January Options

[Haroon]

Could we have a poll for this please?

Poll Option
========

a) Buying a striker/forward (Gilardino/Torres/Tevez)
b) Buying Maniche


The Gilardino/Torres/Tevez thread has shown the results to be highly in favour of the Milan fans preferring the Bull-Terrier Tevez over Gila or Torres for the Winter Transfer window. Recently the Portuguese B2B midfield player MANICHE has been linked with us. Lots of players are linked with us so we really don't know who is really coming as Fester keeps denying everything :D


So for our team with two options now:

Option A
======

--->> Gila / Torres / Tevez

Reports continually link us with him. Crespo has been brought here on loan so it is likely he will return in any case. Now with the Mutu saga taking place Chelsea will be short of a striker and might require his services again or maybe shop for a new striker. It depends on the situation.

------------------Dida---------------------
-
--Cafu-----Nesta-----Stam--------Maldini--
-
------------------Pirlo---------------------
-
------Gattuso---------------Seedorf-------
-
------------------Kaka--------------------
-
----------Gilardino------Shevchenko-------

I expect this to be our long term line-up more or less with the acquisition of Gilardino.

Pros
===

1. We get an already settled striker. He is not coming from a different league.

2. We get a good striking duo.

3. Gilardino is young so he can play for us for a good number of years.

4. His goal scoring ability will increase as he will receive arguably better service.

Cons
====

1. Shevchenko will have to play off Gilardino. A position where I think he is not best utilized. He is the most lethal as a striker IMO.

2. We don't know whether Gilardino and Shevchenko will work as a duo. One thing is clear and that is Shevchenko is our primary striker and the game plan has to be to enable him to excel and do what he does best. He is our biggest goal scoring outlet.


Option B
======

--->> Maniche

There was a link to him. It is not known whether it was a serious link or just one of those links we see every fortnight. I have always been an advocate that Pirlo, Gattuso and Seedorf are our future. They are all young and work very well together so our midfield is settled. Buying Maniche and relegating him to the bench as a bit part player is not an ideal thing to do so how can we accommodate him into our system? After giving it some thought there does exist a solution that doesn't change our outlook.


------------------Dida---------------------
-
--Cafu-----Nesta-----Stam--------Maldini--
-
------------------Pirlo---------------------
-
------Gattuso---------------Maniche-------
-
----------------Seedorf--------------------
-
-------Shevchenko-------Kaka-------------


Pros
===

1. Maniche can play anywhere in the midfield without any problems except the trequartista spot.

2. Good offensively and defensively. Runs his socks off as well so Bayman will be happy. :D

3. Our midfield will add a running type player with increased work rate as Maniche has phenomenal work rate. We can arguably be more better in a counter attack situation.

4. Maniche is good at free kicks and also has a brilliant long range shot. Seedorf's OLD spot will not lose that much.

5. I have got the feeling that this season Seedorf is looking like a leader for us. He is leading our play and really looks like the person in charge of our offensive play. He is a changed more authoritative man for us which is brilliant. His free roaming ability will not be hampered if he is allowed to play in the hole as he can do all his stuff from there as well plus his shot is lethal with either foot. Comes in handy if he is more in a position to shoot. ;)

6. Kaka moves into a forward position. A position I feel that is the best for him without a doubt. He scores more goals and his pace is better utilized for that slot. Shev plays as the striker which is where he is best! For me Kaka doesn't have the through pass like Rui hence he is not the classic playmaker type. He is LETHAL as a forward. Does the same for Brasil ;)


Cons
====

1. Maniche may be Cup Tied. I don't know for sure.

2. Pinto Da Costa will juice out every single penny he can for Maniche.

3. Maniche is coming from a different league. Remains to be seen whether he will settle down properly. Personally I think he will have no problems because he is a very good player indeed.

4. Seedorf and Kaka get new positions. I don't think it is much of a change as Seedorf and Kaka will still be doing the same stuff. Its just that Kaka will have more freedom to go for the Kill and Seedorf won't have to look out for his left midfield spot that much.

5. Berlusconi wants TWO strikers to play for Milan. He may or may not reject it. He did also mention that whatever makes the team perform better is the way to go.

So what are your thoughts Milanisti? Which type of player do you prefer? A striker ala Gilardino or a midfield player (ONLY Maniche).

For me personally I would prefer Maniche and play the template I mentioned with him.

- Our team looks well balanced.
- It will get more pace (Kaka, Gattuso, Maniche, Sheva and Seedorf to an extent) and increased work rate
- Players playing in the positions where they are best utilized : Kaka, Shev and Seedorf.

[meazza]

i was watching tevez recently and I have my doubts whether he'd be any different from Saviola, Riquelme and D'Alessandro and under preform in europe. he's small not exactly fast and thinnly built, he plays with the ball to feet from what i've seen mostly, this rarely happens in italy. how many goals would sheva have scored this or last season had he not had the ability to out pace defenders and command a physical presence in the box?

[Giovanni]

One thing is sure: we cannot think to play at best both CL and Serie a with just Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf and Ambrosini. Brocchi is considered good for a minor clash, as Ancelotti's choices clearly point out, and Dhorasoo seems not to convince.

The "regulars" are the 4 mentioned above. Serie a and CL have about 55 matches so we must sign a top midfielder, it's not even thinkable the four mentioned get to play such an amazing number of matches, and on the others Carlo seems not to rely that much.

Rui has been proved in the playmaker spot without totally convince . So Maniche is one of the best player around, as you wrote, he can play every role in mid, a characteristic Carlo appreciates in particular way, and is very good both defesively and offensively. He's got a right maturity to play in a club like Milan despite not been old, he's in his peak years, so he can be very useful.

On the other side, we must sign a striker, because Crespo is always a question mark, and Pippo is going over the 31th y, so it's time to INTRODUCE in the Milan world a young top striker to learn our tradition and our game, in order to fill Pippo's boots in few years. The choice is hard, all the players mentioned are amazing in something, but if i must choose i'd go with Gila, because he costs a reasonable price,and he's a 40 goals striker..Feed him, and he will score loads of goals. Parma this year is clearly minimized in his strenght, and he can partnership with every player, esp Sheva, becasue Gila is an intelligent player and has great technique, as some of his performances at euro 04 U21 showed.
But i've always liked Torres, even if i don't know him as well as Gila

[Jim_UK]

I disagree about Tevez, i watched him in the Olympics and he was bullish and very physical. True, i guess the majority of defenders he was up against weren't great. However, he seemed more than capable of holding the ball, running with it, playing in team mates, scoring with both feet and heading the ball. It's also true he's not lightning quick, but i don't think he's thin or weakly built.

I would go with Gilardino, already being used to Serie A is a huge bonus. Although i think Maniche would be a fine purchase. Any chance we could get both ? :D

[ACMILAN1983]

I don't think we need to bring in anyone as the squad needs time to gel properly.

But if we get anyone, then I say Gilar

[Bayman]

Bring Maniche plz and I'm happy.

OPTION 1: Maniche Gattuso Seedorf
in central midfield with 2 very offensive full backs (Cafu and Serginho).

OPTION 2: Seedorf Maniche Pirlo



Striker is not really needed right now, as Kaka can play as second striker too, if needed.
In case Crespo leaves we should, finally this time go for a second striker with all these characteristics. Tevez looks like the best option here. Torres is too expensive and too much of a risk and Gilardino is like Pippo and Sheva. No need to add a third player of the same kind.

[kris]

i was watching tevez recently and I have my doubts whether he'd be any different from Saviola, Riquelme and D'Alessandro and under preform in europe. he's small not exactly fast and thinnly built, he plays with the ball to feet from what i've seen mostly, this rarely happens in italy. how many goals would sheva have scored this or last season had he not had the ability to out pace defenders and command a physical presence in the box?

After reading this post I can only conclude that you have NOT seen him play. He is VERY fast, probably faster than Sheva. Thinly built? After reading that I wonder who you actually saw, people don't compare him with a bull for no reason. He is short tough and we can't expect him to score on headers...

Play the ball to feet don't happen in Italy??? Do you watch football at all? Of course, if we compare to the Brazilian league or possible other south American leagues we have a bit more higher balls, but Milan surerly tries to keep the ball down as much as possible.

[BaggioForever]

i neva saw maniche play b4 so i shant comment much...however we still do have ambro rite?..he is not tt bad as a minor clash midfielder, just like brocchi...i feel our midfield is doing well so i will be going for gila.....because looking @ the strike rates now...only sheva n kaka leads the scoring chart.,,tomasson still seems shaky, inzaghi is still getting the match fitness and crespo..well...still injured. So in order to match not just the Serie A team's offensive strikeforce like adriano-vieri, trezeguet-ibrahimovic, totti-cassano, we still got the champion's league teams to faceoff eg. e'to-Larsson , makaay-ballack, ronaldo-raul , henry-reyes etc. So sheva-gila partnership may bring an offensive edge to our already-stablised world-class defence, making us a more wholesome team to challenge for the treble this season!!~~ :u56: :delol:




just my 2 cents :rone:

[Reza]

We all hope that there will be lots of important games between January and end of May, one thing that is not needed for that period is a striker unless Crespo is out or really out of form, and only the coach and management can make that decision. I am not gonna say Crespo is useless for us just because he doesn't do much between now and then. If he is to be on the bench in February, March,... there is no point in buying another now...leave buying a new striker for the summer in that case.

A midfielder who just gives us more options in carrying the ball forward would do, whether that is Maniche I am not sure really.

And also with a healthy Nesta and Stam obviously the central defense is set but...its not the topic of this thread :D

[rae]

Well, I wanna to offer another option... as you know Tevez is not only a striker... he is also able to play as midfielder .... so...I prefer Gila&Tevez duo :tong:
IMO Torres as a spaniard wount succeed in Lega Calcio... the same was with Jose Mari and Javi Moreno...
Maniche is too old to invest our money. He only is known of his long range striking abilty so IMO he would be not the best choice for AC Milan.

So - let's take Gila&Tevez duo...
We should know that Rui, Seedorf and Pippo are aged players so they wont play forever...;)

[ACM]

Milan will buy nobody of significance. They might secure players for next season, but you can forget the fantasy football.

Forza Milan

[mk18]

well concerning maniche, i think we should try dhorasso first then decide wether we need maniche or not... we would have seedorf, pirlo, gattuso, ambro, dhorasso, brocchi and even rui can play in prilos spot as well as serginho in seedorfs spot.. u all forgot him.

my main concern is upfront, eventhough our last worry is the strike force up til now, but i doubt things will stay the same, if u think of it, we dont have a speedy striker who can drop back and take on defenders and score like etoo.. neither do we have a big man who wait for crosses to head on or can poach for goals like bierhoff..now the question should be, wether we should go for the big man or the speedy guy??? personally my dream pairing is sheva with adriano but adriano can take on defenders like we saw vs udinese and he is defeinatly big, and by the way this is the reason why i like drogba so much. personally i love gilardino, and i thin hes great and would suit us well but hes not really our priority, i think it would be ebtter if we go for the speedy guy since sheva isnt bad at all in dealing with crosses, and besides i always believe that milan play best when they play a passing game like alst season (i call it street football) therefore the speedy guy seems to be the better solution, meaining that i hope we can go for tevez or cassano or a drogba/zlatan/weah type of player (if u can name some1 in that category whos available i doubt there is). if were having trouble playing the passing game then maybe tomasson/inzaghi can come on i believe these guys are more arial than passing players esp JDT. if u think of it our strike force is 60% arial and 40% speedy... thank god we have sheva!

[Peachtot]

I dont interest both of ur options.
For me, there's no more transfer in second transfer window.
Except, some players in the same position injured n take effect lack of stock for team's formation.
Keep the fund, n spend much for next season.
Bring the other trequarista to replace rui costa.
His performance so much dropped.
And the man is dinho! :w221:
(I've said for times n times)

[mk18]

well galliani just said dinho will stay at barca.. rui when he played has looked good i think!

[Dave]

What about Maniche he can signed by Milan in January!!!!!
It`s cool!!! :beach: :beach: :beach:

[Peachtot]

What about Maniche he can signed by Milan in January!!!!!
It`s cool!!! :beach: :beach: :beach:

Just wasting money for questionable investation.
His price tag over than 15 million pounds, I suppose.
Meanwhile, he couldn't play in CL Cup.
What an unproductive transfer policy.
Better to keep the fund for the new season.

[Il croato]

thanks god that no one is saying that kranjcar should be bought.I like the idea with maniche.

[Peachtot]

thanks god that no one is saying that kranjcar should be bought.I like the idea with maniche.
Kranjcar?
Who's that guy? :dontkn:
I remember when a man in this forum said that he's the next zorro ! :stupid:

[rae]

Well, we know that our squad is quite old. And we know what does that mean. Many players in following years are preparing to quit their careers or smth else. Just like Alessandro Costacurta, Paolo Maldini. Dida, Giuseppe Pancaro, Jaap Stam, Filppo Inzaghi, Valerio Fiori, Cafu, Serginho, Vikash Dhorasoo and Rui Costa are over their 30s. So I wonder it is time to start a new strategy of transfers. AC Milan do not want to grow their own players so should buy more known but also more expencive ones. So if I am a place Galliani is I would do such conciderations. Firstly, I look at our defence -- if Billy and Paolo quit after this season and Giussepe&Stam&Cafu after couple of season so there would appear a huge hole there. Having only Sandro, Kakha, Dario and Colo is a menacing situation. So I suggest aquiring Chivu, Mexes, Bonera and Cannavaro Jr.[Paolo].
Looking at our midfields&forwards, I can mention that after loosing Rui, Pippo and probably Crespo reinforcement is inavitible. Buying Tevez, Gilardino, Torres or even Cassano, it'll remain great enough to compete in Italia and Europe.

Am I right?

[Dave]

You are right Rae! Agree with you! :beer:

[mk18]

im affraid ur not... that will never happen, milan are buying old players intentionally, theyre not gonna change that rule since it has been very successful recently!

[tardelli_jr]

one point

if we do get gila (which i'd love), we should also grab some of his team mates in a large deal, either p. canna or bonera, and also bressciano aswell to give some good depth, and continuity for the team and the individual players...

[rae]

im affraid ur not... that will never happen, milan are buying old players intentionally, theyre not gonna change that rule since it has been very successful recently!
successful or not, but those old players are getting old faster then young ones, like Kaka...
even Dhorasoo showed his class in recent games he wont do the same for following 10 years... he is simply too old... the same is to Stam, Cafu... Pancaro will come back to Lazio after this season if we wont take serious actions to make him stay at Milano... what else... Billy and Maldini... Rui and Pippo also arnt the youngsters... it seems to me that after few years we will be left only with half current players if we do nothing.... :dontkn:

[Dave]

Don`t worry abt that rae Milan will do smth! :u31:

[shevaandkaka']

Don`t worry abt that rae Milan will do smth! :u31:
in the summer
fernando torres or gilardino
maybe a left back
evra or maxwell
MAYBE KOMPANY OR BONERA
BUT NOW NOONE

[Jeff]

Guys are you talking about CM?

[Syn Shevaan]

I must say that I agree if we sign Gilardino this January, he will become a good alternative in the front. But I have my concern at the defenders. Look what Juve did this season. They signed Canna and Zebina, they both instantly become regular first team in every matches Juve played, and Juve conceded least so far. Our defenders are on their peak, but a young world class defender is also in need. I suggest Milan sign Gilardino or Cassano, Joe Cole or Maniche for the mid, Kompany(don't think he is ready for Italian competition), Metzelder, or Riise for the back.

[ACMILAN1983]

I must say that I agree if we sign Gilardino this January, he will become a good alternative in the front. But I have my concern at the defenders. Look what Juve did this season. They signed Canna and Zebina, they both instantly become regular first team in every matches Juve played, and Juve conceded least so far. Our defenders are on their peak, but a young world class defender is also in need. I suggest Milan sign Gilardino or Cassano, Joe Cole or Maniche for the mid, Kompany(don't think he is ready for Italian competition), Metzelder, or Riise for the back.

errm...our defenders at their peak??

I can safely assure you our defence is far from its peak along with the rest of the team

[BaggioForever]

Risse? ...his :hihihi: looks aside...his performance for Liverpool was inconsistent...one min he is in top form,scoring goals for the reds, the next moment he is as anoymonous as the 4th official :grinser: ..to be able to do that in Liverpool..he would be more than being the "4th official"..he would be the audience :haha:

gotto agree with rae to bring in Paolo Canna and Bonera to our ailing defence...that is all we need to bring our defence to greater heights.. n mk18..there isnt much old players for Milan to buy that could add quality to our defence..is therE? We have it ALL in Milan already!~ :delol:

[Brasileiro]

IMO we need to buy(not in jan. window) 1 striker(like Gilardino), 2 young DB(left/right) and 1 young wc defender.
Milan had the chance to buy Alex(PSV) for little money, but righ now that he´s the best defender in Dutch Champ. and is playing an great CL, his value rises.
The funny thing is that PSV fans call him The new(and better) Jaap Stam! :proud:

[acmilan89]

4. Seedorf and Kaka get new positions. I don't think it is much of a change as Seedorf and Kaka will still be doing the same stuff. Its just that Kaka will have more freedom to go for the Kill and Seedorf won't have to look out for his left midfield spot that much.

Recruiting midfielder Maniche would be more of a positive long-term plan compared to obtaining a forward. I know, as it is now our strikers, except Shevchenko, are lacking the sparks up front. But I believe the likes of Crespo and Tomasson will do well in "part 2" of Serie A.

Placing Seerdof in the hole behind Kaka and Shevchenko would be, IMO, be effective. I recall Seerdof saying that he preferred the position in the Dutch national team and I think he can do the same with Milan as well. Please strike me if I'm wrong to say this but apart from Rui Costa, Seerdof is the most consise short ground-passer in the team. Kaka is inconsistent and at times, he holds the ball too long before releasing it to a marked-out team mate.

...and after saying all these, I think it's least likely that we will see Maniche joining us at Milan come January. :(

Don`t worry abt that rae Milan will do smth!

RE Our ageing defence. I've always been puzzled about the recruitment of the over-30 defenders. I know they're experienced and possess a world class calibre (such as Cafu and maybe Pancaro). Then, throw a few years down the line, what will happen?

IMO, Milan's superiority has traditionally revolved around its defenders. And in saying this, I'm not implicating Milan is a traditionally defensive team. Since their revival in the late 1980s to the 1990s, it was the Milan defence team the held Milan's name as a team: Baresi, Maldini, Tassotti, Costacurta, Galli, and to a certain extent Nova and (ahem..) Panucci. But it was also their stability that ensured the strength in Milan's midfield and attack.

Now, Maldini, Costacurta, Cafu, and Pancaro (Stam isn't that young either) are ageing and they probably have another two or three more seasons at playing at their peak. I remember that we all thought Baresi would stay a while longer because he's Baresi, the legend, how can he blunder? Sad to say, for almost the last two seasons of his career, you can just see age did indeed catch up with him. As if a metaphor for bad omen, Milan experienced two terrible seasons during that time.

There's only one defender that I see will stay with Milan for a long time and he has been solid since his arrival: Nesta. Apart from that, who else? Kaladze used to be good but since old Pancaro is taking much of the space, it leaves him out on the bench. And I don't think a player can improve from the bench especially a young player like Kaladze. Simic? Cafu, no doubt, is doing well for Milan now but for how long? Who can effectively replace him once he's injured, suspended or gone? Simic has a similar case like Kaladze, only that he's more being off than on the field lately. Coloccini? How many games has he played for Milan so far?

Milan need younger and at the same time, experienced defenders to be groomed for the future of the club. I am content with our midfielders and they seem to play well together -- and unfortunately, sometimes do poorly together too...

Dave89 was right. Milan will indeed do something -- but does that mean Milan will have to go through the 1996-98 years once more in order to wake up?

[Peachtot]

Guys are you talking about CM?
Ha..Ha..
So different, ha?

[Daniel Frolich]

Kranjcar?
Who's that guy? :dontkn:
I remember when a man in this forum said that he's the next zorro ! :stupid:
you are as much stupid as you are ignorent. :swars:
HE WILL BE GREAT...one day

[rae]

Risse? ...his :hihihi: looks aside...his performance for Liverpool was inconsistent...one min he is in top form,scoring goals for the reds, the next moment he is as anoymonous as the 4th official :grinser: ..to be able to do that in Liverpool..he would be more than being the "4th official"..he would be the audience :haha: Riise... hmmm -- NO
Maniche.... hmmm -- NO
TO OLD


gotto agree with rae to bring in Paolo Canna and Bonera to our ailing defence...that is all we need to bring our defence to greater heights.. n mk18..there isnt much old players for Milan to buy that could add quality to our defence..is therE? We have it ALL in Milan already!~ :delol:

hahaha we are gaffers team.... :rotfl: ...old buffers....

[Dave]

Riise... hmmm -- NO
Maniche.... hmmm -- NO
TO OLD



hahaha we are gaffers team.... :rotfl: ...old buffers....
Yes but we rock everybody with this squad!
:diablo:

[Peachtot]

you are as much stupid as you are ignorent. :swars:
HE WILL BE GREAT...one day
Yeah... About Kranjcar, I'm so f***in idiot. :D :D
Where do you come from Frolich?
Same country with that guy?

[ACMILAN1983]

I'm not sure what to say, its one thing saying we need all these strikers seeing as were not scoring without Sheva (which I believe will improve and these complaints will stop), but whats with the complaints about the defence. In the 9 or 10 games, we've let past about 4 goals. That is far from bad!

As for this ageing defence, Cafu and Maldini are the only players in our defence that play consistently and are over 30. Now, these two have been either solid and decent or playing VERY well (Cafu especially). Also, we have Stam to come back, and I don't want to hear BS about he's old as when he has been playing, he's been excellent!! The only real problems in the defence is defending set-pieces (which has been improving as the season progresses) and Maldini adjusting back to LB (which he needs to work on his positioning for and he'll have to learn to command the defence from a wide area).

Also, let us note, the two I have mentioned that play consistently (Maldini and Cafu) are also two of Milan's fittest players, based on lab results etc.

As for young defenders, we already have a potentially great youngster in squad in Colo and then Kala (questions can be posed about whether or not he will regain his old form or even stay) and Nesta (the next leader of the defence after Maldini is gone). Yes, we will need a new defender or two in the future, but we don't need them now, as we have more than enough great defenders already. Maybe next summer.

Now, I'm sick of people comparing us to Juve. How many times must it be said they ARE IN TOP FORM AND WE STILL HAVEN'T GOT THERE YET!!!!!! Juve have a great defence, but will it survive the whole season!? Will their side be able to keep this pace up the WHOLE SEASON!!!!??? They are like us in 2002/03 and Roma last year, they have got off the blocks sprinting, but they can't or shouldn't be able to keep up the pace the whole season, just like Milan of 02/03 and Roma of 03/04!!! Hasn't anyone looked at Juve lately, they are already slowing down and has anyone heard Cappello's fears, about he's worried how the team is already tiring. Hasn't anyone seen that Milan learnt a lesson from 02/03 and that the side doesn't wear itself out in the first half of the season!!?

[Goirre]

you are as much stupid as you are ignorent. :swars:
HE WILL BE GREAT...one day
watch your words buddy, no personal attacks are allowed here.

[Syn Shevaan]

Now, I'm sick of people comparing us to Juve. How many times must it be said they ARE IN TOP FORM AND WE STILL HAVEN'T GOT THERE YET!!!!!! Juve have a great defence, but will it survive the whole season!? Will their side be able to keep this pace up the WHOLE SEASON!!!!??? They are like us in 2002/03 and Roma last year, they have got off the blocks sprinting, but they can't or shouldn't be able to keep up the pace the whole season, just like Milan of 02/03 and Roma of 03/04!!! Hasn't anyone looked at Juve lately, they are already slowing down and has anyone heard Cappello's fears, about he's worried how the team is already tiring. Hasn't anyone seen that Milan learnt a lesson from 02/03 and that the side doesn't wear itself out in the first half of the season!!?

Know your enemy, then it's ensured that you will win half of the battle.
Know yourself, then it's ensured that you will win half of the battle.
Know yourself and know your enemy, take any advantage from that knowledge, then It is almost guaranted that you will win the battle. Sun Tzu

Indeed, Juve is slowing down lately, with only scoring a goal to ensure their winning in the last two serie A matches. But at the same time, we can only win a match and have a draw in order to pursue the rival. All I wanna say is, ' top form' is not the only reason which take Juve in the lead at the moment, the next important factor is, we can't use several opportunities to kick Juve from their current position. While They lost against Regina, we can only have a draw against Rome. and when it was predicted that we could won against Brescia, once again we can only secure one point, while at the other hand, Juve celebrate their 6 points gap with us.
But I don't say that everything is too late for Milan, even Arsenal a few months ago had lead 6 points from Chelsea but look at the position now. If you said Juve's top performance won't last for the whole season, at some point, I agree with the statement, nothing last forever, but at the same time, I don't really trust luck either, their result so far is the fruit of the quality they posses and nothing to shame to admit 'bout it.

One more thing, do not, I repeat, DO not trust a manager statement release.
If you are a King, and your country is in the middle of the war, false statements sometime needed in order to lower enemy guard. If I were Juve Manager, I will release the same statement as Capello's. Why? because I want to let my competitor know that my team is not that good, or that my team is currently in some dangerous situation ( tiring for example ).
They are the leader at Serie A for the moment, the ones who should have curiousity are the managers from the other 19 clubs.
If you learn from the CL final two years ago when we finally overcome Juve, the most major factor why we can win the final is, we confuse them with our condition. We show them that we were tired, so they underestimate us.
:dumpf:

[ACMILAN1983]

Know your enemy, then it's ensured that you will win half of the battle.
Know yourself, then it's ensured that you will win half of the battle.
Know yourself and know your enemy, take any advantage from that knowledge, then It is almost guaranted that you will win the battle. Sun Tzu

Indeed, Juve is slowing down lately, with only scoring a goal to ensure their winning in the last two serie A matches. But at the same time, we can only win a match and have a draw in order to pursue the rival. All I wanna say is, ' top form' is not the only reason which take Juve in the lead at the moment, the next important factor is, we can't use several opportunities to kick Juve from their current position. While They lost against Regina, we can only have a draw against Rome. and when it was predicted that we could won against Brescia, once again we can only secure one point, while at the other hand, Juve celebrate their 6 points gap with us.
But I don't say that everything is too late for Milan, even Arsenal a few months ago had lead 6 points from Chelsea but look at the position now. If you said Juve's top performance won't last for the whole season, at some point, I agree with the statement, nothing last forever, but at the same time, I don't really trust luck either, their result so far is the fruit of the quality they posses and nothing to shame to admit 'bout it.

One more thing, do not, I repeat, DO not trust a manager statement release.
If you are a King, and your country is in the middle of the war, false statements sometime needed in order to lower enemy guard. If I were Juve Manager, I will release the same statement as Capello's. Why? because I want to let my competitor know that my team is not that good, or that my team is currently in some dangerous situation ( tiring for example ).
They are the leader at Serie A for the moment, the ones who should have curiousity are the managers from the other 19 clubs.
If you learn from the CL final two years ago when we finally overcome Juve, the most major factor why we can win the final is, we confuse them with our condition. We show them that we were tired, so they underestimate us.
:dumpf:

I know well enough the quote from Sun Tzu.

ok, I agree we have wasted our chances so far to really keep the pressure as high as possible. I don't think we'd be relying on luck to believe Juve will slow down. At the end of the day, there is no way the human body can handle the pace they are showing for a whole season. Lets look at last years Arsenal, they went through the season unbeaten. However, much of the time during the first half of the season, they were not that special and got many draws (a bit like Milan last season). This conserved a lot of energy for the second half of the season when they were quite great.

I know not to trust Capello's comments, I just pointed it out to try and accentuate my point. We can all see that Juve are slowing down and as they slow down, we will be in decent condition to take advantage.

Going back to the quote. We know our enemies well, and its important to know their weaknesses, and the one I pointed out should be their biggest one of all, we just need patience. We also know ourselves, our strengths and our weaknesses. Note the part about taking advantage, we must wait for the chance to take true advantage (head to head games especially), as although we've missed chances so far, they still haven't hurt us badly.

I will leave you with a less glamorous quote but a important one nontheless...

"Patience is a virtue" ;)

[Syn Shevaan]

" Patience is a Virtue "
Agreed. Juve will certainly fall before the end of season, and I hope Milan will take advantage from the situation. Honestly, I hate Juve even more than I hate our rival Inter, and when it comes to Juve, patience is my weakness.

[Dave]

" Patience is a Virtue "
Agreed. Juve will certainly fall before the end of season, and I hope Milan will take advantage from the situation. Honestly, I hate Juve even more than I hate our rival Inter, and when it comes to Juve, patience is my weakness.
I hate both Juve and Inter! :rotfl:

[mk18]

the defence is great, yes they will become old... but when they become unable that is the time to replace them not now... why bring a talent and let him lose 75 percent of it til our current defenders retire? then wait for a season so that they can find their old form back and alot cannot do that... why not just get them when theyre at theyre peak... who said we will suffer with out old defence... im pretty sure when they retire there will be a load of good experienced center backs available and we can chose some to deputise ours... u guys worry too much... relax, this issue has been discussed for a verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyy long time, years actually... and yet our defence is not only the best in italy.... not only europe... but the whole universe!!

relax

[BaggioForever]

hmm if we get them when they are at their peak..wouldnt it be abit too difficult to get them then. Would their clubs give up on them..if yes..@ what cost?.. If we could get them while they r still 'cheap' :grinser: ...y not?.. but i dun see that coming this Jan..bcoz our defence is still going strong...maybe this summer or next Jan...it should be about time~

[kris]

RE Our ageing defence. I've always been puzzled about the recruitment of the over-30 defenders. I know they're experienced and possess a world class calibre (such as Cafu and maybe Pancaro). Then, throw a few years down the line, what will happen?


You get a new one. Either a champion or a younger talent, when it comes to central defense we talk about the first. Altough we do have Colo on the talent side.

Riise... hmmm -- NO
Maniche.... hmmm -- NO
TO OLD


When will people stop talking about age? Age is nothing ability is all.

[Dave]

Yes but yunger players is very good! and skillfull!
:pp20:

[ACMILAN1983]

Yes but yunger players is very good! and skillfull!
:pp20:

And so are older players. Older players also have knowledge from experience and theres less risk as they will have proven themselves to be up to the challenge.

Even the old argument "older players can't compete as much as in the past" is being proven wrong by players like Maldini and Cafu.

[rae]

But the end comes to everyone even to greatest...

[kris]

But the end comes to everyone even to greatest...

But the end comes to eveyone even the youngest...

I rather have one of the greatest, than one of the youngest.

[rae]

Well, I mean old but great is not so lucrative as young and great ;)

[mk18]

But the end comes to everyone even to greatest...

recent results by milan proved that u are wrong... milan have enough money to buy and 'old' defender every year in all four positions... ur just dreaming of having this young defender at the back but the fact of the matter is that having old experienced and very capable players who can last a minimum of 2 years is much more reliable than an unexperienced young guy who can cause a load of mistakes until he gets enough experience to survive milan.

if it working well why change it?

tell me with all honesty... which is better? to have cafu and stam and maldini or sayyy oddo and kompany and chivu?

[rae]

recent results by milan proved that u are wrong... milan have enough money to buy and 'old' defender every year in all four positions... ur just dreaming of having this young defender at the back but the fact of the matter is that having old experienced and very capable players who can last a minimum of 2 years is much more reliable than an unexperienced young guy who can cause a load of mistakes until he gets enough experience to survive milan.

if it working well why change it?

tell me with all honesty... which is better? to have cafu and stam and maldini or sayyy oddo and kompany and chivu?If we think that Milan will exist more than two years in future we would rather take Chivu Oddo Mexes Canna and Bonera instead of Maldini Stam and Cafu. Just imagine our defence after 5 years... I think it wont delight you and many fans... so... :mex:

[Dave]

I`m agree with Rae but it`s good to have such players as Maldin, Cafu and Stam and Nesta etc.!!!! :cool:

[kris]

If we think that Milan will exist more than two years in future we would rather take Chivu Oddo Mexes Canna and Bonera instead of Maldini Stam and Cafu. Just imagine our defence after 5 years... I think it wont delight you and many fans... so... :mex:

Yeah right :rolleyes: I am sure you could stand losing game after game like Roma for 1+ years just because we could possibly have a great defense in the future. Oddo is 29 by the way. Only a fool would say things like "if we think Milan will exist more than two years in the future" with this as basis. When we fully well can buy a more mature Mexes in two years, it's not like we will just fall apart.

[Reza]

The part that I can't agree with some are basically saying for Milan to have most of our players or defenders be older, experienced ones bought from other teams that spend a few of their 'best years' in Milan. I really hope nobody is implying that...

[mk18]

If we think that Milan will exist more than two years in future we would rather take Chivu Oddo Mexes Canna and Bonera instead of Maldini Stam and Cafu. Just imagine our defence after 5 years... I think it wont delight you and many fans... so... :mex:

a team like milan cannot take any chances now, they must have a strong defence every year, and results have proved that the experienced defenders are better and more reliable, it IS much better to get a cheap at tiomes for free defender every 2 years then splash out 4 times that much money on a young one and wait for him to grow and become reliable... this is not my opinion... this is a fact!

milan have been known to be the house of the greatest defenders of all time, and i believe only those who have experienced all of football highs and lows will do well here, a rookie will choke and will need some time to settle in, u all remember at the begining of the season when our defence was looking bad for a couple of games, everyone went crazy, imagine if we had that overrated mexes instead of stam there, and bonera in place of cafu and ferrari inplace of maldini, im 10000% sure that same problem would still be present this very second.

[rae]

I do not say that we should get rid of Maldini, Cafu or Stam.... I just wanted to say that we should care about our future now cuz later it can be to late....

[Sheva7_Evo]

our defence is fine. for now.
jan. is not the time.

strikers, well if crespo continues, we'll have to wait again

when's the last time milan used the jan. transfer window anyway???
and even then, for a major signing?

[Dave]

Cafu,Maldini,Stam,Nesta are the best defenders in the world!! It`s fact! Sometimes they mistaken because nobody isn`t mistaken! It`s only god! And it`s not our defenders foll that we play not idealistic in defence this sesson! :ilol: :fero: I prefer our defenders than Mexes, Bonera, etc.Though they are young and skillfull! :blind:

[mk18]

you can add puyol and ayala to our center backs

[Dave]

Yes of course!

[Bayman]

http://sports.virgilio.it/it/cmc/calcio/200449/cmc_75241.html
Piace Albelda del Valencia
29 11 2004

Il Milan sta trattando con il Valencia David Albenda; l'idea è quella di uno scambio con Ambrosini. Un affare che nasce dall'interessamento dei levantini per il giocatore rossonero; una trattativa comunque appena cominciata visto che per Ambrosini ci sono diverse proposte che il Milan vuole valutare attentamente.

Not a reliable source. But Albelda would be mighty fine in red and black :)

PS: Here's another link where the rumour originates from:
http://www.calciomercato.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=73143
Don't know what newspaper shortcut CC is?

[kris]

I think that now that Dhorasoo have got the chance and took it well we will not go for a midfielder in January. The striker side on the other hand may be open as the Shevchenko injury have shown how thin we are there right now.

[ACMILAN1983]

I think that now that Dhorasoo have got the chance and took it well we will not go for a midfielder in January. The striker side on the other hand may be open as the Shevchenko injury have shown how thin we are there right now.

I don't think we will go for a striker either. I mean, its just REALLY unlucky to have three of four strikers injured at the same time, rather than us being thin on strikers

[K77SH C]

No market moves for Milan
by Nadia Carminati - Last Updated 29 Nov 2004
Help cheer up an Arsenal fan with the soon-to-be-released DVD Arsenal 49- The Complete Unbeaten Record.







Player profiles:
Hernan Crespo
Team Pages:
Milan
ChievoMilan vice-president Adriano Galliani has reiterated his stance that the club will not raid the transfer market in January.

Reports in Italy continue to suggest the Serie A champions will look to strengthen their squad when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

A striker has been deemed a priority by the media, due to the ongoing fitness concerns surrounding Italy international Filippo Inzaghi.

But Galliani perceives there to be no reason why Milan will bring in, or offload, any players during January.

"No, in January we won't make any in or out operations in the transfer market," said Galliani.

The recent form of Hernan Crespo could be a factor in the club's thinking as the Argentine has suddenly hit the goal trail during his loan from Chelsea.

Crespo nabbed the only goal as Milan beat Chievo Verona on Sunday and the forward was buoyed by his, and the team's, performance.

"It has been a really hard match," said Crespo. "We had the possibility to take advantage from a chance then Chievo played in a really good way.

"I'm really happy. It's a happy moment and I hope to continue in this way.

"I think, today, the whole team had a good performance. Coming here to Verona and winning wasn't easy. Anyway, congratulations to Chievo because they gave us troubles."

Chievo coach Mario Beretta felt the result was harsh on his team but he was pleased with the attitude of his players.

Beretta said: "Chievo didn't deserve the loss. We have had important chances in attack but the important thing is that we played with the right spirit."

[Dave]

Now Crespo is improving and we needn`t striker! Crespo score 4 golas in last 3 games! I mean coppa CL and Serie A! :delol:

[Giovanni]

check this thread before posting

>>>>>>>> http://www.milanmania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17501 <<<<<<

[totti_jonaid]

:v46: January is nearing and the transfers windows are about to open. We look to be a complete team apart from one thing that is our defence. The playing 4 Staam, Nesta, Maldini, and Cafu are perfect but the real problem is who do we have on the sub bench. Kaladze is an answer but he is a LB or can even replace Cafu at RB but there is no CB Costacurta is to old and he tends to make unwanted errors. So don't you think we need a young CB because of whom we can give rest to Nesta and Staam.
Usaually when Nesta and Staam needs rest we bring in Kaladze and move Maldini into the centre but this seems to be a bit ridiculous cause Maldini is 38 and at this age it would be better to give him a single position and stick with it rather then swaping his position after every match or two. A young player can adopt to different positions but a player at the age of Maldini do not have the mindset to adopt to different postions.
Eboue was an excellent option but Arsenal have bought him. Now who do you think is next or would you disagree with my opinion? opinions needed.

[Giovanni]

merged threads

[ACMILAN1983]

:v46: January is nearing and the transfers windows are about to open. We look to be a complete team apart from one thing that is our defence. The playing 4 Staam, Nesta, Maldini, and Cafu are perfect but the real problem is who do we have on the sub bench. Kaladze is an answer but he is a LB or can even replace Cafu at RB but there is no CB Costacurta is to old and he tends to make unwanted errors. So don't you think we need a young CB because of whom we can give rest to Nesta and Staam.
Usaually when Nesta and Staam needs rest we bring in Kaladze and move Maldini into the centre but this seems to be a bit ridiculous cause Maldini is 38 and at this age it would be better to give him a single position and stick with it rather then swaping his position after every match or two. A young player can adopt to different positions but a player at the age of Maldini do not have the mindset to adopt to different postions.
Eboue was an excellent option but Arsenal have bought him. Now who do you think is next or would you disagree with my opinion? opinions needed.

what about Colocinni? :confused:

Maldini is 36 not 38

[rae]

what about Coloccini? :confused:

Maldini is 36 not 38
Well, 36 or 38 not a big differece when you know that Paolo was born in 1968...
the end is approaching.... sad but true....
we need fresh, air fresh blood...... :de3:

[RVG91]

Worries about the defence this season are unfounded. Its already been stated that Cafu and Maldini are at peak fitness and Stam is yet to return. Kaladze has rediscovered fine form and looks like making the left back spot his own (till Stam returns from injury). Costacurta is adequate backup, considering that if Nesta/Stam get injured, it is likely that Paolo will be moved back into the centre from left back and Kaladze will reclaim the left back. If Cafu gets injured, Pancaro will step in. Even at the end of the season we only need to look at possible Cafu replacements. Central defence is covered with Nesta, Stam and Maldini able to play on and Colocinni acting as back up. Maldini's left back spot is covered for the next few years with Kaladze only 26.

Moving onto the midfield it is unlikely Milan need to or will make any moves in the transfer market, Dhorasoo has adjusted to Italy, Ambro, Rui and Serginho provide more than able back up and the first choice four is world class (and yet to hit top form). At the end of the year there has been talk of Solari or Jankulowski POSSIBLY coming in. Solari would be on a free and Jankulowski at 6m would be considerably cheaper than Maniche and I feel provide fantastic back up and squad depth. Milan's low cost high quality transfer movements seem to be continuing. Aging in our midfield is not a problem with the midfield relatively young. Worries about back up players (Rui Costa in particular) aging are useless. Our backup doesn't need to be young- it need only be skillful enough to fill the holes when resting our first string players.

Much has been said about a possible move for Gilardino in the January window, although the player has dispelled this rumours. This seems to be all talk thus far and anything could happen, but I would welcome striking back up in January. For my thoughts on Gilardino, you can read the Bojinov thread- basically he is a proven player in Serie A and would do a job for us. That having been said if we DON'T get anyone I think we'll be fine too. Pippo and Tomasson will be returning from injury and Crespo seems to be starting to adjust (although I do not expect his form to continue). A move for a striker at the end of the season is probably necessary. Gilardino seems to be the best candidate.

Theres been a lot of comment on the fact that Milan's transfer policy doesn't centre around young players, and I'd just like to reiterate what many of the other posters have said- its not necessary to buy young or old- merely to buy well. Milan's transfer policy of buying players in their peak (whether it be 30 or 20) has paid dividends over the past two seasons and I don't see why we shouldn't continue this pattern.

[Giovanni]

We'll keep Tomasson and send Crespo back at the end of the season IMO..regardless of how many goals he scores..simply because we cannot afford to pay 20 millions of euro for a 30 y o..we'll make an huge investiment in Gilardino and if we must spend many moneys, i'll spend them on a young talent

Tomasson could represent a plusvalence because he arrived at zero cost and could be sold for 13 millions roughly but i think that could mean we keep Crespo and to keep him we should spend more than we have got from Tomasson..

Crespo will go IMO, Tomasson will remain..only in case of a very good offer Tomasson will be sold and we would have Sheva/ Gilardino/Inzaghi/ and a young player to invest on

[almilan]

I think we can get crespo on the cheap in the summer, so I think we will hold on to him

[Giovanni]

I think we can get crespo on the cheap in the summer, so I think we will hold on to him
i dont think he will come that cheap

If he performs well he will be asked back by chelsea or at least they 'll want loads of money (they paid him 23 MLN)

If he doesn't perform i don't see the point of confirm him

Either the possible developments suggest he won't stay, but if he comes cheap..I'm not very convinced he will stay though

[almilan]

obviously if he doesnt perform he can go back to chelsea but I think he is playing well now and that he is capable of scoring many goals for us this season. Picture this scenario, he is a success, he tells the media he wants to stay in milan rest of his career, he says he doesnt not want to go back to chelsea, mourinho would not want him back then if he is publicly saying he wants to stay at milan. Chelsea are not exactly short on money either so in such a situation i imagine they would accept a nominal fee of €5 to €8 million. I could be wrong but I don't think so.

[Giovanni]

obviously if he doesnt perform he can go back to chelsea but I think he is playing well now and that he is capable of scoring many goals for us this season. Picture this scenario, he is a success, he tells the media he wants to stay in milan rest of his career, he says he doesnt not want to go back to chelsea, mourinho would not want him back then if he is publicly saying he wants to stay at milan. Chelsea are not exactly short on money either so in such a situation i imagine they would accept a nominal fee of €5 to €8 million. I could be wrong but I don't think so.
they have moneys but this doesn't mean they are totally stupid.. 5/8 millions would be a crazy price, maybe you mean 8 millions POUNDS

[almilan]

Ok maybe £8 million pounds but I definitely think he won't cost no more than 10 million if he and milan play the media right as mourinho is big into discipline and everyone being committed fully to the club etc.

Its hard to say what will happen but hopefully anyway. we will see in the summer!
Anyway got to go have tutorial.

[Bayman]

Come on, they sacked Mutu and got 0 € in return and they'll be happy if Crespo goes off their wage bill too. Not more than 6m € and he is gone, otherwise he'll stay as nobody is prepared to pay such an amount of money for a 30yo.

[mk18]

30 year old my ass.. please stop refereing to age


besides 30 years old is not alot... he still has over 4 years to go