Monthly Archive: January 2025

Flashscore’s Exclusive Interview With Sulley Muntari

In Italy, the dreams of young football talents often revolve around wearing the iconic jerseys of Inter Milan or AC Milan. Few players have had the rare privilege of representing both of these storied clubs, with only 37 individuals achieving this feat. Among them is Sulley Muntari (40), a name synonymous with tenacity and skill on the pitch.

Muntari, renowned for his powerful left foot, enjoyed a trophy-laden tenure at Inter Milan, where he was part of the legendary squad that clinched a historic treble. Before his time in Milan, he contributed to Portsmouth’s unforgettable FA Cup victory in 2008.

In an exclusive interview with Flashscore, Muntari reflected on his journey, sharing insights about the Portsmouth team that made history, his experiences working under the astute Harry Redknapp, and how Jose Mourinho played a pivotal role in convincing him to join Inter. He also weighed in on the controversial debate surrounding whether Wesley Sneijder deserved the 2010 Ballon d’Or.

Read the rest at https://www.flashscore.com/news/exclusive-muntari-on-portsmouth-glory-working-with-mourinho-ibrahimovic-s-impact/G4trmPI8/ including Muntari’s thoughts on Ibra as a team mate.

Week 22: Milan – Parma

Milan – Parma Serie A matchday 22 January 26 2025 12:30CET

A rare early afternoon game versus Parma feels like another chance for Conceicao and Milan to start a push for a top 4 (or as it is unfolding a top 5) spot and Champions League place. Having fallen to Juventus but beaten Girona the team needs consistency, effort and reinforcements too. Injuries have now eased though Emerson Royal got himself injured moments into the game versus Girona and perhaps days before being shipped out of Milan. The Brazilian right back has been labeled a flop and was to be cut loose six months after arriving. He may now become part of another summer of change.

Calabria, seemingly destined to leave on a free in the summer, looks to be the starter but recently signed Kyle Walker – complete with his chosen #32 jersey – stands to become a starter. The Englishman arrives from Manchester City with an option to buy in what is a familiar looking Milan signing. Thiaw is still out therefore Gabbia should partner Tomori at the back. Pavlovic had a somewhat praiseworthy game versus Girona but is unlikely to become a starter, he may not even remain at Milan much longer. Theo needs to rediscover his speed and with the speedy Walker on the other flank they could provide Milan with a dual threat. Bennacer and Musah are the expected pivots but Fofana may start instead of the latter. The Frenchman may not be risked because he is one yellow away from missing the Milan derby next weekend. Reijnders, Pulisic and Leao should get the start behind Morata. The rumour mill regarding a starting center forward role has focused on Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez. The 23 years old Mexican is the subject of a formal Milan bid but the Dutch team may not want to sell this January and will likely receive higher bids than any Milan offer any way. As history suggests one can never be confident about any player linked to Milan actually becoming a rossoneri.

Parma’s indifferent form and long injury list has them flirting with the relegations spots. Milan fans know what that could mean. Conceicao will not want to see more points dropped.

Follow this match and more, including the transfer window, on the forums.

Kyle Walker joins on loan

Player Summary
Name:
Kyle Walker
Date of Birth:
May 28, 1990
Age:
34
Height:
1.83 m
Citizenship:
England
Position:
Fullback
Foot:
Right
Agency:
None
Ownership:
AC Milan
Contract Expires:
Jun 30, 2025
Current Club:
AC Milan
Joined:
Jan 24, 2025

Kyle Walker joins from Manchester City on loan. There is an option to buy the speedy fullback this coming summer for €5 million. The 34 years old has 93 English caps and has played 319 times for City since joining them from Tottenham in 2017.

Emerson Royal’s recent long term injury, the player is said to be out for two months, and Calabria’s uncertain future at Milan made this transfer a more urgent need.

Week 21: Juventus – Milan

Juventus – Milan Serie A matchday 21 January 18 2025 18:00CET

The inability to come away with the full three points versus a lowly team like Cagliari looked familiar to fans and the midweek come back win at Como looked like the team could do more. Conceicao has voiced dissatisfaction but no matter it all the team has to do with two big absences for this important match against Juventus. Thiaw and Pulisic came out of the midweek match injured and while neither are long term absences they will be missed. Gabbia should replace the former and Reijnders move further up to play in place of the latter.

With a Champions League place the only realistic looking objective the team heads into the second half hoping for better finishing up front and help on the transfer market. Various rumours point to Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford as possible additions. Neither will come with a cheap salary and Milan’s apparent unwillingness to spend big means one or both of high transfer fees or salaries are off the table. This of course limits the options and almost certainly means the team will be outspent by most. When the transfer window closes in just over two weeks Milan might be no closer to their stated ambition.

Theo and Emerson Royal will the full backs with Bennacer and Fofana the pivots in what is likely to remain a 4-2-3-1 line up. Musah, Reijdners and Leao are the starters behind Abraham. Morata’s form has a lot to be desired but he is suspended for this one and so Abraham will get the start regardless of his frustrating form when chances arrive.

Tomori is again linked with a Juventus move and whether or not the rumour is accurate it is almost certain the Old Lady will be more active as far as spending – and selling – goes this January. Juventus remain the only unbeaten team in the Serie A this season but with 13 ties in the first 20 games.

Follow this match and more, including the transfer window, on the forums.

Week 20: Milan – Cagliari, On Conceicao And The Second Half

Milan – Cagliari Serie A matchday 20 January 11 2025 20:45CET

Sergio Conceicao was hired after Fonseca was sacked in less than professional manner, such that Ibra had to apologize for the manner of his dismissal with news leaking before the now former coach knew. Character and reputation wise the two coaches are different and it has showed already. Conceicao was the tough, hard to play against player and his coaching – on pitch (and training) – demands are harder than most modern coaches. New strict training, locker room rules have already been handed down. The coach opened his Milan account steering Milan to a SuperCoppa win in Saudi Arabia and this quick trophy has enhanced his ability to put in the rules and, hopefully, move the team forward.

The team is way behind Napoli for the top spot in the Serie A and even a Champions League spot is a hard reach. A busy January continues with Serie A and champions League games. As Milan history shows eighteenth placed Cagliari won’t be an easy three points. It is hoped that Leao and Theo will be revitalized for this second half of season. The coach mostly known for a 4-4-2 formation has claimed that formations don’t matter much and he may continue with a 4-2-3-1 for now. January market action, with a center forward like Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, expected may change the coach’s thinking. Okafor is on the verge of an exit on loan to Leipzig, freeing such spot.

Maignan was handed the captaincy for a game in Saudi Arabia and the goalkeeper will of course be the starting goalie when healthy. Calabria or Emerson Royal will likely alternate in right back. Thiaw and Tomori look to be the preferred center back pairing. Gabbia being the odd man out would be surprising if his recent form is anything to go by. Theo will be the left back and as mentioned his desire and form will go a long way to dictate the second half of the season.

While the team might retain something like a 4-2-3-1 changes are predicted for this game at least. Musah and Fofana would be the pivots and the front four will feature a more advanced Reijnders with Pulisic and Leao behind Morata. Loftus-Cheek and Chukwueze’s returns from injury later in the month might mean that the front four change is only temporary.

Follow this match and more, including the transfer window, on the forums.