[m1ke]

There seems to be a general consensus amongst Rossoneri faithful at the moment that whilst Milan have done well in this summers transfer market, we're still unsure if our defence is up to the task.

I was looking through our 07/08 results the other day, and noticed that during our last 16 games, we only kept 1 clean sheet (March 22nd, away to Torino - 0:1). I know we're keen to forget the 07/08 season for obvious reasons, but these kind of facts don't lie - that's simply not good enough for a club who've had the likes of Baresi, Costacurta, both Maldini's, Tassoti (etc etc etc) on their books in recent times. I don't usually put too much emphasis on preseason games, but the recent loss to Chelsea has only compounded these problems.

Is it just a case of Carlo not picking the right pairing? I think most of us our in agreement that Nesta should start when fit (if you don't agree, please let us know (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ) - but who should partner him? Is Carlo showing too much faith in Kaladze? Should we be giving youth a chance, and playing the likes of Darmian? Have we got enough talent on our books, or do we need to make further moves in the market to bring in re-enforcements? (if so, who?)

[Rossoneri7]

The only pairing that seems right to me is Nesta & Maldini ...

Even if Milan brought in Puyol, Cannavaro and Sergio Ramos ... I would still be biased.

[Tennie]

Gosh. I was at the clean sheet game! I should claim a cookie for being good luck. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

As to the question, I voted Maldini. There are those who argue that at 40 he's too slow to keep up with younger faster players -- yet he was perfectly capable of doing so at the Emirates last spring. No, he's not the marauding leftback any more but for big games there's nobody else in the squad I'd rather see playing with Nesta at the heart of the defense.

[acid911]

Maldini. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) Both Ten and R7 have explained it better than I ever could.

Good thing dst is on some sorts of a vacation, or he'd have said: What kind of a stupid question is this! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Tennie]

Just wait for him to come back. After he's done doing Bad Things to Cap'n Jack, I'm sure he'll have some insight to offer on this thread. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[acid911]

(IMG:http://i38.tinypic.com/2196lub.gif)

I'm not sure they'll come back, Tennie. It's a duel to the finish. Knowing them both, I'd be surprised if either one survives. They were great members, of this esteemed community, but alas they'll be missed. Amen.

[Locke Lamora]

Maldini for sure.
Nesta and Maldini work wonders together, Kaladze is a catastrophe and neither Bonera or Simic are up to it.

[acid911]

Maldini for sure.
Nesta and Maldini work wonders together, Kaladze is a kaladzestrophe and neither Bonera or Simic are up to it.

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

[misha]

1. Of course Paolo when fit
2. Bonera
3. Kaladze (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

That said, we need another wc option and release Simic (for his sake).

[Zed.D]

Since we're not going to buy a truly world class CB, it's Maldini for me too. I've always preferred Maldini in the center rather than in the left (in recent years of course).

After Maldini comes Kaladze (he's mediocre against small teams but [hope I don't get killed for saying this] solid in big matches when he's paired up with Nesta). then Bonera.

[acid911]

hope I don't get killed for saying this

People have gotten away with saying much more here, so I don't really think your life is in any danger for the foreseeable future. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

I voted for Bonera. On the basis that Paolo just can't handle playing too many games and that he usually gets picked in the bigger games and.. doesn't do his reputation justice, especially against quicker teams. Kaladze just isn't good enough. Bonera - given the chance - will be fine in my opinion.

[whoarethepatriot...]

Ideally it would be Maldini, but realistically he will only play half a season. Despite his stupid errors at times, Kaladze almost always peforms in big games (Bonera hasnt had much of a chance though 45 mins against Man Utd aside and a Juve match)

For me Kaladze slightly edges out Bonera due to big game experience

[Jack Sparrow]

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti talked about the team's injury problems and the goalkeepers situation.


Carlo Ancelotti talked about Milan's injury crisis, admitting the team have serious problems in defence. The Rossoneri's coach held a meeting with manager Adriano Galliani yesterday after the team's disastrous 5-0 defeat to Chelsea.

"Right now we have quite a few problems in defence, so we can't think about the attack yet," said Ancelotti. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

At the moment Milan are missing Kaká, Marco Borriello, Filippo Inzaghi, and Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho, who are both involved in the Olympics.

"Even though Paolo Maldini is 40 years old now and he's coming off a long-term injury, he's still reliable. Also Daniele Bonera is a guarantee," the coach continued.

Zeljko Kalac's mistakes against Chelsea probably puts Christian Abbiati in pole position, but Dida will get a chance in Saturday's friendly against Manchester City.

"We have three first choice goalkeepers. During this period we are looking at them and so far Abbiati has certainly done better than Kalac. Now we'll see how Dida performs," Ancelotti concluded.

Looking at the statements, (goal.com, but this is a news report without any conjectures so..) I would guess the following:

* Defence is certainly identified as a trouble area, and we're not sticking our heads in the sand
* Kaladze is no longer considered a 'guarantee'. Bonera and Maldini are. So is it actually going to be Maldini-Bonera-Kaladze? Just like misha and kurt wanted?
* Abbiati is indeed number 1 for now, unless Dida does something interesting against Manchester City. Reckon, we might defend shabbily to give Dida a work out? Oh wait..we don't need to 'defend shabbily'...we just need to defend, the shabby part takes care of itself. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Christian Panucci's agent revealed that his client has peaked the interest of AC Milan...


Milan have had somewhat of an injury crisis during this pre-season period and may yet be forced back into the transfer market due to certain gaps remaining in the squad.

One of the positions that seems most unstable at the moment is that of the centre back role. The club is sorely missing the qualities of injury prone Alessandro Nesta and suffering to a certain degree from the lack of a true centre back, with full backs often having to deputise in the heart of defence.


This has lead to speculation that the Rossoneri may be scouting the market for a defender that can potentially fill this role. The names of Thiago Silva and Christian Panucci have done the media rounds. Now, Panucci's agent has revealed that Milan have made their interest known.


The Roma player is not naturally a centre back as he plays right-back for the Giallorossi. During Euro 2008, though, he impressed in a solid central partnership with Giorgio Chiellini.


However, this particular transfer target may be too far out of reach for Il Diavolo. Milan could be forced to look elsewhere, with the agent revealing that Panucci is keen on finishing his career in Rome.

Would have been a good choice to partner Nesta. He doesn't seem to need a lot of time to pick up vibes with a defensive partner. He did it well with Chiellini. But would Roma want to sell? He does have a history with us before he left with Madrid...so might be an option. In any case, a quick fix is what we need for the next season.

[han2503]

Even though would prefer Maldini, realistically we all know that he won't be able to form a consistant partnership with Nesta. So I chose Bonera. Maldini would obviously be first choice but between injuries and problems with playing a large ammount of matches in a short period of time I thought about who would play instead and since the options are either Kala and Bonera I would obviously go with Bonera.

Kaladze should have been off loaded to Chelsea when they offered Milan a good deal for him, with that said he should be 3rd choice but we all know that won't happen

[vahid]

@Jack Sparrow

Panucci?he is 35 and too old to be a quick fix!

[Fillipo Simone]

@Jack Sparrow

Panucci?he is 35 and too old to be a quick fix!

A qick fix meaning he'd have no problems to adapt. He allready played here for us 3 years. I'd be glad having him back. But it won't happen.

[Bluesummers]

there shouldn't even be a poll lol. Its carlo so its kaladze.

[Jack Sparrow]

I posted that Carlo interview. I think Kaladze like Dida last season has been put on probation too.

[Bluesummers]

I posted that Carlo interview. I think Kaladze like Dida last season has been put on probation too.

unless bonera steps up kaladze will have his spot guaranteed.

[Jack Sparrow]

Bonera doesn't need to step up, the way Kaladze has been playing recently. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) He just needs to step in.

[LaPalma]

Bonera doesn't need to step up, the way Kaladze has been playing recently. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) He just needs to step in.

That pretty much sums up the probs we're having in defense. Bonera will never be more than a mediocre defender but Kaladze will never be more than well...Kaladze (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[Giancarlo]

That pretty much sums up the probs we're having in defense. Bonera will never be more than a mediocre defender but Kaladze will never be more than well...Kaladze (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I happen to think Bonera is a fine defender. And Kaladze needs some rest. I always viewed him as a great defender when he steps it up. The way we can force Kaladze to step it up is another defender (Ivanovic preferably).

[whoarethepatriot...]

I agree with Giancarlo, Bonera is a good defender but is unlikely to become world class. I rate him pretty highly, but to really improve he needs a consistent run in the team. He pulled of some very impressive displays in 06/07 when he played fairly regularly due to injuries.

Ivanovic loan would be good, Canini/Santacroce signing even better

The poll should be changed to who will play in denfense with regards to Nesta's injury status

[acid911]

Bonera doesn't need to step up, the way Kaladze has been playing recently. He just needs to step in.

Or maybe step over. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Like his fast-friend Brocchi does, those little Robhino-like step overs. Not quite the massive ones like Christiano Ronaldo.

[Mook]

None. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I just hope Nesta is ready for the start of the season. He's the only one who can cover our deficiencies in defence.

I guess either Bonera or Kaladze would be the best bet. The main problem with Bonera is his lack of mentality, such as when he gets caught out of position and just grabs the guys shirt or the sissoko incident. While the main problem for Kaladze is his sh*tness. The only thing he has in his favour is he did manage to form a pretty solid partnership with Nesta not so long ago. Whether that was all Nesta covering his mistakes, it still worked well.

[Rossoneri7]

Biggest problem is Nesta ... No one knows what will happen.

It's a back injury and those could be cured by tomorrow or 6 months ... No one knows (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)



sigh ... Kaka' and Nesta.

[Zed.D]

I know Barzagli didn't impress against Holland, but everybody rates him as a good defender since he played solidly in Serie A [we shouldn't judge him for that Euro match as even Gallas-Thuram looked like amateurs against the Dutch]. if we'd signed we would've had a good backup for defense now... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/whew.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

^^ He plays in Wolfberg (spell) now ... That explains a lot (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[LaPalma]

Well It's Wolfsburg and IMO they paid way too much money for him...14 million for the transfer plus a wage of almost 3 million € a year...
But who knows, Felix Magath is a good coach and maybe he'll improve. But I can't see him reaching the level of Nesta, Canna someday...he won't even be close.

[Giancarlo]

I know Barzagli didn't impress against Holland, but everybody rates him as a good defender since he played solidly in Serie A [we shouldn't judge him for that Euro match as even Gallas-Thuram looked like amateurs against the Dutch]. if we'd signed we would've had a good backup for defense now... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/whew.gif)

I always thought he was sub-par with Palermo... Palermo basically overhauled itself (even more than we did)... they replaced many players. Thuram was older and ran out of steam. Barzagli is much younger (10 years younger right?)... he's an average defender who sometimes does very poorly. Especially if he doesn't have someone to partner with... he does at best average with Cannavaro...

I say if we really want a great defender, we need to try to take Chiellini away from Juventus (he was perhaps Italy's best defender in the Euro Cup). Other than that, I'm still in favor of Ivanovic coming to Milan...

This post has been edited by Giancarlo: Aug 10 2008, 04:22 PM

[acid911]

I say if we really want a great defender, we need to try to take Chiellini away from Juventus (he was perhaps Italy's best defender in the Euro Cup).

Perhaps is very much putting it mildly. He was. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleepysmiley03.gif)

[Tennie]

I rather like Chiellini. He just needs to stop playing man-bowling with his teammates. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[han2503]

Well It's Wolfsburg and IMO they paid way too much money for him...14 million for the transfer plus a wage of almost 3 million € a year...
But who knows, Felix Magath is a good coach and maybe he'll improve. But I can't see him reaching the level of Nesta, Canna someday...he won't even be close.

He'll probably never reach just half the potential of those players you mentioned. After seeing him in the EUROs not playing next to Canna you could see how mediocre he is when he doesn't have a top quality defender playing next to him. He's a Kaladze

[han2503]

Well It's Wolfsburg and IMO they paid way too much money for him...14 million for the transfer plus a wage of almost 3 million € a year...
But who knows, Felix Magath is a good coach and maybe he'll improve. But I can't see him reaching the level of Nesta, Canna someday...he won't even be close.

He'll probably never reach just half the potential of those players you mentioned. After seeing him in the EUROs not playing next to Canna you could see how mediocre he is when he doesn't have a top quality defender playing next to him. He's a Kaladze

[Il Capitano]

I like Zapata, he is young,strong,fast and got skill. It should not be that hard to lure him from Udinese.

This post has been edited by Il Capitano: Aug 10 2008, 08:06 PM

[Giancarlo]

He'll probably never reach just half the potential of those players you mentioned. After seeing him in the EUROs not playing next to Canna you could see how mediocre he is when he doesn't have a top quality defender playing next to him. He's a Kaladze

I think even Kaladze is more class than he is. I think Kaladze has a lot of personal issues right now... not just his injury... I think he has emotional ties to what is happening in his country. I'd be distracted on the field too.

It'd be interesting to see if Kaladze can sway Berlusconi to say something to Putin.

Anyways back to the topic...

This post has been edited by Giancarlo: Aug 11 2008, 08:44 PM

[drucurl]

what says the mass public about Marquez...Ancelotti called his name on goal.crap....any thoughts. I like him (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[Tennie]

He actually mentioned Marquez in his prematch interview (see match thread) and it was mentioned on the transfer thread. I think the net opinion was 'we'd prefer one of the silva brothers'.

[han2503]

I think even Kaladze is more class than he is. I think Kaladze has a lot of personal issues right now... not just his injury... I think he has emotional ties to what is happening in his country. I'd be distracted on the field too.

He was bad even before all off the trouble started up, personally I never liked him in the center back position, he was good at LB but as far as playing in the center goes, I think he's mediocre and if he doesn't have Nesta constantly holding his hand he'll manage to screw up

@ drucurl, Marquez was never class in his best of days and he's definately not class now when he is in his decline. I personally don't know what Carlo is thinking (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) because this guy is not even worth the trouble and definately not the 'world class' center back he speaks of. And I would prefer if we stayed clear from Barca from now on I think we've done enough business with them unless they're willing to give us Puyol on Alves (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Somebody here mentioned Zapata, I think he would be our best option, great defensively, fast skillful, already experianced when it comes to Serie A and would make a great pairing with Nesta. I think 10 - 15m would be enough to get him from Udine

[Giancarlo]

He was bad even before all off the trouble started up, personally I never liked him in the center back position, he was good at LB but as far as playing in the center goes, I think he's mediocre and if he doesn't have Nesta constantly holding his hand he'll manage to screw up

I don't really agree with that but that's your own opinion.

Somebody here mentioned Zapata, I think he would be our best option, great defensively, fast skillful, already experianced when it comes to Serie A and would make a great pairing with Nesta. I think 10 - 15m would be enough to get him from Udine

This is probably not going to happen... Udinese already have lost a few players... and 10-15 million is way too much. I'd prefer Alex Silva for 7 million.

[han2503]

This is probably not going to happen... Udinese already have lost a few players... and 10-15 million is way too much. I'd prefer Alex Silva for 7 million.

Well it would cost a bit more to get a player with Serie A experiance that wouldn't need a lot of time to integrate into the team... And I think if offered enough money Udine would buckle and sell.

As for Alex Silva, most Brazilians who watch their domestic league regularly rate Thiago Silva much more highly then they rate Alex, so who knows...

[Portman]

From the list above... anyone but Maldini. You already know my opinion about him.

I'd go for Bonera as Kaladze is... well, you know - Kaladze.

[Bluesummers]

From the list above... anyone but Maldini. You already know my opinion about him.

I'd go for Bonera as Kaladze is... well, you know - Kaladze.

my feelings too but its going to be kaladze. We all know carlo too well.

[anano1214]

Maldini

[Rossoneri7]

Considering Senderos has been added to Milan's backline options, the quality partnership that Milan has is definitely Nesta & Maldini.

I guess the quality CB will come after Maldini retires

[Jack Sparrow]

Who?

You know anyone up for sale?

[acid911]

You know anyone up for sale?

Clubs aren't stupid to sell the best-of-the-best CBs now-a-days. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) You'll have to snatch them in, like we did with Nesta. Or grow them ourselves using youth setups. Plus, I can count absolutely great CBs on my hands, and I'd still have fingers to spare.

Still one year is a long time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) A lot can happen.

[dst]

Kolo is the man! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

when paolo is out which is going to happen, well i'd like to see senderos have shot. i'd rather see a young dude make some mistakes a learn then watch kaladze make mistakes and well lets just say we all know the expression you cant teach an old dog a new trick (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

@Jack ... Mexes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Kolo is the man! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I really don't know what you see in him ... Every time I watch Arsenal I try to figure out what it is u admire, but all I can see is his ability to do something when going forward .. Other than that, I wouldn't consider him Milan quality per say

This post has been edited by Rossoneri7: Aug 30 2008, 06:39 AM

[Bluesummers]

[carlo vision=ON]defintly kaladze not even a question about that dozer. [carlo vision=OFF]

[morgoth]

Pretty obvious to me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)