Summer mercato 2015

[Jay Crisp]

Carlo said he'll stay at Real or take a year out.Perez is rethinking his sacking as the players and fans want him to stay.I truely believe all this Carlo talk...big investment talk Ibra Falcao talk "supposed" Dybala bid is just P.R once the elections are over win or lose for Berlu's party , we'll be FINE AS WE ARE .ONE MUST LEAVE FOR ONE TO ARRIVE.Free Cheap Loans and Golden Oldys.

[ACMILAN1983]

That's the fear Jay. Even if they have money to spend, to me buying back Ibra isn't the correct way to rebuild. His age aside, the club should be focused on bringing in players that they build a team game around, not relying on individualist star names, which has dogged the club for years now (going as far back as Ronaldinho).

I mentioned before that imo the club should buy a forward, midfielder and defender. For me if you want to bring back a big name from the past, then it's Thiago Silva, whose pace (meaning you can play a high line) and ability to organise and lead a backline are precisely what the club needs. His ability to start moves and play the ball out from the back is of massive importance.

I think Roberto Firmino of Hoffenheim would be my ideal choice for attack. Firstly, I'm aware he's not a normal striker and has played a little deeper in AM this year especially. However, I think technically he's superb and has all the qualities to lead the line, while I think he is potentially a great partner for the likes of Honda and SES. I actually think he reminds me a lot of Luis Suarez and could go on to have a great career. He's also ready for a big move at 23, after 5 or so fantastic years at Hoffenheim.

I'm not sure who I'd want for midfield though, I think that's probably the toughest position to find an ideal candidate.

[ZvonimirBoban]

That's the fear Jay. Even if they have money to spend, to me buying back Ibra isn't the correct way to rebuild. His age aside, the club should be focused on bringing in players that they build a team game around, not relying on individualist star names, which has dogged the club for years now (going as far back as Ronaldinho).

This only shows how clueless our management are. They have no idea how to run a football club, let alone a big club.

[ACMILAN1983]

Yeah it's a problem. Under Silvio Milan's always had massive names, but they were always part of the collective game, even guys like Van Basten and Sheva. That's been lost, from Dinho, Ibra, Balo and Menez.

[xudong]

Yeah it's a problem. Under Silvio Milan's always had massive names, but they were always part of the collective game, even guys like Van Basten and Sheva. That's been lost, from Dinho, Ibra, Balo and Menez.

Berlusconi has not changed, it was the coach that made a difference. They were either diplomatic enough (not being perceived as defying Berlusconi - Ancelotti), or stubborn but just won trophies (so that Berlusconi would let them have their way for as long as they were successful - Capello).

[ZvonimirBoban]

Yeah it's a problem. Under Silvio Milan's always had massive names, but they were always part of the collective game, even guys like Van Basten and Sheva. That's been lost, from Dinho, Ibra, Balo and Menez.

Berlusconi has not changed, it was the coach that made a difference. They were either diplomatic enough (not being perceived as defying Berlusconi - Ancelotti), or stubborn but just won trophies (so that Berlusconi would let them have their way for as long as they were successful - Capello).

Is it just me, or Berlusconi actually changed?

Back then he was less involved in team selection etc., and much richer...?

[reza]

If anybody is up to writing a decent sized season review for the front page of the site PM me, I am willing to paypal a few dollars too, if it helps.

[Jay Crisp]

If anybody is up to writing a decent sized season review for the front page of the site PM me, I am willing to paypal a few dollars too, if it helps.

Just write crap in huge font

[ACMILAN1983]

You might have a little difficulty finding volunteers reza, I'm sure most would just like to forget this season

Last night was pretty rough as I suffered what felt like a bout of insomnia. As a result, I ended up thinking about how I'd like to see the squad rebuilt for next season, following on from the post I made yesterday.

Goalkeepers

Abbiati (37), Diego Lopez (33), Agazzi (30)

Defenders

De Sciglio (22), Rami (29), Paletta (29), Bonera (33), Abate (28), Antonelli (28), Thiago Silva (30), Felicioli (17)/Calabria (18), Defender

Midfielders

Bonventura (25), Suso (21), Montolivo (30), Poli (25), Jose Mauri (19), Allan (24)/Kondogbia (22), Modic (19)/Fossati (22)

Attackers

El Shaarawy (22), Mastour (16), Honda (28), Firmino (23), Di Molfetta (18), Striker

A quick rundown, basically the keepers are the same. I think in defence, Rami if used correctly is a useful asset and would be good alongside a good leader, hence Thiago Silva. De Sciglio I've said many times I think might be better suited as a CB (bear in mind that's the position he grew up playing) and so I'd like to see a coach who is proven with young players give him a shot at developing there. For fullbacks, I think one of Calabria (who has been excellent for Primavera for a year or two now) or Felicioli should be promoted as a backup to Abate/Antonelli. I'm edging towards Calabria who is a year older, while Felicioli can continue in Primavera for another year. Bear in mind it's been reported that Silvio's apparently unhappy that Calabria hasn't been given chances this season. An experienced versatile defender might be beneficial too in the squad.

The midfield has a lot of changes. Bonaventura deserves confirmation following his performances this season, while hopefully a fit and ready Montolivo will return. I think he's one who's struggled when not used in a structured system, hence he was great in his first year, mixed last season and this season has struggled. Suso (who is a little more offensive) and Poli would be good players to come off the bench, while I think space should be given to a youth player, either Modic, who has been dominant for the Primavera or Marco Ezio Fossati, who has been going out on loan for a few years now and has been excellent (especially at Ascoli and Perugia this year). Both are registas and would generally act as a backup to Montolivo. One notable absence is Mastalli, who I think should be loaned out to a club like Carpi, Empoli or Sassuolo. That's because I've made the assumption that Jose Mauri looks set to be coming. Both have some similar qualities, but Mauri has a year at senior level now and more "battling" qualities, which the midfield would otherwise be a little lacking in.

Finally, my preference for a new midfield starter is Allan of Udinese. He's not a big name, but this guy has been outstanding for them for years now, playing either in front of the defence or this season often as a mezzala. At 24, he's ready to take on responsibility at a big club. Those wondering who he is, he's a little like De Jong or Gattuso, a relatively small but extremely powerful and tough tackling midfielder, that's got a lot of pace. However, he's also extremely adept technically, good with his passing and very good at dribbling. He was also part of the Brazil side that won the 2011 U20 world cup, the squad also containing Willian, Firmino, Oscar, Coutinho, Casemiro and Felipe Anderson. Alternatively, Kondogbia's been mentioned a lot with Milan lately and he's another I wouldn't mind, although I don't think he'd be as dynamic as Allan.

In attack, I think Honda should be confirmed as he's always done pretty well when he seems to understand what's expected of him and yet given a little freedom to interpret situations. I also think as a professional he's an example. El Shaarawy needs a solid season where he can grow into a player taking on more responsibility, while I'd want to give Mastour and Di Molfetta opportunities as young players looking to grow. Both are immensely talented and ready to contribute at senior level, albeit without too much pressure.

Firmino, as mentioned before, would be my ideal to lead the attack. As mentioned yesterday, he's not always been used there, but imo has the qualities to have similar success to Luis Suarez there. He's also a player I really like because he's very much a team player, one who'll work extremely hard to press and win the ball from opponents and is known for his assists as much as his goals. Lastly, I think a good traditional striker needs to be brought in as an alternative option up front in the squad, someone who can act as a target man when needed. I haven't thought too much about who could do the role, though maybe someone like Leonardo Pavoletti. Those wondering who I'm on about, he's a guy that's been on loan at Genoa since January and seems to be scoring with regularity of late (I think he's got 5 goals in 9 appearances, mostly as sub). He's owned by Sassuolo and was previously on loan at Varese, where he had a hugely successful stint. There's nothing great about him, he's a big target man who can hold up the ball, has good finishing and heading skills. Point being, I'm not sure he's the guy I want, but is an example of the kind of player I'm talking about for the role. Mandzukic has been mentioned and is similar, but would also come in with expectations as first choice.

As mentioned in the headcoach thread, I think Sarri's my choice for coach. I thought of 4-2-3-1 when thinking of how this squad might work, but I believe it's more than versatile enough for 4-3-1-2 (Sarri's preferred system) or even 4-3-3. The basic layout of the systems would be:

4-2-3-1

--------------------Lopez-----------------------
Abate-------Rami/DES-----Thiago Silva---Antonelli
--------------Allan-------Montolivo--------------
--Honda-----------Bonaventura----------El Shaarawy
--------------------Firmino----------------------


4-3-3

-------------------Lopez-------------------------
Abate-------Rami/DES----Thiago Silva----Antonelli
--------Allan-----Montolivo---Bonaventura--------
--Honda-------------Firmino----------El Shaarawy-


4-3-1-2

--------------------Lopez------------------------
Abate-------Rami/DES----Thiago Silva----Antonelli
------------------Montolivo----------------------
-----------Allan-------------Bonaventura---------
--------------------Honda------------------------
--------------Firmino-----El Shaarawy------------

Edit: Forgot to say if it was possible I would sell Poli to get Bertolacci, but it seems unlikely that would happen, maybe get Bertolacci anyway if possible lol, he would give Bonaventura good competition. That would mean big changes to the squad, but 15 out of the 25/26 are players who were in the squad this season, so it's not as big a shift as would initially appear.

[somedevil]

Agazzi is pretty meh, but for a third choice GK who can we get. Gabriel needs to be out on loan for another season while Donarumma/Gori aren't ready. My only problem with De Sciglio in the center is his lack of physical prowess. But it would be amazing, if he could excel in the center. We badly need a rock solid presence there.

As for Montolivo, I am not too hot on him. If we keep him, at least we mustn't expect him tor run the team. His patterns are rather predictable and he needs better, technical players around him to excel. Jose Mauri? But is he ready for the big time. Only time will tell.

Allan would be a great option but I recall reading that Juve have the hots for him. Honda? Not on the wings. We need proper wingers. Honda isn't one. Same with Niang. If he comes back, then not on the wings please. The guy is a #9.