will have no space. Biggest worry is if Benitez pulls a rabbit out of the bag (which he does do at times) and puts on a very speedy winger. Gonzalez is fastest runner at Anfield - 10.2 seconds for 100 meters. Wonder could we live with such speed?
Fastest runner At Anfield? Only at Anfield? Are you sure?
10.2 is much faster than any other players in all other leagues, including Eto'o. Did you mean Speedy Gonzalez?
ukrainian_CA
04-05-2007, 05:14
Fastest runner At Anfield? Only at Anfield? Are you sure?
10.2 is much faster than any other players in all other leagues, including Eto'o. Did you mean Speedy Gonzalez?
10.17s is the record in Africa. While we talk about the soccerplayers.
Etoo , who is blazing fast and is the fastest in La Liga cannot get even close to 10.5s. He is below 11.0s, which is considered world class for a striker.
We walked all over Manchester's midfield. But Liverpool have better midfield, by miles.
They have maybe best midfield in world - gerrard, alonso, sissoko, mascherano.
We will have no space. Biggest worry is if Benitez pulls a rabbit out of the bag (which he does do at times) and puts on a very speedy winger. Gonzalez is fastest runner at Anfield - 10.2 seconds for 100 meters. Wonder could we live with such speed?
What have you been smoking lately? Liverpool best midfield? Gonzalez 10.2s fo 100m? Its surely some heavy stuffs, i am sure of that. :grinser:
Milan officials have just chose nto put on the white kit they wore in 2005, but i think its still a good luck kit.was it not this same kit we wore in 1994 when we dismantled barcelona in this same Athens.
just as it was quoted at Milan officiall wbsite, we took Gilardino to the semi final against bayern, we took Maldini to the finals against Man U, lets also take Ronnie to Tokyo by winning the final for him so he can be there with us in the Intercontinental cup in Tokyo....What do you guys think. God's grace.
Forza Milan
earlier this season we lost to AEK AThens 1-0 away..was it in the same stadium?
The same.
Athens Olympic stadium Spyros Louis. But it was upgraded for the Olympic games in 2004 so it's little different than it was in 1994.
This is the 3rd time a Champions league/Cup final is held on this same stadium. In 1983 Hamburg-Juventus , in 1994 Milan-Barcelona and now in 2007 Liverpool-Milan.
This stadium is the home of Greek heavyweights AEK and once it was the home of the other major Greek clubs Olympiacos and Panathinaicos .
This is our year,AGAINST ALL ODDS, we went to Munich and beat a team that have never lost at home in Europe, AGAINST ALL ODDS, we prooved the critics wrong by embarassing Ferguson's years of experience and caging the so called brilliant attach, AGAINST ALL ODDS, we'll go to Athens and do something not expected, something never heard of, something that will remain in memory for ever, something that will ever remain a first of its kind in the history of the champions league.
Comon Milan, Comon fans, lets reproduce thesame performance the fans gave in San Siro, lets not boast at all but leave everything to God's hand, then after then, only after then shall we give thanks to God, the players and all Milan fans worldwide......
Anfielded183
04-05-2007, 06:34
We will be wearing red, Milan white.
On and BTW please, please underestimate us again!, just like Barca did!. I personally think both teams are on the same level - 50/50.
We don't fear Milan, but we have the greatest respect for your club. I like the talk of revenge from you lot, I hope your players will only think of revenge, because then they will not use their heads. While we will and we will then win ;)
MILAN – The team that were finished in Istanbul, the same team that were just too old to be competitive, the one that critics were saying needed a total overhaul. Do you know which team we are talking about? It is the team that has done something great yet again to prove that the critics were wrong all along. That is our team, this is the team that lifted Milan 3-0 Manchester United to the podium of greatness, to stand beside the likes of Milan 5-0 Real Madrid from 1989 and Milan 4-0 Barcelona in 1994. A victory like this isn’t just down to coincidence or luck, Milan’s world class performance was up to a season filled with character building difficulties. On a beautiful day like today we can look back on recent months with a smile and the clarity of 20/20 hindsight vision. We can look back on Milan 0-2 Palermo, Milan 3-4 Inter, Atalanta 2-0 Milan, Milan 1-2 Roma. We can look back on the cold months of October and November. On the Four losses in twenty days. It has been a difficult journey and it was filled with criticisms and hurdles as anyone could see or hear. It seems almost funny now to review it all and see how very wrong the critics were when they predicted that Milan were done. The old adage, don’t fix it if it isn’t broken seems to apply well here. This side was never broken, it never needed to be fixed. All that was needed was a bit of time and a bit of patience for Ancelotti and company to take what seemed like a hopeless situation and turn into pure gold in a way that can only be described as putting on the usual Rossoneri shine. What a trip it has been and we were here to see it all go down as Milan took each hurdle as an opportunity to learn and grow, to get where they are today, more dynamic and even stronger than before. The critics have been left speechless. The experience and history of this side proves that the Rossoneri aren’t just a passing fad, this is a club that has refined its recipe for success down to the last detail.
How ironic it is. The ages of the players. The long contracts. The necessity to change after so many years. The truth is that life and football are full of ups and downs. Those that survive in this game are the ones that know how to handle and learn from the difficulties they face. No one can predict what will happen in Athens, but the Milan that have earned 36 points in the second half of the season and a hard-fought European qualification against the likes of Celtic, Bayern Munich and Manchester United can be proud of what they have done this season and we can be proud too because we never stopped believing in the dream. What a journey it has been, from the point penalty and the resulting Champions League preliminary round up until today. This is the kind of ride of a lifetime that only a side like Milan can deliver as they take their fans along to experience the joy that is can only be called Milan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DATES
May 2nd's sumptuous 3-0 Rossoneri victory over Manchester United arrived on May 2, which is the exact same day that Milan last won the Italian League title after Milan 1-0 Roma. The final in Athens on May 23 will be held on the same day that Milan have won the following: UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup in Rotterdam against Hamburg (2-0 in 1968), the UEFA play-off in Turin against Sampdoria (1-0 in 1987) and the European Cup in Vienna against Benfica (1-0 in 1990). | |
rome1977
04-05-2007, 07:15
10.17s is the record in Africa. While we talk about the soccerplayers.
Etoo , who is blazing fast and is the fastest in La Liga cannot get even close to 10.5s. He is below 11.0s, which is considered world class for a striker.
:grinser: hwmook and ukranian, you are correct my firends. I checked again and it is 10.62......NOT 10.2 secunds.
He's have to be puwered by the nasa rocket fuel to go that fast. :uhm:
He is very fast tho. I would not be half surprised if Benitez has been deliberatly saving and resting him, especially for the final. He is not called 'Speedy' for no reason.
Clarence1990
04-05-2007, 07:20
Hopefully we'll have Maldini back at the time of the final, it's important to have a leader in defense.
I am confident we will win the CL this year, if you look at where we were at the beginning of the season and where we are now there is no way we will give this out of hands.
rome1977
04-05-2007, 07:35
I worry about our defense. The englanders have very fast players like Bellamy and Gonzalez. Maldini is a wonderful servant. But I sometimes wonder if he is a year too old now.
zlatanov
04-05-2007, 07:37
We walked all over Manchester's midfield. But Liverpool have better midfield, by miles.
They have maybe best midfield in world - gerrard, alonso, sissoko, mascherano.
We will have no space. Biggest worry is if Benitez pulls a rabbit out of the bag (which he does do at times) and puts on a very speedy winger. Gonzalez is fastest runner at Anfield - 10.2 seconds for 100 meters. Wonder could we live with such speed?
Pool has a tough mix of midfielders but they also lack creativity in that midfield.
Also, of the players you mentioned, Rafa will only play at most 3 at the same time and that is if Gerrard is played as a right winger ... if played in Center mid, like he was for most of the game vs Chelski at Anfield, only 2 of those players (Gerrard and Mascherano most probably) will start the game.
As for this Gonzalez guy (I guess you are talking about the Chilean Mark Gonzalez) he has to first find space in the 1st team and then we can worry about him ... plus, from what I've seen from him in EPL, he is quite an average player, nothing special really, and I was wondering why was rafa insisiting on picking him over Zenden and even Penant.
Plus, CR is no slouch either when it comes to running fast and we took good care of him in both games ;).
Other than that, I would like to see Milan approach this game as any other and not speak or think of revenge as this can only distract us from real our goal - winning this game, not avenging one from the past.
Giovanni glad to see someone if not many more has caught on to Benitez's style. It is downright carbon copy of how Italian teams in Europe used to and still play.Maybe not Milan. Just a quick flashback if you watched Liverpool vs Barca at Anfield, there were stretches in the game for about 8-10 minutes when Liverpool had all their field players in their own half. There are plenty of examples, Barca game is the only one I could think of.
Liverpool look to kill the flow of the oppositon and strictly capitalise on mistakes. They do not put much emphasis on creativity and possession.
Benitez's Liverpool plays a reinvented catennacio in Europe and that is why everybody lauds him as some genius in the European game. And another thing, why haven't people (esp' the press) caught on to somewhat negative tactics? Granted he has had his fair share of success but I find it hard to validate the genius label on him. My concern for the final is Mascherano, he is probably Rafa's most astute buy since his tenure in Liverpool, and probably Liverpool's best player next to Gerard.
Javier is a destroyer and his presence on the field on May 23 could hamper our march to the title.
By the way Giovanni, I was watching a clip where Rino scored and the comentator was screaming in Italian, il vento de lione. My spelling is probably seriously off but I wanted to know what that means. I figure lione is lion.
Rino provides lockerroom material, but whatever he says is right on the money.
Gattuso delivers Liverpool taunt
AC Milan's Gattuso is vowing Champions League revenge on Liverpool
AC Milan midfielder Rino Gattuso has launched a stinging attack on Liverpool's "long ball" tactics ahead of the Champions League final.
Gattuso, 29, who played in the 2005 final defeat in Istanbul, dismissed Liverpool as an inferior side to semi-final opponents Manchester United.
He said: "I feel there is a noticeable difference in talent between Manchester United and Liverpool.
"Liverpool are like an Italian team of 10 years ago. Every ball a long ball."
He added: "All they try to do is defend with everybody behind the ball and one striker.
"United have far more technical players, who are quick and able to do things on the ball. Liverpool do not have those individuals."
And Gattuso set his sights on revenge for 2005, when Liverpool came from 3-0 down at half-time to win on penalties.
He said: "This final will be different - that I promise. It is important to put the record straight."
zlatanov
04-05-2007, 07:42
I worry about our defense. The englanders have very fast players like Bellamy and Gonzalez. Maldini is a wonderful servant. But I sometimes wonder if he is a year too old now.
ManU's players are not any worse and we had them under control for the entire 2nd game and the first 60 min of the first at OT ... they only showed what they are capable of when we took the foot off the pedal thinking that we had won that first game, a mistake we should learn from for the final.
belamy and Gonzalez are quite unlikely to start that game to begin with and even if they play part in it, i am sure Milan will not try to stop them by running alongside them but will close them down before they could use their speed.
yes, speedy players are always a reason for concern but it's not like this is the first time we'll be playing vs. such a team.
In a year when Milan was not even supposed to be in the competition because of the decisions of the judges about the Moggiopoli scandal...
In a year when Milan didn't get the expected reinforcements to face a competition starting at -8 points...
In a year when injuries hurt the team more than the individual players themselves...
In a year designed for Inter's glory...
In a year when Costacurta has announced his retirement... and Maldini's knee
threatens to force him to do the same...
In a year when one of the team's glories broke not just our line up, but our heart...
In a year when his replacement is not allowed to play in the UCL...
Here we go again... to take what's ours... to take revenge after that horrorific night in Istambul...
Sempre con te, solo con te...11 Leoni... Oggi piu' che mai... a Milano, a Europa, ovunque...Insieme, con il Diavolo in Corpo... RICONQUISTIAMOLA!!!!!!!
Great post SANt, after reading it, i got goose-bumps..
Milan have opted to wear their white away shirts in the Champions League Final against Liverpool later this month.
The Italian team were drawn by UEFA as the home side which gave them the right to wear their famous black and red shirts.
However, Milan have decided to go for their second strip and allow Liverpool to dress in their red jerseys – just like in Istanbul two years ago.
Milan did consider their white strip a lucky omen priot to their penalty shoot-out loss to the Premiership side in the 2005 finale.
Before then the San Siro giants had won four European Cups in white against Benfica in 1963 and 1990, versus Steaua Bucharest in 1989 and Juventus in 2003.
Message to all:
Destiny gave us the opportunity to get revenge against Liverpool only 2 years after what happenned in istanbul. Everyone remember that game we where much better than them but we lost. In a game of 120 minutes we played better for 110 minutes, yet cup went in England. Apart from luck, destiny, tactics from Benitez and Liverpool's hunger a huge motivator where the fans.
In istanbul Liverpool had around 70% of total spectators at Ataturk. English will go out in numbers again but we can't allow them to be that much again. THOSE WHO CAN PLEASE FLY TO ATHENS, THIS IS A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY FOR REVENGE AND TO TAKE THE CUP BACK TO WHERE IT BELONGS ie. VIA TURATI MILANO.
Personally the istanbul match changed my life as regards to passion for Milan I'm no longer present to see a game 3 hours before kick off I no longer watched 4 times the sports news. Besides istanbul there where other reasons like calciopoli the departure of ukraninan judas, my maturity(!!!!!) etc. When I saw that Liverpool passed for the final I felt the same excitement before a match that I used to feel 3 or 4 years ago. After seeing Liverpool in the final, I wanted so much the win vs Man U that i felt the same tension like I did before the semi final & final with our arch rivals inter & juve in 2003. The Liverpool factor motivated players and now we're there and we must be at Athens knowing that WE MUST WIN.
white or red jersey, i believe we will once again have a party on 23rd..
I don't believe in any supersticious things, FORZA MILAN!!!
(i wish I could be there in Istanbul,....)
Why oh why did we go with the white strip :mad:
Clarence1990
04-05-2007, 11:00
Lucky Omen?
I'd rather call it unlucky to wear the white jersey again.
Milan decide
The result of the UEFA draw gave Carlo Ancelotti's side the option of wearing the famous red-and-black stripes from which they take their Rossoneri nickname, but they have instead decided on the white away kit they sported in the 2005 final defeat by Liverpool.
Lucky shirts
Milan's preference for their white shirts stems from lifting five of their six European Champion Clubs' Cups in those colours. Their 'maglia fortunata' - lucky jerseys - were on show when they won finals against SL Benfica (1963 and 1990), FC Steaua Bucuresti (1989), FC Barcelona (1994) and Juventus (2003). However, the all-white outfit has not been entirely auspicious. The San Siro giants made the same selection for Istanbul and ended up losing on penalties to Liverpool; they also went down to AFC Ajax in similar fashion in the 1995 showpiece. Two years before, Olympique de Marseille had overcome a Milan team in red and black.
so it is not the shirts that matters, it's about how they play and how the supporters push the team up...
:5ok:
http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/news/kind=1/newsid=535523.html
www.acmilan.com
http://www.acmilan.com/index.aspx
All whites for Rossoneri against Liverpool
Rino provides lockerroom material, but whatever he says is right on the money.
Gattuso delivers Liverpool taunt
AC Milan's Gattuso is vowing Champions League revenge on Liverpool
AC Milan midfielder Rino Gattuso has launched a stinging attack on Liverpool's "long ball" tactics ahead of the Champions League final.
Gattuso, 29, who played in the 2005 final defeat in Istanbul, dismissed Liverpool as an inferior side to semi-final opponents Manchester United.
He said: "I feel there is a noticeable difference in talent between Manchester United and Liverpool.
"Liverpool are like an Italian team of 10 years ago. Every ball a long ball."
He added: "All they try to do is defend with everybody behind the ball and one striker.
"United have far more technical players, who are quick and able to do things on the ball. Liverpool do not have those individuals."
And Gattuso set his sights on revenge for 2005, when Liverpool came from 3-0 down at half-time to win on penalties.
He said: "This final will be different - that I promise. It is important to put the record straight."
I fear that he underestimates the opponent. That's exactly why we lost in 2005!
Remember, we where underestimated against MU!!! We can't give them the same gift again!!! :mad:
Hasan Rossonero
04-05-2007, 11:45
I fear that he underestimates the opponent. That's exactly why we lost in 2005!
Remember, we where underestimated against MU!!! We can't give them the same gift again!!! :mad:
There's more to it than that.
From worldsoccer.com:
Gattuso derides Liverpool style
May 4, 2007
Gennaro Gattuso Help us with a Sport and Betting Survey! Click here to take part now.
Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has begun the war of words ahead of the Champions League final by deriding Liverpool's "long ball" tactics.
Gattuso, 29, who played in the 2005 final defeat in Istanbul, suggested Liverpool were an inferior side to semi-final opponents Manchester United.
He said: "I feel there is a noticeable difference in talent between Manchester United and Liverpool.
"Liverpool do not have those individuals. What they have is a way of playing as a team.
"They are like an Italian team of 10 years ago.
"All they try to do is defend together, with everybody behind the ball and just one striker. Every ball is a long ball."
And Gattuso will be motivated by the memory of the 2005 final when Liverpool came from 3-0 behind to beat Milan on penalties.
He said: "This final will be different - that I promise. It is important to put the record straight."
Gattuso's comments will be noted by Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who describes the former Rangers player in his autobiography as "overrated," stating: "I wasn't worried about Gattuso before the game, during the game or after. To me, he's all mouth. He looks aggressive, but in fact he's as scary as a kitten."
Gerrard claims Gattuso was the "one Milan player who had a smirk on his face leaving the pitch at half-time", but the Italian denied that. "I didn't do that at all," he said. "It was wrong to say that."
"For me, it's not about Gattuso against Gerrard, despite what he has said about me," he continued.
"In my opinion Gerrard is the best player in England. He is a technical player, who plays very hard and with his heart. He is a legend for his club and the best player they have got.
"I have respect for him because I remember that final in Istanbul. We had won it but then he played a great game and changed everything, and I watched him against Chelsea on Tuesday and he was amazing. He has criticised me but I am happy because it gets me going."
Two seasons back I watched the game on telly - Ended in a heart break
Last season saw the game on telly - Was upset when Arsenal lost
This time - Aint no way im touching my telly, Sopcast it is..
Call me superstitious!
1qazzaq1
04-05-2007, 12:39
It was unthinkable and unbelieveable to see Milan go through to Athens, specially to face Liverpool. Milan was beat Munchen and Man Utd with some style. we all can be grateful for that. then some or even many of us really looking forward to see Milan beat Liverpool in Athens. But we mustn't get too confidence, because it can get back fire. confidance is good but we must keep our feet on the ground. keep revange feeling away, but put a winning spirit first..
Forza Milan
Well, we will wear all white... seems like our management is not superstitious...
or more superstitious than we had imagined...
1qazzaq1
04-05-2007, 12:44
it was true..Milan have to have desire to win first. if they only think for revange, it could be turn bad..i wish a very good luck for the lads..
Lets see how the bookies think the final will end :
"Neutral" Sportingbet gives Milan 1.66 (4/6) and Liverpool 2.10 (11/10) . In percentages it's around 56-44 in Milan's favour
AC Milan sponsor, Betandwin, gives Milan 1.60 and Liverpool 2.20 , which makes Milan 58/42 favourite.
English bookmaker WillHill also considers Milan to be the favourite but not so big as Bwin and Sportingbet think. They give 1.72 for Milan to win it and 2.00 for Liverpool. In percentages it's 53/47.
The most reliable bookmaker on the net, Asian bookie Pinnacle, offer 1.77 for Milan and 2.20 for Liverpool. Still Milan's the favourite, a 55/45 favourite.
This means nothing, of course, because most of the times bookmakers are wrong regarding the CL winner. Sometimes they get it right, like they did with Barcelona in 2006, Porto in 2004 and Real Madrid in 2002, but sometimes they were so wrong, like with Milan-Liverpool in 2005, Milan-Juve in 2003, Juve-Dortmund in 1997 etc.
I noticed a funny trend with the Italian teams in CL finals lately ( Milan and Juve) and it's : Whenever Milan or Juve were set as favourites they lost the final, when they were underdogs they won it.
Juve won as an underdog against Ajax in 1996 and lost as a favourite from Dortmund '97 , Real '98 and Milan '03.
Milan won as underdog against Barca and Juve while they lost when they were favourites against Marselle, Ajax and Liverpool.
If i didn't think Milan would win it, i'd have really placed my bets on Liverpool, just because of this strange tradition of setting the odds wrongly by the bookies ! :)
Londonred
04-05-2007, 12:53
its not very long back that we all witnessed sheva missing the final penalty kick and gerrard lifting the trophy, but now its the payback time at athens and no one can stop the forza from simply rampaging the reds.
that was a strange game 2 yrs back where the worlds best defence was penetrated 3 times in 11 minutes and i m pretty sure this wont happen this time.
wat bothers me is that milan played magical yesterday but with maldini coming back in side who is the one who should be sitting in the finals??
wat should be the final 11 at athens??
get red black ribbons for the cup as its coming to milan this season
Forza, Milan are a fine side who played beautifully against Man Utd. But one word of warning: Liverpool are not Man Utd. We don't arrive with their arrogance, we don't believe our own hype, we have European pedigree that they can only dream about. In Benitez we have a manager who pisses all over Ferguson at a European level, and in Steven Gerrard we have a player who is a force of nature.
Milan may win in Athens, and if you do – fair and square – you will be clapped off the pitch by most Liverpool fans. But never underestimate us.
ukrainian_CA
04-05-2007, 12:53
Well, we will wear all white... seems like our management is not superstitious...
or more superstitious than we had imagined...
The management have been surreptitiously superstitious.
je001s3173@blue
04-05-2007, 12:59
we at lpool have heard all this before somewhere? did any of u actually go to istanbul?are side last time was weak, we r much stronger now with the addition of masher and sissoko either of whom will pick up kaka. milan r two years older and wont be able to handle crouches height or bellamys pace+we will have 70% of the stadium again
We can't afford to win "because of shirts"
We need to win by the class at which we perform
That's why I support the white shirts
Athens here we come! :3band:
we at lpool have heard all this before somewhere? did any of u actually go to istanbul?are side last time was weak, we r much stronger now with the addition of masher and sissoko either of whom will pick up kaka. milan r two years older and wont be able to handle crouches height or bellamys pace+we will have 70% of the stadium again
I prefer the "wait and see" approach ;)
SweetAngel
04-05-2007, 13:13
:3band: :5schal: Milan Milan solo con te Milan Milan sempre per te :5schal: :3band: FORCA MILAN
we at lpool have heard all this before somewhere? did any of u actually go to istanbul?are side last time was weak, we r much stronger now with the addition of masher and sissoko either of whom will pick up kaka. milan r two years older and wont be able to handle crouches height or bellamys pace+we will have 70% of the stadium again
all I can say is we have heard at MilanMania saying the same thing at least twice this year, once fans from Bayern and once fans from Man Utd.
You know how they both turned out.
About Masher and Sissoko will pick up kaka`... :respect: for them lol.
So keep your cool and stop provoking. You just don't know what is going to come back and haunt you.
Olympique de Marseille had overcome a Milan team in red and black.
we all know why marseille won that evening.
we all know why marseille won that evening.
.........and :whie:why is that :grinser:
zlatanov
04-05-2007, 15:57
B. Tapi's soft spot for higher education and more precisely Chemistry, maybe? :D
iluvmajok
04-05-2007, 17:21
Hello Milan fans everywhere, a liverpool fan here, respect too you for the demolition of the evil empire you really did look good on wedensday.No disrespect intended but I feel a sense of job done from yourselves, and the trophy is yours bar the shouting. You are a wonderful side but I feel you are too optimistic, it is not gonna be that easy and destiny is not a guarantee just because of Istanbul.
curry chicken
04-05-2007, 17:34
I've heard many grievances about chosing the white kit again and personally, I wasn't happy about it at first either.
But then I did a bit of thinking (which is always good to do btw) and came to realize that though we lost our last CL cup in white, Milan opting to wear the white kit is an indication of our attitude towards the finals. It tells me that we are ready to avenge the honour of the lucky omen, to make the white kits special again. See? Plus, the white kits are kinda hot. :1d31: Seriously, whatever floats your boat Milan. I'd even approve of Seedorf in a Barney suit if that he wants to wear.
Someone here talked about how our heads will be in a red-mist. How we'll be so pumped about revenge that we won't THINK straight. Let me say one thing here, what the fans say on these boards is not the same as what the players do on the pitch. You know the pitch? Where things REALLY matter. Don't Liverpool fans come on here and read the rossoneri fans comments and think for a second that the TEAM is going to be so stupid as to let this title slip by again. Yes, Milan does have revenge in mind, Istanbul is a huge incentive for us...but that's just what it is, INCENTIVE. A fire under our boots that we may not have had, if we DIDN'T lose in 2005. Revenge is a blessed fuel, but we didn't make it this far solely on revenge. Kaka didn't score those brilliant goals out of revenge, we didn't shut-down United in the first half on Wednesday because we were fueled by revenge, Rino didn't take the ball off of Cristiano out of revenge...it was our skill, our patience and our team play. The fans might underestimate Liverpool, but I know the team wont. We have been the architects of our own demise too many times to count this year (sitting back, too-casual football, etc), but we've also learned a hell of a lot this season. While vendetta is all nice and epic sounding...it's our experience and FOOTBALL that's going to win it.
No football, no coppa. Capiche?
OCmilano
04-05-2007, 18:11
Walkkkkkkkkkkkk Offfffffffffffffffff Walkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk Offfffffffffffffff The Cliffffffffffffffffffff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cuz Youllllllllllllllllllll Neverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Walkkkk Agaaaaaaaaaaainnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Milan!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reina aint going to handle kaka or the rest of milan,
this aint 2005,
We beat the best team on the planet, and our defence handled rooney, and Mr diver.
Liverpool dont have the players what Man utd have.
if we handle Gerrard and Durk. Bean pole.
we will crush liverpool like a bug :ende:
Manchester United are the best team on the planet, Liverpool are much stronger in Europe, their past and present history shows it.
I guess I'm a little more down to earth then. I'm not going to be a homer and pick my favorite team, if it's a stupid poll on the internet, I say Milan. But talking with my friends, or on forums, I'm going to state my real opinion. Doesnt mean I was hoping to be right.
Exactly, I respect fans who are not blinded by their teams colours.
Pireloke
04-05-2007, 18:55
We should wear our full black third kit, our eyes should be black filled with hatred and revenge for the injustice that was done to us in Istanbul. The nightmares come alive, see Gerrard cry on his knees. Picture that and you have 1% of my bitterness when I hear the name "Liverpool". Wipe them off the field, avenge my nightmares, wash away my pain. Rip them and their kop to pieces. Ad vite eternam amen.
curry chicken
04-05-2007, 19:04
We should wear our full black third kit, our eyes should be black filled with hatred and revenge for the injustice that was done to us in Istanbul. The nightmares come alive, see Gerrard cry on his knees. Picture that and you have 1% of my bitterness when I hear the name "Liverpool". Wipe them off the field, avenge my nightmares, wash away my pain. Rip them and their kop to pieces. Ad vite eternam amen.
Oh Pireloke, some very strong words there. There, there. :hug:
I love our full-black third kit. Shame we don't wear it often, as it's HOT. :D
rome1977
04-05-2007, 19:26
Pool has a tough mix of midfielders but they also lack creativity in that midfield.
Also, of the players you mentioned, Rafa will only play at most 3 at the same time and that is if Gerrard is played as a right winger ... if played in Center mid, like he was for most of the game vs Chelski at Anfield, only 2 of those players (Gerrard and Mascherano most probably) will start the game.
As for this Gonzalez guy (I guess you are talking about the Chilean Mark Gonzalez) he has to first find space in the 1st team and then we can worry about him ... plus, from what I've seen from him in EPL, he is quite an average player, nothing special really, and I was wondering why was rafa insisiting on picking him over Zenden and even Penant.
Plus, CR is no slouch either when it comes to running fast and we took good care of him in both games ;).
I would like to see Milan approach this game as any other and not speak or think of revenge as this can only distract us from real our goal - winning this game, not avenging one from the past.
you are right my friend. It is important not to get caught up in the emotion of revenge. It clouds the judgment at the critical times.
I worry that Benitez plays a very Italian style. He will not give away the same space that Manchester did. Ferguson was unbelievably naive to afford so much space. It was footballing suicide.
Benitez is much much smarter. And he will have learned also from the 2005 final. He brought Hamann on at the start of the second half - and stiffled all the space that we had enjoyed in the first 45 minutes.
I fear that he will deploy the excellent argenentinman, Mascherano.....and snuff out Kaka.
rome1977
04-05-2007, 19:28
We should wear our full black third kit, our eyes should be black filled with hatred and revenge for the injustice that was done to us in Istanbul. The nightmares come alive, see Gerrard cry on his knees. Picture that and you have 1% of my bitterness when I hear the name "Liverpool". Wipe them off the field, avenge my nightmares, wash away my pain. Rip them and their kop to pieces. Ad vite eternam amen.
the full black kit would clash with Liverpool's red on tv's.
And we'd also appear to be playing with a 12th man on the pitch.
Anfielded183
04-05-2007, 20:12
I seem to notice that in general Milan seem to tire out after 70 minutes, is this true or something of my imagination!. I really think Milan do though.
Look at what gattuso said, he is clearly thinking of revenge and therefore I'd assume he is the mouth piece of the team and therefore they all feel the same way. The more wound up you lot get the better for us.
I am disappointed but not suprised to see so many Milan fans have a hatred towards us, because of istanbul but I hope that most of us Milan and pool supporters can have a friendly banter between us and discuss the game in the right way.
I do feel some disrespect to our club, but thats your right to think whatever you want, but remember who we are, we are not some fancy dan club like chelsea!. Apart from yourselves and Real we are the most successful side in european cup history - so keep that in mind when making some more disparaging remarks about us!.
I respect Liverpool more than any other team in England. They have the best fans and they are one of the very few to have the European 'DNA,' along with Milan and maybe some others. The only 'hatred' is probably because of Istanbul... worst day of my life. No need to say more, as I'm getting the flashbacks again :(
zZ[-_-]Zz
04-05-2007, 20:23
zZ[-_-]Zz...
I've heard many grievances about chosing the white kit again and personally, I wasn't happy about it at first either.
But then I did a bit of thinking (which is always good to do btw) and came to realize that though we lost our last CL cup in white, Milan opting to wear the white kit is an indication of our attitude towards the finals. It tells me that we are ready to avenge the honour of the lucky omen, to make the white kits special again. See? . Plus, the white kits are kinda hot. :1d31: Seriously, whatever floats your boat Milan. I'd even approve of Seedorf in a Barney suit if that he wants to wear.
Someone here talked about how our heads will be in a red-mist. How we'll be so pumped about revenge that we won't THINK straight. Let me say one thing here, what the fans say on these boards is not the same as what the players do on the pitch. You know the pitch? Where things REALLY matter. Don't Liverpool fans come on here and read the rossoneri fans comments and think for a second that the TEAM is going to be so stupid as to let this title slip by again. Yes, Milan does have revenge in mind, Istanbul is a huge incentive for us...but that's just what it is, INCENTIVE. A fire under our boots that we may not have had, if we DIDN'T lose in 2005. Revenge is a blessed fuel, but we didn't make it this far solely on revenge. Kaka didn't score those brilliant goals out of revenge, we didn't shut-down United in the first half on Wednesday because we were fueled by revenge, Rino didn't take the ball off of Cristiano out of revenge...it was our skill, our patience and our team play. The fans might underestimate Liverpool, but I know the team wont. We have been the architects of our own demise too many times to count this year (sitting back, too-casual football, etc), but we've also learned a hell of a lot this season. While vendetta is all nice and epic sounding...it's our experience and FOOTBALL that's going to win it.
No football, no coppa. Capiche?
thanks so much! I was very grumpy when I heard that we picked white again, then I read your comments and I was glad that I read them. We are Milan. We win. We get revenge but we don't seek revenge. Thanks, cc. :5ok:
I think the more emotional amongst us keep thinking that the motivating factor in the Milan camp is "revenge". Seriously though - Milan weren't victims of any injustice that night. We went to sleep for 6 mins, and Liverpool took advantage. Case closed. We were so shell-shocked, we couldn't claw ourselves back and the game was lost at 3-3. There was no way Milan's nerves were calm enough to win a penalty shoot out at that point. Liverpool deservedly won and good for them. I was bitter - but not at Liverpool, but at our own team's demise.
As for the comparison's between Man U and Liverpool - yah Man U are strong but Liverpool can not be underestimated and doing so would be the death of Milan.
This reminds of the Euro 92. The Netherlands were so thrilled at beating hated rivals Germany 3-1, that they felt so supremely confident about lifting the cup. What happened next was that they played Denmark and were beaten.
Milan cannot afford to treat the next game as a formality. Liverpool have just as strong a tradition in Europe as Milan. Sure they aren't Man U - but they are passionate about the very same things we are. And they are gritty enough to be able to give Milan a real game. They don't have ballerinas like Ronaldo. They have grinders..
I seem to notice that in general Milan seem to tire out after 70 minutes, is this true or something of my imagination!. I really think Milan do though.
Look at what gattuso said, he is clearly thinking of revenge and therefore I'd assume he is the mouth piece of the team and therefore they all feel the same way. The more wound up you lot get the better for us.
I am disappointed but not suprised to see so many Milan fans have a hatred towards us, because of istanbul but I hope that most of us Milan and pool supporters can have a friendly banter between us and discuss the game in the right way.
1) Yes. Milan tends to get tired after 70 minutes or so. But two things you can consider here: 1) can you defend the lead that you have? 2) don't other teams also tired out? 3) Won't the other team be tired out EVEN MORE if Milan controlled the ball for the whole game?
2) Your assumption is not quite valid, however. Usually Milan players don't talk too much in the media because, umm... they don't know English? :)
3) I don't think Milan fans have a hatred toward Liverpool, but like Kaka` said, "We need to get back something that belonged to us two years ago".
I think the more emotional amongst us keep thinking that the motivating factor in the Milan camp is "revenge". Seriously though - Milan weren't victims of any injustice that night. We went to sleep for 6 mins, and Liverpool took advantage. Case closed. We were so shell-shocked, we couldn't claw ourselves back and the game was lost at 3-3. There was no way Milan's nerves were calm enough to win a penalty shoot out at that point. Liverpool deservedly won and good for them. I was bitter - but not at Liverpool, but at our own team's demise.
Actually when I thought about that Sheva got a closed header and then a rebound and somehow we didn't score both, I can only say that it's unlucky. Of course, luck is not justice, and is part of football.
Just like the game on Wednesday, it could have gone either way even when Milan was 2-0 up (just imagine Man U scored 1 goal back and what would happened to Milan's defense :D)
1) Yes. Milan tends to get tired after 70 minutes or so. But two things you can consider here: 1) can you defend the lead that you have? 2) don't other teams also tired out? 3) Won't the other team be tired out EVEN MORE if Milan controlled the ball for the whole game?
2) Your assumption is not quite valid, however. Usually Milan players don't talk too much in the media because, umm... they don't know English? :)
there are media organizations outside the English speaking world ya know :zany:
Hasan Rossonero
04-05-2007, 23:00
I think there is absolutely no risk that the players will underestimate this game.
Going with the white is a good idea because if we went with red and black, it would seem as if the Istanbul debacle was still weighing on our minds.
Hasan Rossonero
04-05-2007, 23:04
I seem to notice that in general Milan seem to tire out after 70 minutes, is this true or something of my imagination!. I really think Milan do though.
Look at what gattuso said, he is clearly thinking of revenge and therefore I'd assume he is the mouth piece of the team and therefore they all feel the same way. The more wound up you lot get the better for us.
I am disappointed but not suprised to see so many Milan fans have a hatred towards us, because of istanbul but I hope that most of us Milan and pool supporters can have a friendly banter between us and discuss the game in the right way.
I do feel some disrespect to our club, but thats your right to think whatever you want, but remember who we are, we are not some fancy dan club like chelsea!. Apart from yourselves and Real we are the most successful side in european cup history - so keep that in mind when making some more disparaging remarks about us!.
Actually Gerrard has given us the moral high ground with some really demeaning comments towards Gattuso. I am really glad he did that.
We haven't disrespected you, and I know why you would want to play that card.
What Gattuso said was spot on; what Gerrard said was simply tactless.
Going with the white is a good idea because if we went with red and black, it would seem as if the Istanbul debacle was still weighing on our minds.
:5ok: :5ok: :5ok: :5ok: :5ok:
P.S : Kui :bri:
Perfect example of how a man can see the future because he has knowledge of the present situation combined with huge knowledge of history !
(and little luck :) )
LOL! Thanks Tony! I do feel again vindicated at being right about this team and where it will take us. When so many had nothing nice to say about this teams performance (from September til just 2 weeks ago), it was I who said they will be the CL Champs. Though we still have that game to play and YES there are no gurantees, so many didnt even have the thought that we'd go this far. In reality I must recuse myself in that it was not a vindication for me, but a vindication for this team.
Win or Lose this championship Final, this team has surpassed through the entire season the expectations of many. I only fear is that if they do not win, these people who didnt think we'd ever get so far in the first place, will be sure to to again be first in slamming this team with no remorse. I and this team cant let that happen.
rome1977
05-05-2007, 06:37
Going with the white is a good idea because if we went with red and black, it would seem as if the Istanbul debacle was still weighing on our minds.
I totally agree. To back down and not wear all-white would be a sign of weakness, and that we were scared of the englanders.
Today, I read on a local sport newspaper wholinked to La Gazetta Dello Sport.
Pierfrancesco Archetti had interviewed Franz Beckenbauer, the President of Bayern Munchem whom being defeated by Milan in Munchen.
He was so quiet and shocked to watch Munchen loose to Milan and interviewed by Archetti right after the defeat :
"We're just defeated by the strongest team in the CL competition this season. Milan shall outperformed Manchester in the Semis and go through to the Final and win the CL eventually"
When he was again interviewed after Milan had crushed MU, he again expressed his confience that Milan will win the CL like this :
" You see what happend with Manchester?
Because Milan is so amazing. Perfect in the first half, superior after that and always be like that. They're too strong for the Britts"
Being asked whether Milan is also stronger than Liverpool, he then said :
The coming Final will be strange, just remember Istanbul. However, now Milan is the favourite. The way they play is so different sompared to The Reds." I was at Anfield last Tuesday. A battle where there was even not a centimeter of space. Liverpool never let Chelsea made more than 2 passes. Never I see a team who runs like this, in May, and for 120 minutes. But, they will not be successful to repeat that kind of playing intensity in the Final. Milan has their way to scare their opponent."
Question : " Like what ?"
The individual technic aand the passion of the group. Kaka is fenomenal, very easy to say this now. But, he's not alone, there is also Seedorf who is so perfect. And, Pirlo..who have a midfielder like him, so complete in playing and position ability. Also Gattuso who is everywhere on the pitch. You know why Cristiano Ronaldo was sunk?" They made him so scared, "being "intimidated" so that he never get the chance to show his ability"
The above is part of the interview with Der Kaizer who is so sure that Milan will again beat an English team, this time is Liverpool in the Final in Athens.
If an expert like Beckenbauer has the confidence, why shouldn't we as true Milanisti??
I for 200% am so sure and confient that this time Milan will win and Maldini shall again lift the CL Trophy with pride!!
So sorry to know that Moratti, Viera and Mancini were so "jealous" with Milan's achievement as they shall never be in a CL Final for lifetime...the Merda is and will always sucks.....they can only dream to play in a CL Final...
MILAN WILL WIN THE CL FOR THE 7TH TIME, THAT IS ALREADY WRITTEN ON THE STONE !!
:1ole: :1ole: :3band: :3band: :3band: :1ole: :1ole:
MILAN WILL WIN THE CL FOR THE 7TH TIME, THAT IS ALREADY WRITTEN ON THE STONE !!
You should prepare the team talk before the Athens game
ACMILAN1983
05-05-2007, 10:06
I seem to notice that in general Milan seem to tire out after 70 minutes, is this true or something of my imagination!. I really think Milan do though.
Look at what gattuso said, he is clearly thinking of revenge and therefore I'd assume he is the mouth piece of the team and therefore they all feel the same way. The more wound up you lot get the better for us.
I am disappointed but not suprised to see so many Milan fans have a hatred towards us, because of istanbul but I hope that most of us Milan and pool supporters can have a friendly banter between us and discuss the game in the right way.
I do feel some disrespect to our club, but thats your right to think whatever you want, but remember who we are, we are not some fancy dan club like chelsea!. Apart from yourselves and Real we are the most successful side in european cup history - so keep that in mind when making some more disparaging remarks about us!.
To answer the questions quickly. We do generally tire out towards the end of the game if we don't pace ourselves well. We paced the game against United perfectly in the 2nd leg and I feel the side have improved on this aspect of the game in recent weeks.
I feel Rino's comments were more to do with what's been said about him by Gerrard in the past. Added to that, the fact it's Liverpool again after 2 years brings back the memories of Istanbul. The media hype about the revenge stuff will remain, but I'm sure as the time comes closer, revenge won't be on the mind anymore. It was similar to Italy vs France last year.
I doubt you'll see too many unreasonable Milan fans who won't enjoy some good discussions. There's a bitter taste from 2 years ago, but we always respect our opponents.
About the disrespect towards Liverpool. I haven't really seen any here so far, though there's a feeling of confidence ahead of the match. There's a bitterness coming back but that should die down soon enough (like I said above, the emotions rush back).
There is no other thread where i can put this : Bayern Munich is officially out of next year Champions league. They lost even the theoretical chances today, after the 1:1 draw at Monchengladbach.
Poor Bayern. Milan players have hidden the ball from them, and they never found it after that !
Blacktop
05-05-2007, 12:32
Sure, it goes without saying that it'll be a downer if we don't win the CL.
But the way we scratched and clawed our way to Athens, considering our situation nine months (!) ago when we weren't sure we'd be in the CL at all, is worthy of a trophy in itself.
I'd never felt prouder of our team than after the 3-0 whomping of ManU. I mean, we weren't supposed to have come this far in the first place.
Hasan Rossonero
05-05-2007, 12:40
Guys, this is from my column, which appears here: www.livesoccertv.com/blog. This article is not up yet, and I thought I would share it with my fellow Rossoneri (and Tony :D)
Enjoy!
------------------------------------
Athens, here come the Rossoneri
Milan's clinical defeat of United was a sight to behold, says Hasan Saiyid
So, here we are again: Milan and Liverpool striving for the Champions League in a foreign city, which is now Athens not Istanbul. A few days ago I had suggested that Milan would spoil hopes of an all-English Final and show the requisite skill to get past Manchester United in the semi-final.
It appears I was slightly conservative in my forecast. Milan not only defeated United, they skinned them. The 3-0 demolition of United at the San Siro was a triumph of technique and toughness. The technique was provided by the usual suspects in Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, and Clarence Seedorf. The accompanying toughness was provided by Gennaro Gattuso in another snarling display of midfield devastation. Massimo Ambrosini chipped in also with clean and crunching tackles, but Gattuso's application was a sight that rivaled the pyrotechnics of Kaka and company.
It all looked slightly different on April 24, as United won the first leg 3-2 at Old Trafford, with Wayne Rooney scoring the winner in injury time. Certainly 3-2 was a more complicated result for Milan than 2-2, but Seedorf opined that it "was better than a 2-2 because Milan would not make calculations and go out to win the return."
Boy, was he right. Milan started with a barnstorming approach in the return leg, and United looked paralyzed in the face of the onslaught. Notwithstanding the pouring rain, the Rossoneri kept their balance and passed circles around a hapless United side. Almost within a minute, they had a chance when Kaka broke free, with that ominous gazelle-like sprint of his, and delivered a low cross that no one could latch onto. That set the tone, and in the 11th minute Milan broke the deadlock when Seedorf delicately headed down a pass for Kaka to thump in from the edge of the area.
The rest, as they say, is history. Wes Brown provided the moment of comedy for the night as his clearance-cum-three stooges act landed to Pirlo, whose cross found its way to Seedorf, and the Dutchman duly obliged by skipping past a sliding tackle to volley home. It was a goal symptomatic of United's general malaise and Milan's sanguine spirit on the night.
Alberto Gilardino finished off United late in the second half when he latched onto an Ambrosini pass and lifted the ball over Edwin van der Saar. At 3-0, United coach Sir Alex Ferguson simmered in contemplation on the sidelines. His thoughts were probably not so much with the proceedings at hand as they were with the possible effects such a heavy defeat could have on his team.
Gracious as ever in defeat, Ferguson gave due praise to the Rossoneri, but did manage to criticize the Premiership fixture list and to rue a makeshift defence that was torn apart at will by Milan. Even allowing for those undeniable mitigating factors, Milan undoubtedly outclassed United. The difference in skill and technique was considerable and the Cristiano Ronaldo-Kaka duel, so touted by broadsheets everywhere, was somewhat of an anti-climax, as Kaka totally eclipsed the Portuguese international. Ronaldo is doubtless a wonderful player, but Kaka is in a league of his own.
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was in buoyant mood and hailed his side's "perfect performance", and it didn't feel like hyperbole either. Milan were imperious and now lock horns with Liverpool.
Many have started to bill this game as a revenge match for that infamous night in Istanbul. Though the more experienced heads in the Milan dressing room have tried to promote the game as more a Final than a grudge match, it is hard to deny that Milan are relishing the opportunity to lay the ghosts of Istanbul to rest.
Indeed, the English media was quick to pounce on Gattuso's opinion of Liverpool as a "long-ball team" who were not as skilled as United. However, while Gattuso's comments were probably blown out of proportion, Steven Gerrard's remained starkly clear. In his autobiography the Liverpool man claimed that Gattuso is not all what he is cracked up to be. He said that Gattuso is "as scary as a kitten" and that the Italian wore a smirk at half-time of the Champions League Final in Istanbul. Gattuso vehemently denied that assessment and sensibly said this Final is more about "Milan vs. Liverpool" than "Gerrard vs. Gattuso".
But Gerrard has given Milan even more incentive now to win in Athens. This game has remarkable similarities to the Italy-France Final of this past World Cup. Then, too, everyone was billing the game as a revenge match due to Italy's heart-breaking Euro2000 Final loss to France. And just as it was then, the match-fixing scandal is still in the air. Remember that Milan were originally disqualified for competing in this year's Champions League due to Calciopoli; however, after appeal they were reinstated only for UEFA to deliver a moralizing verbal lashing before letting them in.
So the match is set up perfectly for a rip-roaring evening in Athens. It only remains to be seen whether Milan will, as Gattuso recently said, "set the record straight."
rome1977
05-05-2007, 13:27
Today, I read on a local sport newspaper wholinked to La Gazetta Dello Sport.
Pierfrancesco Archetti had interviewed Franz Becknbauer.
He was so quiet and shocked to watch Munchen loose to Milan and interviewed by Archetti right after the defeat :
"We're just defeated by the strongest team in the CL competition this season. Milan shall outperformed Manchester in the Semis and go through to the Final and win the CL eventually"
"The coming Final will be strange, just remember Istanbul. However, now Milan is the favourite.
Becknbauer behind us is very bad omen. He also said Milan were overwhelming favourites for 2005 final.
My Polish cousin is plumber in north england, and he says NEVER ever bet against Liverpool.
Pireloke
05-05-2007, 13:41
Becknbauer behind us is very bad omen. He also said Milan were overwhelming favourites for 2005 final.
My Polish cousin is plumber in north england, a