[m1ke]

In a recent interview, Galliani openly discussed the Goalkeeping situation at Milan. He mentioned that in Carlo's eyes, the current pecking order for the No.1 spot goes Kalac, Abbiati and then Dida (whilst the club 'evaluate' his current condition).

Kalac had a solid season in 07/08, and was a breath of fresh air for Milan fans who'd learnt to look away every time the ball entered Dida's penalty area. But is he the right man to take Milan forward during 08/09? The 'Other' option is for people who think Milan should spend yet more money in the transfer window - if you pick this option, drop some names in this thread!

[LaPalma]

Kalac. He played a solid season last year. He's our best option though I agree with others that none of our GK is good enough to be our no 1.

[Jack Sparrow]

Kalac, let the others work their way from square one. Abbiati was dropped for Dida, and then Dida for Kalac. Let's see if things come a full circle.

[dst]

Kalac. Abbiati just came in and he's not better than him while Dida is not ready.

Undeniably, Dida is our most talented goalie but he should be give up on his actor's career first before he's given a real chance again.

[misha]

Kalac (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[acid911]

Kalac. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) Hmph.

[Bluesummers]

abbiati, hes the better of the three.

[kurtsimonw]

Abbiati is the best of the keepers we have, and as I do not believe we'll bring another in, he should get them.

[agenth]

who voted Dida!

anyway, Kalac, who has proven himself, and thankfully they acknowledged him and gave him the Nr#1 spot (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[MizNelson]

Nine votes for Kalac? Guess nothing's sacred anymore. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[KillerMax]

I voted Dida. I miss him.

[acid911]

Nine votes for Kalac? Guess nothing's sacred anymore.

That includes me. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Provided he gets back to his former glory, I want Dida to fight his place back so no one can take it back from him. Let everyone see the true worth of Abbiati and Kalac; there's a reason they never were first choice material. If he starts, fans will keep on negating everything the Brazilian does, and I'm afraid that'll be that.

If Dida wants to fight his way back, then let's do it the proper way. Best of luck to whoever starts. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

[agenth]

Nine votes for Kalac? Guess nothing's sacred anymore. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I voted Dida. I miss him.

Yes, you#re in love with the idea of the old Dida not the Dida-now. But reality check says that he proved to be very difficult to be in use last season. I'm not hating on him, just saying it's better to trust in someone, who tried to save us match for match. If Dida finds back to his old ability, i'll be there acknowledging his Nr.#1 status with open arms.

Name shouldn't matter, but ability.

Forza Kalac.

[acid911]

Name shouldn't matter, but ability.

You overestimate the name, then. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) The only reason Kalac looks this good is because Dida is so miserable. Admittedly, he made some very decent saves last season (all the while being in the shadows of Dida), so I don't dislike him. But wasn't he the one who landed us fifth place? Didn't even get us to the quarters of the CL? He had a good patch, and anyone else would have done equally good.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is even though he deserves the gloves (as of now), there is absolutely no telling that he'll keep it up, and his form, all season. Sooner or later he'll get back to what he was. And while there's absolutely no question in saying that he should start from the first match, the real battle will be between Dida and Abbiati. Kalac looked great because not much was expected form him. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) He was after all a second-choice stepping up to fill a first-choice's boots because the later had fallen of grace. This time we'll need all cylinders firing between the posts if we want to mount a challange for the league. No two words about this.

Kalac never was first choice, and I don't see him being towards the end of his career, touching age 36. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[agenth]

You overestimate the name, then. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) The only reason Kalac looks this good is because Dida is so miserable. Admittedly, he made some very decent saves last season (all the while being in the shadows of Dida), so I don't dislike him. But wasn't he the one who landed us fifth place? Didn't even get us to the quarters of the CL? He had a good patch, and anyone else would have done equally good.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is even though he deserves the gloves (as of now), there is absolutely no telling that he'll keep it up, and his form, all season. Sooner or later he'll get back to what he was. And while there's absolutely no question in saying that he should start from the first match, the real battle will be between Dida and Abbiati. Kalac looked great because not much was expected form him. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) He was after all a second-choice stepping up to fill a first-choice's boots because the later had fallen of grace. This time we'll need all cylinders firing between the posts if we want to mount a challange for the league. No two words about this.

Kalac never was first choice, and I don't see him being towards the end of his career, touching age 36. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Maybe you're right. But he has earned the right to try again, and how would have our season ended if he wouldn't have been at least a step better than his precedent?

I've said, that I don't know if he'll keep up, but as long as he has better performances than Dida, he should stay Nr.1

[acid911]

Maybe you're right. But he has earned the right to try again, and how would have our season ended if he wouldn't have been at least a step better than his precedent?

We'll never know, buddy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Last year Dida was almost as bad (or worse) and we ended our season as the Champions of Europe. I'm not saying it may have happened again, but like I said, this is something we'll never know. Plus, Kalac was pretty bad towards the end of our league season - let in goals in dozens. The Fiorentina performance was his peek, he unnecessarily got Man of the Match award at Emirates. If Arsenal had better finishing we'd have let in a bundle of goals in that game too. Recall the the Adebayor miss, towards the end?

Bottom line: As number one club in the world, we shouldn't even be talking about goalkeeping. Seriously. The situation is that dire. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I don't recall Juve/Inter or even Roma fans having discussions about their glovesmen, and so shouldn't we. A new age of Milan keeper is upon is, sooner rather than later.

I've said, that I don't know if he'll keep up, but as long as he has better performances than Dida, he should stay Nr.1

Stole words from my mouth. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) Whoever is the best should wear the jersey! And based on potential, talent and skills, Dida is twice the keeper than both of our other two combined. Provided he gets his mojo back. Provided.

[whoarethepatriot...]

I have little confidence in any of them, but that said Abbiati is probably the best. It would be unfair to kalac to strip him of No1 status so my vote goes to him. Unless Kalac goes into normal mode and makes ridiculous errors in Pre Season, it should be him and then Abbiati. Why Dida is still at the club is puzzling, can we please get rid of him and his high wages

Edit: We should have invested in someone like Curci and offloaded Abbiati and Dida

This post has been edited by whoarethepatriots: Jul 29 2008, 02:18 AM

[gal_kenny]

At this moment..Its definitely Abbiati...

[MizNelson]

At this moment..Its definitely Abbiati...

It'll take more than 45 minutes for the smoking zebra to earn a starting spot.

This post has been edited by MizNelson: Jul 30 2008, 02:19 AM

[acid911]

It'll take more than 45 minutes for the smoking zebra to earn a starting spot.

Haha. Truth. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) But whoever takes up the responsibility, best of luck to them. They'll need it, for the sake of us finishing the season with some gold. Crap or not. Traitor, or otherwise.

[Jack Sparrow]

My opinions haven't changed on this matter. It's Kalac, Abbiati and Dida for now.

[Zed.D]

I don't know... last night Kalac wasn't the surprising 'keeper [since normally he's an average 'keeper] we saw last season. he was so distracted and wobbly. Abbiati on the other hand showed determination, and well, saving three penalties [and a few great saves during the game] against a team like Inter is a feat, even if it is 'a meaningless 45-minute preseason friendly.'

[han2503]

My opinions haven't changed on this matter. It's Kalac, Abbiati and Dida for now.

Come on Jack, he was terrible yesterday and imo he was bad last season also apart from 4 games when he played out of his skin. The only reason he managed to keep his starting spot is because we only had Dida and Fiori.

And you might say last night was only a friendly, but isn't that what friendlies are for (apart from the money (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ) to help the coach evaluate the players' fitness and form ahead of the season? Kalac showed that he is back to his old ways.

Abbiati showed that at least for now he deserves to start. And I hope that he will be the one to start against Sevilla in Moscow. Kalac was never good enough, simple fact

This post has been edited by han2503: Jul 30 2008, 12:36 PM

[Jack Sparrow]

Come on Jack, he was terrible yesterday and imo he was bad last season also apart from 4 games when he played out of his skin. The only reason he managed to keep his starting spot is because we only had Dida and Fiori.

And you might say last night was only a friendly, but isn't that what friendlies are for (apart from the money (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ) to help the coach evaluate the players' fitness and form ahead of the season? Kalac showed that he is back to his old ways.

Abbiati showed that at least for now he deserves to start. And I hope that he will be the one to start against Sevilla in Moscow. Kalac was never good enough, simple fact

And I'm saying one friendly shouldn't start a fever. Suppose next game you see Abbiati letting one in through his legs, what then?

Of course in terms of ability Abbiati is head and shoulders above Kalac...he's in the NT for Pete's sake. I'm just saying one friendly doesn't mean he starts. Maybe over the course of performances in training and friendlies from now till August. So you pick the player in the best condition.

Basically, I'm saying it's too early to tell. What if Dida starts against Sevilla and ManC and does all Abbiati does and more. We know he's capable of it. I mean didn't we judge Abbiati as cr@p till before the merda match (god knows why (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ), so what if the 'Real Slim Dida' turns up?

Holding onto my judgement is what I'm doing for now...

[kurtsimonw]

It was clear Abbiati was the best of the 3 keepers anyway, and he solodifies his position as the should be #1 with his performance yesterday.

Who cares about what he said in the past? You play the best players avilable to you, if you're going to let petty things get in the way, and drop somebody because of it, you're a very weak coach. Then again, we do have Carlo..

[han2503]

And I'm saying one friendly shouldn't start a fever. Suppose next game you see Abbiati letting one in through his legs, what then?

Of course in terms of ability Abbiati is head and shoulders above Kalac...he's in the NT for Pete's sake. I'm just saying one friendly doesn't mean he starts. Maybe over the course of performances in training and friendlies from now till August. So you pick the player in the best condition.

Basically, I'm saying it's too early to tell. What if Dida starts against Sevilla and ManC and does all Abbiati does and more. We know he's capable of it. I mean didn't we judge Abbiati as cr@p till before the merda match (god knows why (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ), so what if the 'Real Slim Dida' turns up?

Holding onto my judgement is what I'm doing for now...

All I'm saying is that he was great yesterday and because of that performance he should start in the Railway Cup games. I never said that he should be a definate starter for next season. But this is why the friendlies are, judging by that performance it's obvious who should keep the gloves for the next friendly. And if by any chance he returns to the Abbiati who was at Atletico then Carlo can re-think about who should start, but until Abbiati keeps performing solidly ie being consistant and on form during the entire pre-season then I see no reason why he should not be given the #1

It would be illogical of Carlo to keep rotating between the 3 keepers when there is already an obvious choice, and once that 1st choice screws up then Carlo will regroup and see who is doing better. Until then Abbiati should continue starting according to his performances.

And you might say that these are only pre season friendlies but from how Kalac reacted when he conceeded those 2 goals especially the first one you could see how important these games are to him because he knows he will lose his place. Which is a good thing imo

It was clear Abbiati was the best of the 3 keepers anyway, and he solodifies his position as the should be #1 with his performance yesterday.

Who cares about what he said in the past? You play the best players avilable to you, if you're going to let petty things get in the way, and drop somebody because of it, you're a very weak coach. Then again, we do have Carlo..

Exactly

[Rossoneri7]

And I'm saying one friendly shouldn't start a fever. Suppose next game you see Abbiati letting one in through his legs, what then?

Of course in terms of ability Abbiati is head and shoulders above Kalac...he's in the NT for Pete's sake. I'm just saying one friendly doesn't mean he starts. Maybe over the course of performances in training and friendlies from now till August. So you pick the player in the best condition.

Basically, I'm saying it's too early to tell. What if Dida starts against Sevilla and ManC and does all Abbiati does and more. We know he's capable of it. I mean didn't we judge Abbiati as cr@p till before the merda match (god knows why (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ), so what if the 'Real Slim Dida' turns up?

Holding onto my judgement is what I'm doing for now...

Good post (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Dida remain #1 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[acid911]

Of course in terms of ability Abbiati is head and shoulders above Kalac...he's in the NT for Pete's sake.

Hey, that's my dialogue. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Anyway, super post, Captain. Full of logic.

[LaPalma]

It was clear Abbiati was the best of the 3 keepers anyway, and he solodifies his position as the should be #1 with his performance yesterday.

Who cares about what he said in the past? You play the best players avilable to you, if you're going to let petty things get in the way, and drop somebody because of it, you're a very weak coach. Then again, we do have Carlo..

I don't think I agree with that. IMO you should play the eleven players with the best chemistry.

[agenth]

huh`what did he say in the past, again?

[acid911]

huh`what did he say in the past, again?

Pretty bad stuff. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) Tennie will have all the details (or MizNelson), but apparently he was cross with Milan for loaning him out every year. Honestly, if anyone's a traitor he's this guy. Someone like Gila looks a saint in his company. Trust me on this one.

[kurtsimonw]

I don't think I agree with that. IMO you should play the eleven players with the best chemistry.

Yes, I agree with you. What I meant was playing your best team, the team that works best, etc. Not dropping somebody that's a part of that just because of something he said.

[LaPalma]

Yes, I agree with you. What I meant was playing your best team, the team that works best, etc. Not dropping somebody that's a part of that just because of something he said.

OK...then we agree (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[MizNelson]

Pretty bad stuff. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) Tennie will have all the details (or MizNelson), but apparently he was cross with Milan for loaning him out every year. Honestly, if anyone's a traitor he's this guy. Someone like Gila looks a saint in his company. Trust me on this one.

I apologize in advance if I've posted this already, but I've mentioned this on many different forums that I lose track. Anyhoo, Abbiati played up to the Juve ultras and insulted Milan by singing "Chi no salta rossonero" when Juve won the '06 Scudetto.

Of course in terms of ability Abbiati is head and shoulders above Kalac...he's in the NT for Pete's sake.

Well, yeah, but he hasn't been capped since 2005. It's been quite awhile.

[Tennie]

I voted 'other'. At this point, I haven't seen (or read about) enough of the various performances of the candidates to have a definite preference. Dida hasn't even played yet (though to be honest, he's still got a pretty black mark in my book for what he did at Parkhead). I think it'll be easier for me to have a preference after the next few friendlies.

[dst]

Dida looks so cool with his new hair though.

[acid911]

Dida looks so cool with his new hair though.

Really? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) Haven't seen any of his latest photos.

[dst]

Really? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) Haven't seen any of his latest photos.

Saw him during the Trofeo TIM presentation. It's just a bit longer than before but he looks much cooler in my opinion. Wait, I'll just take a snapshot.

Here
(IMG:http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4201/snapshot20080731014156ij7.jpg)

[acid911]

Aw thanks, dst. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Dida has been known to change hairstyles every now and then. Just like Ronaldo does.

[agenth]

Saw him during the Trofeo TIM presentation. It's just a bit longer than before but he looks much cooler in my opinion. Wait, I'll just take a snapshot.

Here
(IMG:http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4201/snapshot20080731014156ij7.jpg)

reminds me of ronaldo's hairstyle
(IMG:http://www.mypersianbay.com/serendipity1/uploads/Ronaldo3.jpg)

although there are better ones. shame that when i type in i almost see only cris

(IMG:http://www.thefootie.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/cristiano-ronaldo-merche-romero.jpg)

(IMG:http://blogs.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/worldcup/ronaldoneee.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/05_01/MilanRonaldoPA_468x476.jpg)

This post has been edited by agenth: Jul 31 2008, 12:16 AM

[acid911]

although there are better ones. shame that when i type in i almost see only cris

Best quote I've read in a long time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) At least, in my country Ronaldo = that Manchester guy. Only people who have a knowledge of world football know the Brazilian. Most recall Christiano.

[MizNelson]

Saw him during the Trofeo TIM presentation. It's just a bit longer than before but he looks much cooler in my opinion. Wait, I'll just take a snapshot.

Here
(IMG:http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4201/snapshot20080731014156ij7.jpg)

Yowza. You just made my night, dst. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Locke Lamora]

although there are better ones. shame that when i type in i almost see only cris
(IMG:http://www.thefootie.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/cristiano-ronaldo-merche-romero.jpg)

Playing with ourself aren't we Ronaldo?
From that chick's eye you can see she's thinking "What the f...? Nevermind, the pay is good."

[MizNelson]

he's still got a pretty black mark in my book for what he did at Parkhead

In all honesty, I'd rather see him make an *** of himself on the pitch than off it (et tu, Ronaldo?).

Playing with ourself aren't we Ronaldo?

That's not him; I think it's Cris.

This post has been edited by MizNelson: Jul 31 2008, 01:43 AM

[Locke Lamora]

That's not him; I think it's Cris.

Well I meant that Ronaldo.

[MizNelson]

Well I meant that Ronaldo.

I was thinking of Cris from Lyon and the Brazilian NT. My mistake.

[acid911]

Yeah, that's everybody's favorite friendly neighborhood Christiano Ronaldo. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Enjoying himself, I must add.

[Tennie]

In all honesty, I'd rather see him make an *** of himself on the pitch than off it (et tu, Ronaldo?).

I'm going to respectfully disagree on this point. My personal interest is in the club, not in any one individual who plays on the team (not even Maldini). Embarrassing the team by one's on-pitch behavior is Bad. (And yes, this would also include things like Carlo flipping off the Juve fans).

[MizNelson]

I'm going to respectfully disagree on this point. My personal interest is in the club, not in any one individual who plays on the team (not even Maldini). Embarrassing the team by one's on-pitch behavior is Bad. (And yes, this would also include things like Carlo flipping off the Juve fans).

Point taken.

[Jack Sparrow]

All I'm saying is that he was great yesterday and because of that performance he should start in the Railway Cup games. I never said that he should be a definate starter for next season. But this is why the friendlies are, judging by that performance it's obvious who should keep the gloves for the next friendly. And if by any chance he returns to the Abbiati who was at Atletico then Carlo can re-think about who should start, but until Abbiati keeps performing solidly ie being consistant and on form during the entire pre-season then I see no reason why he should not be given the #1

It would be illogical of Carlo to keep rotating between the 3 keepers when there is already an obvious choice, and once that 1st choice screws up then Carlo will regroup and see who is doing better. Until then Abbiati should continue starting according to his performances.

And you might say that these are only pre season friendlies but from how Kalac reacted when he conceeded those 2 goals especially the first one you could see how important these games are to him because he knows he will lose his place. Which is a good thing imo

Well there's no argument from me, that right now the score is Kalac:0 Abbiati:1 Dida: N/A

But what I mean is, the goalkeepers should continue to be rotated in the friendlies. So that in the end, everyone has had an equal amount of chances, and it has been established beyond doubt who is the best. We can't just continue to start Abbiati from now on, and ignore the others. In fact it might be counter productive, he might get complacent again. At which point he is worse than even Fiori!

I apologize in advance if I've posted this already, but I've mentioned this on many different forums that I lose track. Anyhoo, Abbiati played up to the Juve ultras and insulted Milan by singing "Chi no salta rossonero" when Juve won the '06 Scudetto.


Well, yeah, but he hasn't been capped since 2005. It's been quite awhile.

There was also the incident where a post criticizing Dida and Ancelotti came up on his website. He denied it of course, said it was his webmaster who had done it.

Oh btw..he's in the NT I think. He was recalled after Peruzzi retired right?

[MizNelson]

There was also the incident where a post criticizing Dida and Ancelotti came up on his website. He denied it of course, said it was his webmaster who had done it.

Oh btw..he's in the NT I think. He was recalled after Peruzzi retired right?

Ah, yes, the website incident. Blaming it on his webmaster was the equivalent of "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." (Go to his Wikipedia entry and look up the link to his comments.) Unrelated, but he sacrificed his starting job at Torino for a bigger payday at Atletico, yet he didn't even crack the first team until incumbent Leo Franco got hurt.

According to Wiki, he has four (!) caps. Since Peruzzi's retirement, anytime he's been called up it's been as a third keeper behind Buffon and Amelia. In Euro 2008, DeSanctis was Italy's third GK.

Abbiati should continue starting according to his performances.

Not sure where the plural comes in, as it was one 45-minute affair. This is the same Abbiati who once coughed up five goals against Fiorentina while with Torino. Therefore, we can't declare that someone is on form - Abbiati, Dida, whomever - based on one performance.

If Dida does not start at least one RRC match and/or Man City, I will be very annoyed. Quit pussyfooting and get him back in net.

[Jack Sparrow]

That's a fair point. Dida should definitely start a few matches. He looked ok in the goal4africa match. Played pretty well. But instinctive shot stopping wasn't really his problem. It's in those 50/50 situations where he has to make a pre-meditated decision that we've been having problems.

This post has been edited by Jack Sparrow: Jul 31 2008, 06:55 AM

[MizNelson]

That's a fair point. Dida should definitely start a few matches. He looked ok in the goal4africa match. Played pretty well. But instinctive shot stopping wasn't really his problem. It's in those 50/50 situations where he has to make a pre-meditated decision that we've been having problems.

His problem is that he's a goalie with too much left brain.

[Jack Sparrow]

And the left brain does what? That's the part of the brain that likes drugs and goes high right?

[MizNelson]

And the left brain does what? That's the part of the brain that likes drugs and goes high right?

LOL!

The left brain fuels your analytical thinking. On the contrary, I have too much right brain because I'm an artist. That's the "party" side of your gray matter.

[Zed.D]

Well, yeah, but he hasn't been capped since 2005. It's been quite awhile.

Buffon. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Mook]

Milan Have Best Keepers Ever – Kalac

Zeljko Kalac is looking forward to fighting for the Milan No.1 jersey this season with Nelson Dida and Christian Abbiati, and claims that he has never seen three goalkeepers of such quality all in one squad.

The Rossoneri have three experienced shot-stoppers to choose from this coming campaign, with Kalac, Abbiati and Dida all fighting it out for one spot in the team.

“Concerning the role of the keeper, I think that at Milan there are no problems,” Kalac is quoted as saying by Milan Channel.

“I have never seen three goalkeepers of this quality in one squad. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

“Both Abbiati and Dida are nice lads and it's great to work together during training, it helps us improve.”

During last night’s victorious Trofeo TIM, Kalac played the first game against Juventus, while Abbiati turned out against Inter. The giant Aussie was happy that Milan returned back home from Turin with the cup, following penalty shootout wins against Juve and Inter, and he is looking forward to the new season.

“Personally I think last night's test in the Trofeo Tim was positive,” Kalac explained.

“We are satisfied with how it went. We are still at the start of the preparations for the new season and we must continue working well in this month, so we start the season in our best form.

“It's nice to see the enthusiasm of the fans around us, I think it’s caused by the purchases made by the club. The fans have a lot of faith in us which we hope to repay by winning again this year."

Roberto Rossi

Link

And I hope we never again see three keepers of this quality in our squad ever again!

[Jack Sparrow]

They're quality. Just out of form. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[dst]

What about Mike Tyson?

[Jack Sparrow]

He might bite off a Celtic fan's ears. I would prefer Tony Jaa

[han2503]

Well there's no argument from me, that right now the score is Kalac:0 Abbiati:1 Dida: N/A

But what I mean is, the goalkeepers should continue to be rotated in the friendlies. So that in the end, everyone has had an equal amount of chances, and it has been established beyond doubt who is the best. We can't just continue to start Abbiati from now on, and ignore the others. In fact it might be counter productive, he might get complacent again. At which point he is worse than even Fiori!

Still don't find any reason to keep rotating the keepers if one of them is already an obvious choice. We must have a solid keeper going into the new season and by giving Abbiati a consistant run it will allow us to have that as long as he performs.

I'm not worried about consistancy, he knows that he can lose his place easily enough. This is not like it was with Dida these last 3 years where the only other options were a terrible Kalac and Fiori, we have 3 keepers that are basically all on the same level but if Abbiati is the one that steps up and is consistant during the entire pre season then I don't see why he shouldn't be first choice, but we will only know this if he's given a consistant run during pre season. Which should begin by him staring against Sevilla, and if he performs solidly again then he gets then next start if not then Carlo will re-asses. I think this would be the smartest way to handle it

Not sure where the plural comes in, as it was one 45-minute affair. This is the same Abbiati who once coughed up five goals against Fiorentina while with Torino. Therefore, we can't declare that someone is on form - Abbiati, Dida, whomever - based on one performance.

If Dida does not start at least one RRC match and/or Man City, I will be very annoyed. Quit pussyfooting and get him back in net.

It's not about the 45 minute game, it's about a keeper that has earned the right to the NEXT start. I'm not saying that because of his performance against Inter now it should be Abbiati's divine right to always be 1st choice far from that. I'm saying that since he performed well in that game, then he should get the next start and if he performs well against Sevilla then he should again be first choice in the game after that. That's what I mean by saying that he should get the start according to his performances.

[m1ke]

Milan have declared that Zeljko Kalac will be their No 1 next season, leaving Richard Godden to wonder why the Rossoneri haven’t signed a new goalkeeper

It is often said that a quality goalkeeper can be worth as much as 15 or 20 points per season, yet you rarely hear anyone talk about how many points a bad ‘keeper loses a team. Look at last season’s top four, for example. Julio Cesar was the stand-out custodian with a magnificent term between the sticks for Serie A champions Inter, while Alex Doni, Gigi Buffon and Seb Frey were outstanding performers for Roma, Juventus and Fiorentina respectively.

And then you’ve got fifth place Milan, who kept opposition fans thoroughly entertained throughout the campaign for all the wrong reasons. First there was Nelson Dida, who received the ultimate dose of karma for his shocking play-acting against Celtic by making a major blunder that cost the Diavolo the Milan derby. It was by no means his only mistake either.

His replacement was Zeljko Kalac. The giant Australian is not what you would call a bad goalkeeper – he generally does the basics pretty well – but he doesn’t win you matches in the way the aforementioned quartet do. Could you have seen any of them letting in Cesc Fabregas’ speculative 30-yard daisy cutter which knocked Milan out of the Champions League?

It’s by no means a footballing rule, but nowadays it’s rare that a team lacking a reliable goalkeeper wins major honours. I believe that Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter have probably been the best four teams in Europe over the past two years when it comes to their respective domestic Leagues. And what do they all have in common?

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Rossoneri won the Champions League at a time when Dida seemed to have sorted his game out – which, funnily enough, was when he was playing for a new contract – although even then he still gave opposition players hope that there was an error just around the corner.

There is a decent enough ‘keeper who represents the red and black half of San Siro, yet he clearly hasn’t convinced those above him. Christian Abbiati has proved in the past that he’s got what it takes to win the Scudetto and even if he’s not always the most reliable presence between the sticks, he is easily better than his Milan rivals.

Yet why should a club of this size settle for second best? If Adriano Galliani and Silvio Berlusconi can justify taking a gamble on Ronaldinho – and make no mistake about it, they really have spun the Wheel of Fortune when it comes to the buck-toothed Brazilian – then why not splash the cash on a top-class goalkeeper?

[GrinReaper]

I think that we should go for a good and young goalkeeper. There are quite a few to choose from such as Akinfeev, Ochoa, Kameni, Amelia or the one I'd really want to see guarding the Rossoneri goal: Boruc.

[MizNelson]

I think that we should go for a good and young goalkeeper. There are quite a few to choose from such as Akinfeev, Ochoa, Kameni, Amelia or the one I'd really want to see guarding the Rossoneri goal: Boruc.

I personally wanted Frey, but he unfortunately knew better than to come to the zoo over here.

[acid911]

I personally wanted Frey, but he unfortunately knew better than to come to the zoo over here.

Do did my younger brother. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) But Frey isn't stupid enough, I guess. He made the right decision, I guess, just like Lloris did. Unless some changes occur in the keeping department, only the best keepers would consider Milan, so they know they'll be starting. There's currently just too much competition. Or false competition, whichever way you like it.

[Mook]

Damn I think I voted for Kalac when this poll came out. I want my vote back. Having Kalac in goal against Chelsea was ideal, since the game was a circus and he was an absolute clown.

Give the god damn gloves to Abbiati!

[vahid]

I want to change my vote too!IMO now Kalac is one of the worst keepers i saw ever

[m1ke]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) How one game can change people's perceptions of a player! I didn't catch the Chelsea game, but I saw the goals and thought Kalac was only at fault for 1 out of the 5. Those who voted for Kalac before this game must have had a reason to do so. I personally think Abbiati should get the nod at the start of the season, but I don't think we should crucify Kalac after one mistake.

[Rossoneri7]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) How one game can change people's perceptions of a player! I didn't catch the Chelsea game, but I saw the goals and thought Kalac was only at fault for 1 out of the 5. Those who voted for Kalac before this game must have had a reason to do so. I personally think Abbiati should get the nod at the start of the season, but I don't think we should crucify Kalac after one mistake.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Next, you will see Dida doing a 'Superman' at Manchester and they'll change their wheel yet again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Mook]

I thought he was at fault for the first and third goal. It was more the way he conceded the goals. Were suppose to be one of the best teams in the world and we have this guy who can't even clear a ball that is passed back to him. Maybe it was one lapse, but I can't think of say a Buffon or Casillas doing something stupid like that. Add to that Abbiati has looked completely in control in goals and it makes a strong case for him to lose his spot. Especially now that his starting position is actually on the line he's choking.

[vahid]

Also Abbiatti was better than kalac in TIM cup

[Zed.D]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) How one game can change people's perceptions of a player! I didn't catch the Chelsea game, but I saw the goals and thought Kalac was only at fault for 1 out of the 5. Those who voted for Kalac before this game must have had a reason to do so. I personally think Abbiati should get the nod at the start of the season, but I don't think we should crucify Kalac after one mistake.

Kalac has always been like that - an average goalkeeper - with the exception of a few months. those few months made people incorrectly change their minds. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I thought he was at fault for the first and third goal. It was more the way he conceded the goals. Were suppose to be one of the best teams in the world and we have this guy who can't even clear a ball that is passed back to him. Maybe it was one lapse, but I can't think of say a Buffon or Casillas doing something stupid like that. Add to that Abbiati has looked completely in control in goals and it makes a strong case for him to lose his spot. Especially now that his starting position is actually on the line he's choking.

Spot on.

[m1ke]

Well, that Lampard 'cross' took a deflection off a defenders head at the last second - if he had saved it, it would have been pretty impressive. I don't want to defend players just because they play for Milan - I know they get paid ridiculous amounts of money and should be able to clear a simple backpass, but these things happen in football. It probably took a little bobble at the last moment and bounced over his foot - just plain bad luck.

Do I think Kalac is good enough to start for Milan? No, I still think we should have signed Boruc. But we didn't, and Kalac is still here, so I think his performances towards the end of last season have earnt him enough respect to be given another shot.

[Zed.D]

these things happen in football.

As Mook said, not for goalkeepers like Buffon, Casillas, etc. had he not made that stupid mistake on the third goal people wouldn't have criticized him so much... that was simply an unacceptable mistake.

[kurtsimonw]

My vote was for Abbiati.. this pre-season has only strengthened my opinion.

[Habitant]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Next, you will see Dida doing a 'Superman' at Manchester and they'll change their wheel yet again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

i guess your desperate to have dida back in goal.

[MizNelson]

Kalac is still here, so I think his performances towards the end of last season have earnt him enough respect to be given another shot.

Not really. He was good for about four or five games before regressing back to his usual self.

[Bluesummers]

Not really. He was good for about four or five games before regressing back to his usual self.

i agree +1

[Bluesummers]

kalac is a good goalie but not a WC goalie. Dida is a great goalie with his confidence back. Abbiati is a really great goalie. We need a wc goalie like boruc and not this ***** on our team. But what can we do when our owner is a stingy scrooge this year.

Naughty word removed.

This post has been edited by Tennie: Aug 4 2008, 07:19 PM

[mishie]

There is only 1 choice at the mo..Abbiati. I remember when he first came into the side he was very very good, i wish we had other alternatives but we haven't i think he is the best we have at the minute.

[Bluesummers]

There is only 1 choice at the mo..Abbiati. I remember when he first came into the side he was very very good, i wish we had other alternatives but we haven't i think he is the best we have at the minute.

exactly.

[LaPalma]

I don't think Boruc is world class. He makes to many mistakes in time. Dst is right..we should have gotten Gigi when we still had the chance. Now it's impossible to sign a proven wc keeper.