Audi Cup 2009

I honestly don't think we played that poorly. I think our finishing was woeful, but we had plenty of chances. Dinho created a lot, and I have to say Abate impresses me more and more.

Ambrosini and especially Oddo were without doubt our weekest links. Pato was bad too.

Let me clarify: I think, considering the exhaustion our players have, and how erratic our formations have been, and without continuity, we played better than I expected.

Borriello and Pato are both out of form. That really is the difference between our 1-1 scoreline and the 3-1 scoreline that we should have had. Thiago Silva has scored more than any player for Milan, bar Inzaghi, that should do two things: We'll have more goals from the back then before, but that our attack is either just out-of-form, or we might have trouble in attack.

The truth of the matter is that you rarely have great defenses with impotent offenses. Sure, there are great defensive lines that can hold back onslaughts, but the reality is that on a day-to-day basis, a good attack allows your defense to breath, reorganize, and be ready for the next shift in possession. That was the major issue against Bayern, besides exhaustion, and today it simply forced us into a draw.

I think Inzaghi is being rested so that he can actually score goals that matter, in games that matter, and these games will be used to bring Borriello back to some semblance of playing ability, while Pato obviously is not match-fit, or if you wanted to be mean, say that he is showing his age.

I think the biggest issue Leonardo has is that he really has only put his best team out once: that was against Chelsea. The first half against Chelsea was how Milan should play, I mean, Seedorf was lively, Ronaldinho and Seedorf combined very well. Once Onyewu and Kaladze came onto the field, things began to deteriorate. Still, that has been the only time we've actually seen Milan's real first team, yet it seems Leonardo insists to play entire matches in video-game-like formations with little regard to how the players actually are, but how they should be on paper.

Our next pre-season game should start like so:

----------------Stotari
Antonini/Oddo--Nesta--Silva--Zambro
-Abate/Gattuso---Pirlo---Flamini
--------Seedorf----Ronaldinho
-----------Pato/Inzaghi

Sure, we might complain, and sure, Berlu might ask for two strikers or whatever. The reality is that Carlo understood how to get the best out of these guys, and rather than get angry because Seedorf can't run like he used to, or Pirlo is to burned out to either, why not put a five-man midfield that can control the ball better than any team on this earth to compensate for their lack of mobility.

What lack of mobility in Pirlo or Seedorf, you make up with the grit of Gattuso, Flamini, and when needed the high-impact and frankly attack-minded running power of Abate. The kid doesn't only have a great engine, but he has a great cross and a powerful shot.

I just wish Leonardo would stop trying to make us playing like Barca or Milan is 2002, and simply just use the formation that our players are best equipped to play with and stop caring about whether people will say you are simply taking Carlo's tactics. Because frankly, every team except maybe Man Utd have adopted elements of Carlo's reign at Milan in their tactical setups.

I'm not dissappointed at the result, I'm really doubting Leonardo's ability. I think he's much better a sporting director than a manager, and I think Carlo has been vindicated by these last few showings.

That being said, this is only pre-season, and pre-season did not mean very much last year, and we were a few injuries away (not just Nesta, really Gattuso) from really have a true scudetto push. You could tell that we didn't care about the UEFA Cup. I really hope Leonardo can prove me wrong.

Originally Posted by Warro Bantan

We have nothing to show for this pre-season except that:
a) it was wrong to sack Carlo
b) it was wrong to sell Kaka
c) it was wrong to appoint an inexperienced coach
d) it was wrong not to reinforce the squad

And Varese isnt a scalp...its dandruff.

Way too early to say c)

Saachi was an inexperienced coach too.

Having said I think Milan should contact me. I can win it all for us. I've been working on a philosophy for the last few years. It's almost ready and will succeed for all players.

I think we need to forget the results right now. As depressing as it might seem that we're losing so many matches, it's understandable.

If we look at our losses, in particular Chelsea, Inter, Bayern and today, there's a lot to take from them. Against Chelsea we didn't actually play a particularly bad game, and a draw would have been fair. Against Inter, we lost and were generally dominated, but as has been mentioned we had 3 days less preparation for the match. Against Bayern we were dominated after 10 days without training and 3 games in that time. Let's face it, a combination of factors affected our play and like the Inter match, Bayern were much fresher. Similar factors come to play in today's match, where we actually played some decent football and really should have won. I think we would have if we had been physically in better shape.

Unfortunately, our preseason to date has made Leonardo's job very difficult as he's getting no time for training. Hopefully, after 3 days rest and training from Monday, we should see some improvements in the squad.

Mentally, we're looking more determined than in the past, and it's obvious players are looking to do well, which is a very positive sign. Tactically, I think there's been a mixed bag, with plenty of experiments at this point. That said, we're not looking bad in our approach to the game. We're playing tighter as a unit and it's good to see players working for each other.

Our weaknesses are obvious right now. We lack depth in quality, especially at the back where the wingbacks are almost embarassing and the CBs after Nesta and Thiago are terrible. Our attack is lacking the odd player, and we really need someone as Borriello really doesn't have the quality as a starter, given that it's clear Leo's balancing the duties in attack with both Pato and Borri working to move into wide areas and deeper as well as both coming into the box to finish moves.

The goalkeepers are questionable right now, though I'm ok with it as it is as Abbiati should return in the early part of the season, and Dida is an able backup.

The defence needs a LOT of work. Thiago looks good, but has a tendency to get drawn out of position. By working on this, he'll be a top class defender. Onyewu doesn't impress me at all and I just hope Bonera can act as a good backup. Kaladze should be sold immediately imo, we should really go after Santacroce. However, it's the fullbacks that worry me most. Antonini is doing well, but defensively is weak and could be a liability during the season. Zambro is clearly past his best though still very good, but we desperately need a top level wingback.

The midfield isn't in bad shape, we have a lot of variety and we could be fairly strong in the department in the new season. It's good to see Janku being used more in midfield this preseason and Abate especially will be VERY useful in the new season.

The forward line is doubtful. Dinho looks good so far, but has to keep working, as at times his distribution is letting him down at key moments. Pato is looking ok for me. He looks a little like he's lacking match sharpness, but let's not forget he missed the early training. He will be behind the other players at this point. However, he needs a better partner up front. Borri seems too limited to do the role.

Originally Posted by Warro Bantan

We have nothing to show for this pre-season except that:
a) it was wrong to sack Carlo
b) it was wrong to sell Kaka
c) it was wrong to appoint an inexperienced coach
d) it was wrong not to reinforce the squad

And Varese isnt a scalp...its dandruff.

I'm afraid I disagree with some of those. Carlo towards the end of his time at Milan was really showing signs of losing control. We really needed a change and despite the losses, I think Leonardo's brand of football is a worthwhile cause, we just need to be patient. In that regard, I disagree at this point with a and c. I agree with b and d.

Carlo should not be sacked? Get the Fck outta here.

You guys bit-ch way too much, look at the game closely please. This many games in a matter of a 2 weeks and the guys were pressuring boca in the second half has to put a smile on your face.

Pato is way out of form.
Borrielo Horrible.
Oddo NO ****ing comment.
Gattuso did not look good to me.
Ambro sucked.
Thiago good.
Onyewu avg. his feet dont move quick enough.
Zambro Slow.
Abate amazing this guy deserves a starting spot. On Carlos team this guy would be a water boy.
R80 liked his passes, needs to work on his corners, horrible.


And please if you guys still complain about Kaka, Carlo and the past, build a time machine and bring them back if not route for your team. The team that takes the field.

OC Milano...I have no problem with people disagreeing with my posts, however, it would be much more mature of you to disagree as Rez and Dev did, by simply stating that they did disagree, and pointing out why.

The fact that you resorted to misspelled cursing is really in poor taste.

While it may seem that I am pulling rank because you disagree with me, I am simply asking that you refrain from cursing, misspelled or otherwise.

Thanks.

Not really cussing at you. People from the states would understand it, Just at the idea of that excuse.

Heads up to everyone on this site, my spelling sucks. Please dont take anything personal unless i cuss at you directly.

Samaldinho, I dont think its fair to blame Leo. Carlo lost against Chelsea 5-0 last year, why weren't you questioning his coaching credentials then. What about the infamous Liverpool final, or the Depor fiasco, or playing like crap over the last couple of years. Carlo had his good and fair share of bad moments at Milan. Leo is just starting off, with pretty much Carlo's squad. Yes he lost some pre-season games, but that doesn't make him a bad manager. Wait til the season starts and see what his record is in games that matter--then we can make predictions as to whether he has what it takes.

yup we lost, but atleast we played bit better this time.......

Originally Posted by OCmilano

And please if you guys still complain about Kaka, Carlo and the past, build a time machine and bring them back if not route for your team. The team that takes the field.

most stupid post I've read on MilanMania so far!

Isnt it normal to complain when a team loses its best player and doesnt get replaced by a quality striker wich was PROMISED by the management!! the 80m we got for kaka and gourcuff wouldve been re-invested, but nothing so far and it doesnt look good!! I think Milan fans have every right to complain.

I watched only the second half of Milan-Boca and I was surprised to see Dinho play significantly better than last season. He held the ball really well, attracted the opponents attention before sending some beautiful through-passes, did some tricks to get pass his markers, and the best of it all, initiated some blitzkrieg just like what Kaka used to do: running so fast to the box. In this aspect, I even believe he's better than Kaka as he has more creativity.

But our strikers disappointed me. Pato was faaaar from being clinical, wasted at least 3 clear chances, having an off-day as indicated by his miss form the penalty shot-out. But Borriello disappointedd me more. For a man of his size, he seems to get bullied too easily by his markers. Not exactly the kind of 1st option CF we badly need IMO.

Apart from one nice move from the left flank when he sent a curling cross to the box, Abate's performance was a mediocre one. In defense, Thiago Silva was our best player.

Just like Rino and Leo admitted a couple of days ago, we need SEVERAL quality players in all three departments if we are to challenge for scudetto and/or UCL

Originally Posted by Warro Bantan

OC Milano...I have no problem with people disagreeing with my posts, however, it would be much more mature of you to disagree as Rez and Dev did, by simply stating that they did disagree, and pointing out why.

The fact that you resorted to misspelled cursing is really in poor taste.

While it may seem that I am pulling rank because you disagree with me, I am simply asking that you refrain from cursing, misspelled or otherwise.

Thanks.

Yes, that's what I like from this forum. If someone disagrees with other's opinion, he just wrote what he thinks, the reasons why he disagrees. But everything can't be perfect. There is always an 'exception'.

I agree with some others, too early to 'evaluate' Leonardo's ability. As I said in the mid of the season, with new coach (especially with a newbie coach), we must have more patience. We can't expect instant results. Carlo was helped by the time he was coming to Milan (Milan were not targeting Serie A in 2001/02) plus Carlo had better (if not much better) team.

Your options (a till d) is a one answer quiz IMO.
I choose D : d) it was wrong not to reinforce the squad

Originally Posted by Warro Bantan

We have nothing to show for this pre-season except that:
a) it was wrong to sack Carlo
b) it was wrong to sell Kaka
c) it was wrong to appoint an inexperienced coach
d) it was wrong not to reinforce the squad

And Varese isnt a scalp...its dandruff.

Warro Kaka rarely played in pre-season. and sacking carlo was good for both parties

1st to show milan what kind of coach he is (i was supporting carlo's sack)
2nd to show milan how poor and float is their squad 1 player can unstable the whole team(i know he was our star player but still, there are 9 players left on the field)

regarding leo, well yesterday we felt the presence of the unexperienced coach milan was playing crap and leo was helpless. off course we should reinforce the crap. not for the hell of it but because we have almost 9 players who does not fit the category of training field human wall. so how about squad at starting 11 players

quite honestly we are all seeking the wrong replacement in the squad i think the most important part we most build right now is not the attack or defence or the Gk spot. but we need to reconstruct our midfield . if we need to play with 3 midfielder we need 2 more midfielders in our starting 11 pirlo, gattuso, ambrosini and seedorf wont do the work because the kind of midfield we currently have is way too defensive and tbh i no longer believe that with this kind of player we have we can run the show from midfield. we need two hard working midfielders off course we need hernanes and sneider together because pirlo is past his past so it does not make any sense to install two defensive midfielder to protect his build up.

and since we are not like inter, we dont build up play from attack (give the ball to ibra and he will do the rest) we cant run the game from attack. in case we wanna keep this scheme we need DROGBA. luis fabinho, the hunter and dzeko wont do us good with such build up, dzeko is very useful when you have 2 wide midfielders or two maicons

to write milan again on the bookers book you need at least 4 new players and keeping pirlo as well. we will have a very strong team who can possibly achieve any thing we might imagine.

LB MC MC ST this for the starting 11 and a decent dc for back up
decent DC to back up incase nesta or silva injured. Gooch is good but not good enough to make an impact. he is no better than bonera but huge upgrade over kala

we need around 70 mil but we will have a team worth wearing milan shirt.






BTW warro you should have added one more option

(E) It was wrong to retire el grande capitano