Forgive the double threading today, I had to get these issues off my chest.

I've been a serious Milan fan for around a decade, and I had big leanings towards the club before then. And I can safely say this is the most threadbare and feeble squad I can ever recall. In my lifetime tbh.

We've sold off the family jewels in Silva and Ibra, two players who elevated us, if not to Europe's absolute elite, then to a decent top 15 European club.

We've also lost one of the greatest defenders the game's seen in Nesta, so instead of a frankly incredible central defence in those two the best we have now are Yepes and Mexes. While not rubbish players they're hardly the kind of defenders Milan should have as first choice CBs.

Then on the flanks we have Antonini (let's face it, we ain't getting Kolarov) and Abate.

Midfield sees the fairly decent Montolivo and the industrious Nocerino, while Ambro, Muntari, Flamini, Constant, Urby, and Traore vie for the remaining slot. But none of these are players to inspire confidence in elevating the side above the norm.

The one marquee player is Boateng, but that he's behind the constantly below par or injured Pato, the talented but inconsistent Cassano, the relatively unknown Shaarawy and the reasonable Robinho rather undermines what he can give to the team.

The squad has been stripped, carved open, and its entrails lie all over the place - it is staggering to consider how weak this set of players is by Milan's standards.

We lost a hell of a lot of players this summer, but that Traore and Constant are about all we're seemingly bringing in is quite hellish.

Anyone else concerned that this squad may struggle to finish in the top 6?

It may be our weakest squad in a long time on paper but as for me it's refreshing to see new players, it could be start of a new era for Milan. I'm concerned that we might not win Scudetto but I believe this squad can at least challenge for top 3.

This post has been edited by amancik: Aug 8 2012, 08:34 PM

+1

Especially if we make a couple of last minute signings.

As for the weakest Milan side I've witnessed, it's got to be the 2000-2001 team.

Amen.


Yes.

I think if we don't make top 6 the fault will be squarely on the squad and coach not performing. Realistically, Juve, Inter, Napoli, Roma, Udinese are the only teams which you can claim are as good as us or more of a team. Still leaves us with 6th spot. Even if we SUCK.

The reason why I don't buy into this FFP cr@p is because with the squad we have we'll essentially be banning ourselves from the CL.

This squad is just not good enough right now. And with only 3 spots available it's looking more likely that CL won't even be a concern for us anymore

I think you meant to say "Still leaves us in trouble". (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) 6th spot this year and/or next be pretty bad for us.

Well..his question was if we would struggle for top 6. I mean we're up **** creek, but we're not sinking so-to-speak! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Makes sense. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/graduated.gif) Be interesting to see how we finish this upcoming season, nevertheless!

Mexes, Zapata, Abate, Montolivo, Nocerino, Boateng, Pato, Cassano, Robinho.

They're the only good players we have left. The rest are mediocre to downright pathetic players. The thing is that with a couple more purchases we could easily field a decent enough starting eleven. That's why I'm hoping for an injury-free season, so we can at least play our best men and not be forced to rely on our subs like it happened last season, when we had Thiago and Ibra saving our sorry asses match in and match out.

Didn't know we'd signed Zapata.

Abbiati? I dislike the guy, but he should be really mentioned here.

Well, he's a goalie, that's why I didn't mention him.

So, you're discriminating goalies nowadays (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Well, a team can be great even without a quality GK. Case in point, Barcelona.