Summer mercato 2009

Originally Posted by Samaldinho

I'd like to begin my post with thanks to those who praised my last post, it was very nice of all of you, thank you.

I'm glad that there is optimism here, there should be. There is obviously optimism with the players, and they know that they can do a lot more then they have shown before.

Ambro has scored more goals last season then he ever has. Gattuso was playing out of his skin before he got injured, and Pirlo seemed to grow back into his former self as the season progressed, albeit with some inconsistency. Flamini has grown and come from a "great for a free-transfer" to a mainstay of Milan's squad. This is the backbone of our midfield, and with Beckham hopefully returning, we will have a very strong core to work with.

Will Seedorf rise to occasion? Well, frankly, he has to in order to get a spot in this new squad. If he wants to play, he will have to work hard, and I don't see why he won't.

Plus, if people ask what a world-cup year does to a player, look at what Beckham did to get back into England's team. Ronaldinho has not shown that he has the same work-ethic (few players in history, actually can come close to Beckham's work ethic) but Ronaldinho has always been able to bank on his past to get him through his last tough patch.

Players have worked extremely hard for World Cup squads, look at Totti's return from injury for 2006, or Ronaldo for 2002. Ronaldinho knows that people in Brazil are thinking of how Brazil's squad is now Kaka's. Don't you think that infuriates him? Don't you think seeing Kaka wear his number 10 bothers him?

Ronaldinho does not have to do what Cassano has to do to get back into his National Team squad. I don't remember Ronaldinho screaming and tearing at his shirt over a yellow card, skipping training, or cursing at his trainers. Ronaldinho doesn't have an attitude, he could have been cursing and screaming while he was being benched. He was respectful when saying "I don't want to sit on the bench, but I respect the coach." So, he doesn't have to do this show and dance that Cassano does, because he has a great attitude and lifts team's spirits.

Does the team lack real depth? If Fabiano comes, the strikers will be Luis Fabiano, Pato, Inzaghi, Boriello and Zigoni. I think that's good there. Midfield will consist of Pirlo, Ambro, Flamini, Gattuso, Seedorf, Abate, Di Gennaro, and Ronaldinho. Don't forget the Uruguayans, who I feel will decide their future with this next season. The defense is worrying, I admit, but it will be good, if Nesta can stay healthy. That seems to be the bet of Milan, and I'm scared of it, but, if you're going to bet on a defender, why not bet on one of the best defenders in the last 20 years?

I think Janku will be pushed higher up the field, especially as it looks like a LB will be coming in. If I'm honest, I'd take Criscito over Cissoko or Andre Santos (who I don't think was that amazing anyways) but, again, the defensive qualities of the full back are secondary in Leonardo's formations because the full backs are designed to push forward, while the midfield cannot be "dynamic" and fast, which means open to threat.

The midfield's job is to hold possession, keep the battle in Milan's favor and establish dominance. Who better to do that than Flamini, Gattuso and Ambro? Who better to offer smart tactical passes than Pirlo? Honestly, think about who these guys are again.

Milan is not done with the transfer market, I wouldn't be surprised if we get more than a CF and a LB, though Beckham's winter return will provide more options for Leonardo in the second half of the season. Milan are a team that obviously are not scared of spending money when needed, but, I don't see a 28-29 year old striker, especially one of Luis Fabiano's quality being worth more than 20 million. In fact, I would have trouble paying over 18 million for him, and I don't see why it's suddenly a problem that Galliani doesn't want to spend more money on an older player, when apparently, that's all we do.

We are not a laughing stock. We are not a second-rate team. We are a team that has turned out to be smart in the end. We always have been a team like that. If this is a surprise to you, then I wonder if you've known about the way Milan do things?

Many refer to Barca as a sort of comparison to us. If you look at Barca, their team was not to great last year. They got rid of Ronaldinho, Messi stepped up to a more consistent role, Henry finally played like he could and Etoo stayed to play like he could. So, we get rid of Kaka, Pato steps up his game, Ronaldinho finally plays like he can, and Seedorf stays to play like he can? Okay, maybe Seedorf won't play well, but I don't see why Pato and Ronaldinho can't come good.

Furthermore, Barca's team was structured around players brought to the club during Rjikaard's era. The players brought in for Pep really didnt play as significant a role as the other players. Keita did not play as much as Yaya, and Pique was the only real addition, who came good since Milito's injury.

So, honestly, a change of attitude, a new coach, a fresh chance to start over, these things actually can make a player who a year ago wasn't doing that well. Barca's squad is an example Milan can honestly look at.

If you want to talk about a player, who comes up big for his team when they need it, and you're saying that we don't have that players anymore (since Kaka left) then I just have to ask, have you watched Ronaldinho before? I'm not even talking about during his frightening best with Barca, but with us?

Against Braga he scored a scorcher. Against Napoli he pushed the team forward, hitting the free-kick to win the game. Against Inter he played very well, better than Kaka, and scored the game-winner. He dragged Milan back against Portsmouth, coming on with 16 minutes left to go and the score at 2-0.

Yes, it did not go exactly to the script, but this was his first season in Serie A, and I think Ronaldinho will relish the chance to not just prove his doubters wrong, but to show up Barca, to show up Kaka, to show Brazilians that his smile is still genuine and that he can still produce the moments of magic, of pure fantasy, to really just change a game.

Ronaldinho needs support, he is going through a low period, and has been. Our job for this club is to give those players that helping hand, that encouragement, that belief that they can do what we know that they can. If we don't believe in them, who will?

Whoah! Great post again mate... well done!

With a new coach and an influx of youngsters, we can be compared to Barca at the start of last season, albeit the fact that we are yet to dump our deadweights ( Kalac, Oddo, Seedorf etc.). You might say they have something to offer, but Dihno/Zambrotta/Deco still did, with two of those currently playing for our team! Look at how Messi is blooming due to Dihno's departure....

As well as this, our youth system is not up to par with Barca's. They have porducts from Iniesta to Messi. In saying this though, it's not that bad, as you must remember that manchester United poach most of thier youngsters from italy and South America....

With one more puropseful signing, either in defense or attack, we may be able to feel a little more reassured. hopefully the Fabiano signing will be wrapped up by next week. I am torn apart by this transfer though: Should we pay 20 million for a 29 year old, or just buy him after what we saw happen with Cissoko and Dzeko?

As well as this, I have my natural doubts about Leo. Once again comparing Milan to Barca (you may hate me for doing this, but the two clubs are more similar than you would think), Pep atleast appears to be a more uncomprimising figure when it comes to the discipline of his players. leo just looks too comfortable and jovial with his squad. I don't know, maybe that's a good thing, but ocassionally, you need figures to give a lazy player such as Dihno a good kick up the as$ to jolt his season back to life.

Next season will depend on how our players stand up. FLamini needs to take the next step and become a mainstay in our midfield. Pato needs to play his striking role, but also use his speed to create more chances due to kaka's departure. And Dihno, this will be one of the biggest seasons of his career. If he fails, his career in the top leagues of Europe is over. Finally, the right signings have to come. Minimal yet puropseful. Defenders and a CF.

Originally Posted by Gabriel489

Juve signed Melo for 18Mil+Marchanni, Canna for free, and Diego for 25mil sofar this season. Last year they signed Amauri for 15MIl+players, Poulsen for 8mil or so and Sissoko for about 8mil. Two years ago, they got Tiago +Almiron for about 40mil and Iqunita for about 10mil after playing in Series B. Thats a total spending of 124Mil with one year of playing with CL and did not sell any of their major players. Yes, they did sold Ibra, Thuram, Viera and Zambro four yrs ago, but they also played in Series B.

Milan signed Gooch for free, T. Silva for 16mil and will probably sign one or two more players before season starts, but sold Kaka for 65mil and Gourcuff for 15mil. Last years, they signed Dinho for 18Mil, Zambro for 12mil, Flamini for Free, Loan Senderous for 2mil, recall Borreillo for 8mil while sold RO for 10mil, Gila for 15mil and Brocchi for 1mil. Two years ago, they signed Emerson for 6mil and Pato for 20mil after winning the CL.
Thats a total spending of 82mil while out going players=106mil. On top of that, they won the CL, thats must be like 100mil.

Where did those money gone?

Excellent post Gab,

If mgt are so concerned about fin crisis and balancing the books they could of planned this transfer market in way they wouldn't of outlayed alot of $$$

1. No.1 target should of been Santacroce right from the beginning. Sell Kaladze (maybe include him in the deal), also sell Oddo. Both of them could of covered at least half of what we'd pay for Santacroce (that's being fairly conservative).
2. With the sale of Gourcuff, we certainly would of covered the cost of Cissokho. This teeth issue is bull****!
3. Already grabbed Onyewu. Adds depth to our defence. I suppose we need to wait and see if he was worth it, should be better then Senderos.
3. Selling Emerson (which we've done already) we should of gone for Mariga from Parma, great future prospect.
4. We've brought back Di Gennario and Abate (I think). Good move - adds depth to our squad.
5. Get a top-level CF. Not convinced about Fabiano. If mgt were smart they should of included Huntelaar in the deal with Kaka. I suppose we get Fabiano and wait for next year for Dzeko.

In the end, we could of spent in the range of $20-25mil, wouldn't of hurt the bank and with a reasonable squad.

Cissokho Nesta Santacroce Zambro
(Bonera) (Silva) (Onyewu) (Junku)

Gattuso Pirlo Flamini
(Mariga/DiGenario) (?) (Ambro)

Pato Fabiano Ronnie
(Borrielo/Pippo) (Seedorf)

Defensively, we look very strong...weakest link over the past few years. At least we would of fixed that problem. Midfield should be ok....having Hernanes would of been perfect (although more $$$). Forwards I don't know...wait until we can re-enforce the following year....hopefully Fabiano has a good year.

Comments?

Mate, I know it is a great effort to write a long post, but to say that we are like Barcelona is really the best joke I heard this year.

Having faith in Seedorf? R U kidding????
Ambro scoring more goals than before, that might be true, but not like he scored 15 goals or anything and on top of that, he actually played more last season than before.

Don't get me wrong, I do have faith in Leo, those young guys and even Dinho. But to say that Milan is on par with Barcelona???? Thats a bit of an overkill.
Yes, Dinho left Barcelona and so did Deco and Zambro and Messi stepped up for Barcelona. First of all Messi and Dinho are pretty much the same mode of player where as Kaka and Pato is not. Don't let their speed fool you, as those two are very different players.
Then Barcelona have guys like Xavi, Inesta, Marquez, Pugol, Yaya, Abidal, Eto, Milito, and the addition of Dani Alves.
If you think a midfield of Gattuso, Ambro, Seedorf, Flamini and Pirlo are equal to Yaya, Xavi, Inesta, Keita and Marquez, you really need to watch more than just Milan games.

Then you mentioned how Dinho will step up and save the day. Given that I am a Dinho fan and I know he will play well next season. But don't you find it ironic that two surplus players for Barcelona are now 2 mainstays for Milan? And yet you compare Milan to Barcelona?


Not to mention the age of the players.

I am not saying you should not have faith in Milan.... but it is to a point that becoming quite unreal. How long can Milan rely on Gattuso(32 in Jan), Ambro(32), Seedorf(33), Pippo(36 in Aug), Nesta(33-with one year layoff), Janku(32), Zambro(33 in Feb), Pirlo(30)-If he stays, not to mention Favalli. The players I mentioned with the exception of Favalli will most likely be the starting players for Milan. Thats just not normal.

Leo might have the courage to bench them if they are in bad form and play Abate and DiGennaro, and thats something he needs to prove.

As of now, I really don't think Milan is competitive enough to challenge for the League and CL given that MIlan have too many ifs and unknown.

Originally Posted by 'The Bulldog'

Excellent post Gab,

If mgt are so concerned about fin crisis and balancing the books they could of planned this transfer market in way they wouldn't of outlayed alot of $$$

1. No.1 target should of been Santacroce right from the beginning. Sell Kaladze (maybe include him in the deal), also sell Oddo. Both of them could of covered at least half of what we'd pay for Santacroce (that's being fairly conservative).
2. With the sale of Gourcuff, we certainly would of covered the cost of Cissokho. This teeth issue is bull****!
3. Already grabbed Onyewu. Adds depth to our defence. I suppose we need to wait and see if he was worth it, should be better then Senderos.
3. Selling Emerson (which we've done already) we should of gone for Mariga from Parma, great future prospect.
4. We've brought back Di Gennario and Abate (I think). Good move - adds depth to our squad.
5. Get a top-level CF. Not convinced about Fabiano. If mgt were smart they should of included Huntelaar in the deal with Kaka. I suppose we get Fabiano and wait for next year for Dzeko.

In the end, we could of spent in the range of $20-25mil, wouldn't of hurt the bank and with a reasonable squad.

Cissokho Nesta Santacroce Zambro
(Bonera) (Silva) (Onyewu) (Junku)

Gattuso Pirlo Flamini
(Mariga/DiGenario) (?) (Ambro)

Pato Fabiano Ronnie
(Borrielo/Pippo) (Seedorf)

Defensively, we look very strong...weakest link over the past few years. At least we would of fixed that problem. Midfield should be ok....having Hernanes would of been perfect (although more $$$). Forwards I don't know...wait until we can re-enforce the following year....hopefully Fabiano has a good year.

Comments?

I think in past years we haven't had the versatility of Flamini, who is just as good in defense as in the midfield. Still, the purchase of just one more defnder... It will be a worthy investment Berlu, just do it!

Yes, we should have replaced Emerson straight away, and I am sure, the acquisition of Mariga wouldn't have been so hard. Now that Parma are in Seire A, it will be more difficult. Hernanes of course, remains a dream. He costs more than any player we have pursued so far in the transfer market, even more than Dzeko.... If we take the dive and sell Pirlo, then he would be relaistic. Howver, I would prefer to play it safe.

Originally Posted by Gabriel489

Mate, I know it is a great effort to write a long post, but to say that we are like Barcelona is really the best joke I heard this year.

Having faith in Seedorf? R U kidding????
Ambro scoring more goals than before, that might be true, but not like he scored 15 goals or anything and on top of that, he actually played more last season than before.

Don't get me wrong, I do have faith in Leo, those young guys and even Dinho. But to say that Milan is on par with Barcelona???? Thats a bit of an overkill.
Yes, Dinho left Barcelona and so did Deco and Zambro and Messi stepped up for Barcelona. First of all Messi and Dinho are pretty much the same mode of player where as Kaka and Pato is not. Don't let their speed fool you, as those two are very different players.
Then Barcelona have guys like Xavi, Inesta, Marquez, Pugol, Yaya, Abidal, Eto, Milito, and the addition of Dani Alves.
If you think a midfield of Gattuso, Ambro, Seedorf, Flamini and Pirlo are equal to Yaya, Xavi, Inesta, Keita and Marquez, you really need to watch more than just Milan games.

Then you mentioned how Dinho will step up and save the day. Given that I am a Dinho fan and I know he will play well next season. But don't you find it ironic that two surplus players for Barcelona are now 2 mainstays for Milan? And yet you compare Milan to Barcelona?



Not to mention the age of the players.

I am not saying you should not have faith in Milan.... but it is to a point that becoming quite unreal. How long can Milan rely on Gattuso(32 in Jan), Ambro(32), Seedorf(33), Pippo(36 in Aug), Nesta(33-with one year layoff), Janku(32), Zambro(33 in Feb), Pirlo(30)-If he stays, not to mention Favalli. The players I mentioned with the exception of Favalli will most likely be the starting players for Milan. Thats just not normal.

Leo might have the courage to bench them if they are in bad form and play Abate and DiGennaro, and thats something he needs to prove.

As of now, I really don't think Milan is competitive enough to challenge for the League and CL given that MIlan have too many ifs and unknown.

No way is Milan on par with Barca, but we can look to the Spanish club as a model for next season....

Last year, barca were coming off a failiure of a campaign, having been beaten by Madrid. An extensive overhaul occured, and a new faced coach was introduced. Hmmmmmm, sounds similar to Milan this year! youngsters were given a chance, and the team gelled well due to pep's programs.

If Leo can use him as inspiration, coming in as a first year coach of a changing team himself, then we can succeed. Perhaps not to the same level, but to a various degree.
Sure, Milan is not the same to Barca now, but we are similar to Barca at the start of last season. The only thing missing is the overhaul. Nothing too extreme but still confused as to see how Oddo, Kalac, Seedorf and the likes still haven't left. MGt. needs to make some hard decsions, it is as simple as that!

Filippo Inzaghi: Luis Fabiano Is Welcome To Join Milan
The veteran striker does not mind competition, especially if it means strengthening the squad.
10 Jul 2009 06:54:59

Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi has spoken about the possibility of Sevilla attacker Luis Fabiano joining the club this summer, as it has been widely reported in the Italian media.

Inzaghi declared that he would be pleased if another important player joined the Rossoneri, and did not have any reason to oppose this decision, considering his current age.

"Fabiano isn't a Milan player yet," commented the former Juventus star to Milan Channel. "In these years I've always said that if a champion arrives at Milan, he is certainly welcome because he can help us to win.

"In case he doesn't arrive we would still have valid alternatives in our squad, like [Marco] Borriello, and we're ready. Certainly if I was 28 Milan would not be looking for a first striker, but since I am 36 the club does well.

"Our squad remains competitive, but it's up to the club and the coach to decide the market."

Inzaghi then spoke about the transfer scene on the whole and the Champions League for the upcoming season.

"Real Madrid have operated a lot on the market because they needed to, Manchester United have lost important players," he explained.

"My wish is that Italian football goes back to being what Milan was on the European stage over the last few years. However, I think the Italian teams will go further this time compared to previous years."

During his eight seasons at the club, Inzaghi has collected 165 appearances in Serie A and scored 68 goals.

Glenn Debattista

I hope more Milan players voice a strong opinion on our transfer acticity. atleast Inzaghi speaks for the team, rather than other more selfish players who hate competition and desire to play for Milan till they are 40 thus dragging the squad down (I am not talking about Maldini!).

Last time, our players were talking up Adebayor, as well as Dzeko. neither came, so we shouldn't get to excited....

Sevilla Ace Luis Fabiano's Price Goes Down – Report
Good news for Milan, who now stand a good chance of signing the Brazilian forward from Sevilla.

According to Jose Fuentes, agent of Sevilla attacker Luis Fabiano, his client's price has gone down to €18 million, which is a sum much closer to the €14m that Milan are prepared to offer for the striker, the Gazzetta dello Sport reports.

The Rossoneri's main problem in signing a striker has been their lack of funds, as their offers this summer have always been distant from players' asking prices.

Sevilla had initially asked for €30m to sell their star player, but this price tag has come down in time.

The Rossoneri and Luis Fabiano have therefore moved a little closer to each other, with the probability of seeing the Sevilla player in Serie A next season increasing.

In fact, Milan want to see whether his price will slip further down in the coming days before making a final decisive assault on their main transfer target.

After losing out on Wolfsburg forward Edin Dzeko, the Rossoneri have no intention of remaining empty handed, but this does not mean that they will offer any price in order to obtain their transfer market targets.

goal.com

Originally Posted by otoniel

Sevilla Ace Luis Fabiano's Price Goes Down – Report
Good news for Milan, who now stand a good chance of signing the Brazilian forward from Sevilla.

According to Jose Fuentes, agent of Sevilla attacker Luis Fabiano, his client's price has gone down to €18 million, which is a sum much closer to the €14m that Milan are prepared to offer for the striker, the Gazzetta dello Sport reports.

The Rossoneri's main problem in signing a striker has been their lack of funds, as their offers this summer have always been distant from players' asking prices.

Sevilla had initially asked for €30m to sell their star player, but this price tag has come down in time.

The Rossoneri and Luis Fabiano have therefore moved a little closer to each other, with the probability of seeing the Sevilla player in Serie A next season increasing.

In fact, Milan want to see whether his price will slip further down in the coming days before making a final decisive assault on their main transfer target.

After losing out on Wolfsburg forward Edin Dzeko, the Rossoneri have no intention of remaining empty handed, but this does not mean that they will offer any price in order to obtain their transfer market targets.

goal.com

18 million is a perfect price. milan, don't screw it up this time. Everyone on the market besides freebies have an inflated price this year. Take the opputunity whilst you can..... I would agree wiht Galliani if Sevilla were holding out for 20 million, but 18? Perfect....

Originally Posted by Saliwonczyk

No way is Milan on par with Barca, but we can look to the Spanish club as a model for next season....

Last year, barca were coming off a failiure of a campaign, having been beaten by Madrid. An extensive overhaul occured, and a new faced coach was introduced. Hmmmmmm, sounds similar to Milan this year! youngsters were given a chance, and the team gelled well due to pep's programs.

If Leo can use him as inspiration, coming in as a first year coach of a changing team himself, then we can succeed. Perhaps not to the same level, but to a various degree.
Sure, Milan is not the same to Barca now, but we are similar to Barca at the start of last season. The only thing missing is the overhaul. Nothing too extreme but still confused as to see how Oddo, Kalac, Seedorf and the likes still haven't left. MGt. needs to make some hard decsions, it is as simple as that!

The two most common misconception in this forum lately are:
Sheva left and Milan won CL in 2007, why can't Milan do it again next year.
And Milan will be like Barcelona, as Milan got a new coach just like them last year.

Two very different cases and history will not repeat itself.

Pippo is great but he is also turning 36 soon, how long must Milan rely on its mid 30s players to deliver.

Pavel Nedved To Inter Very Possible - Report
It seems like the Czech player could extend his career by one year in order to play for the Nerazzurri next season.
10 Jul 2009 07:20:48


Former Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved had decided to hang up his boots at the end of last season, but reports coming from Italy are suggesting that he could join rivals Inter in the coming days.

According to sportmediaset.it, president Massimo Moratti, coach Jose Mourinho, directors Marco Branca and Gabriele Oriali, and the player's agent, Mino Raiola, had a meeting at the club's headquarters.

Officially, it was to discuss defender Maxwell's contract, but in reality the main topic of conversation was the one-year contract offered to Nedved.

When asked about this possibility, Moratti did not give anything away, by just stating, "Those who are directly responsible will talk about it."

Therefore, the possibility of seeing Nedved in the Inter shirt next season could be quite high, especially since Moratti does not want to satisfy Chelsea's financial requests for Deco.

It will now be up to the Czech legend himself, whether he wants to end his career at Inter and probably hurt the feelings of the Juve fans by joining their bitter rivals.

Glenn Debattista

hope it happens. hope Inter sign Deco too, and then they can start the revolution of signing ageing has-beens like Milan has done for yers. perhaps I should give Nedved more respect, but he has played in ugly colours during his career.....

Originally Posted by Gabriel489

The two most common misconception in this forum lately are:
Sheva left and Milan won CL in 2007, why can't Milan do it again next year.
And Milan will be like Barcelona, as Milan got a new coach just like them last year.

Two very different cases and history will not repeat itself.

Pippo is great but he is also turning 36 soon, how long must Milan rely on its mid 30s players to deliver.

In no way Gabriel, am I saying we will be as great as Barca next season. All I am stating is that we are in a VERY similar situation to barca when they started last season. We should use them as a model to base future success on.....

Why are people squirming when Milan gets compared to barca? No one is saying who is better, we are just saying that with a young coach and a different mentality, Milan is in a similar situation to Barca last season. Whether that means success depends on a variety of factors!

I am not a kind of person to call others stupid, especially if these persons are highly qualified and full of expierence.

There's one thing which I cannot understand coming from Milan, but again I'm the stupid one not them

Leo said that he wants possession of the ball in the opposite team area, but how can we make it without Pirlo, especially as some rumors are saying that a LB will come instead of Pirlo and Janku move into midfield?

I cannot see it happens with only Dinho as a ball holder.

Maybe I should make myself more clear. Milan is not in similar situation as Barcelona last year.

It is completely different.

Barcelona sold Deco, Dinho and Zambro and lost Thuram to retirement.
OF the four, only Zambro played more regularly while as Dinho and Deco were in and out of the lineup.
Deco with no real replacements-but Inesta and Xavi are more than capable of covering his job.
Zambro left and was replaced by Dani Alves.
Dinho left and replaced by Helb. Even though Helb is not in the same class as Dinho, but given Dinho's role at Barcelona in his last season. Helb was merely a sub or for squad rotation for the big three.
On top of that, I think only Marquez, Henry and Pugol were over 30 at the start of their season, while the rest are all mid 20s or early 20s.
Most importantly, Dinho did not play a major role at Barcelona compare to Messi.

JUst b/c Milan have a new coach, sold their best player does not make them in a similar situation as Barcelona.
Real have a new coach too, and apparently got a few good players, does that mean they are similar to Barcelona too.

If any team is simliar to Barcelona, that must be Juve. With its youth, new signings and the existing squad, they are very much like Barcelona at the start of their treble winning season.
They both got a new coach, both have youths coming up the ranks and making a name for themselves, both teams are very solid in midfield, both have a veteran defenders at the back to lead the up and coming stars, and both have attackers that can entertain.

Originally Posted by Maltese Charlie

I am not a kind of person to call others stupid, especially if these persons are highly qualified and full of expierence.

There's one thing which I cannot understand coming from Milan, but again I'm the stupid one not them

Leo said that he wants possession of the ball in the opposite team area, but how can we make it without Pirlo, especially as some rumors are saying that a LB will come instead of Pirlo and Janku move into midfield?

I cannot see it happens with only Dinho as a ball holder.

One player to answer your question.

MR. 4-time CL winner.


For real though, Milan always have possession of the ball, but whats the point of that if the other teams have 8 players defending? Unless you are Barcelona who has players like Messi, Henry, Eto, Inesta, Xavi and D. Alves who can draw defenders and dribbles pass them. If not, then the team must play with movement. The quicker Milan can turn the ball to the opposing field from their own half the more chances they have to score. But that will actually require players to run run run and run some more. Something that they really had not been doing.

Originally Posted by Gabriel489

Maybe I should make myself more clear. Milan is not in similar situation as Barcelona last year.

It is completely different.

Barcelona sold Deco, Dinho and Zambro and lost Thuram to retirement.
OF the four, only Zambro played more regularly while as Dinho and Deco were in and out of the lineup.
Deco with no real replacements-but Inesta and Xavi are more than capable of covering his job.
Zambro left and was replaced by Dani Alves.
Dinho left and replaced by Helb. Even though Helb is not in the same class as Dinho, but given Dinho's role at Barcelona in his last season. Helb was merely a sub or for squad rotation for the big three.
On top of that, I think only Marquez, Henry and Pugol were over 30 at the start of their season, while the rest are all mid 20s or early 20s.
Most importantly, Dinho did not play a major role at Barcelona compare to Messi.

JUst b/c Milan have a new coach, sold their best player does not make them in a similar situation as Barcelona.
Real have a new coach too, and apparently got a few good players, does that mean they are similar to Barcelona too.

If any team is simliar to Barcelona, that must be Juve. With its youth, new signings and the existing squad, they are very much like Barcelona at the start of their treble winning season.
They both got a new coach, both have youths coming up the ranks and making a name for themselves, both teams are very solid in midfield, both have a veteran defenders at the back to lead the up and coming stars, and both have attackers that can entertain.

I repsect your opinion, and admit that Juve are the more similar club. Still, why not use last season's Barca as a model, both for the new look team and coach?