[Fillipo Simone]

So, let's see what the match will bring. Up till now not much news, only that the referee will be Jonas Eriksson.

Btw. noticed Wiese did not play last Bundesliga match...any news of him being injured or was Schaaf just resting him?

(IMG:http://www.stadionheft.de/titelbilder-chronik/1988-89/mailand-bremen_88-89.JPG)
{Just a small reminder}

This post has been edited by Fillipo Simone: Feb 24 2009, 03:42 PM

[Tennie]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) Baresi.

(By the way, he goes to Milan games. Sits with the regular crowd in the first red ring too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) )

[Bluesummers]

i hope carlo doesn't mess this one up. Anyways, if were going to have a chance against them were going to have to play pato and dinho.

Abbiati-zambro-trash-maldini-janku-beckham-pirlo-ambro-seedorf-dinho-pato


1-0 milan win if carlo doesn't do anything stupid.


Another note they have frings back, he was suspended last game. I hope to god seedorf steps it up.

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Feb 24 2009, 05:07 PM

[Tennie]

I think the team selection will depend in large part on who is uninjured.

[Bluesummers]

I think the team selection will depend in large part on who is uninjured.

I'm guessing Kaka won't make this game or the weekend game. Any news on boriello or nesta?

[Zed.D]

Is it just me or anyone else thinks Abbiati will play in this game?

[Bluesummers]

Is it just me or anyone else thinks Abbiati will play in this game?

no i dont think so zed. If carlo pulls that off i'll be surprised but it'll mean either two things. Uefa cup is a must win for him or galliani/silvio forced him to pull this stunt.

[Fillipo Simone]

I'm guessing Kaka won't make this game or the weekend game. Any news on boriello or nesta?

Think we can cross them off for the rest of the season... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Is it just me or anyone else thinks Abbiati will play in this game?

I don't. After Carlo gave Dida the chance in first leg match and he didn't anything that might give a clue he isn't up to the test, it would really be a surprise to me. You don't play that kind of a game with keepers.

[Zed.D]

no i dont think so zed. If carlo pulls that off i'll be surprised but it'll mean either two things. Uefa cup is a must win for him or galliani/silvio forced him to pull this stunt.

I don't. After Carlo gave Dida the chance in first leg match and he didn't anything that might give a clue he isn't up to the test, it would really be a surprise to me. You don't play that kind of a game with keepers.

Thanks for the feedback (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I feel, as we practically have only the UEFA Cup to play for, Carlo won't risk. I'm not saying playing Dida is a risk or anything. just that Abbiati has played in all of our important games. if Carlo wants a win at all costs, I can see Abbiati starting this one as well.

[Fillipo Simone]

Maybe. But he (Carletto) had the chance to do it in Bremen. That would have more logic - new cycle, first choice keeper. But as he started the second cycle with Dida, and note that the Inter match was behind us...

[Bluesummers]

Thanks for the feedback (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I feel, as we practically have only the UEFA Cup to play for, Carlo won't risk. I'm not saying playing Dida is a risk or anything. just that Abbiati has played in all of our important games. if Carlo wants a win at all costs, I can see Abbiati starting this one as well.

yup thats what it'll show if abbiati plays. But my guess is that dida will play because we are not the type of club to just axe all of a sudden. To be fair it was dida who also go us through the group stage, so it wouldn't be right.


But if abbiati does play it means carlo's era is near an end and he's doing everything he can to remain.

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Feb 24 2009, 06:20 PM

[Tennie]

But if abbiati does play it means carlo's era is near an end and he's doing everything he can to remain.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) How on earth can you infer that?

[Bluesummers]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) How on earth can you infer that?

Well first of all talking for a coaching perspective, at the beginning of the season you usually give roles to the keepers. For example carlo could assign abbiati all serie A games and dida is responsible for uefa cup and kalac could be given coppa italia in order to balance out the playing time and still keep the keepers in shape.


I'm not sure how carlo does it exactly but i am sure that dida's responsibility is uefa cup games. If you pull your keeper mid way through the season and put in another eventhough dida was the one who helped us advance through the group stage and rightly deserves to play out the rest of the uefa cup season; will cause a real upseting balance in morale.

You gotta have trust and mutual respect in order for your club to be successful and we have done that with our family-esque environment.


If carlo pulls that stunt off, like i said earlier, he's nearing the axe and he is going to do everything to win it; dida is injured; or silvio and galliani issued this order.

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Feb 24 2009, 06:28 PM

[CrazyMilanFan]

nesta and borrilleo both had surgries and they are out for whole of the season

[Bluesummers]

nesta and borrilleo both had surgries and they are out for whole of the season

f***!!! Sigh.... why did we sign silva now! we needed a defender this season!

[han2503]

Any injury news on Sheva, Pato, Kaka and Dinho?

[Fillipo Simone]

Yeah, when will Sheva return?

[Bluesummers]

Any injury news on Sheva, Pato, Kaka and Dinho?

kaka out and sheva said he is raring to go. Its on milanews.it. I'm too lazy to put up what he said.



pato and dinho are also available.

[Bluesummers]

These statements made by Andriy Shevchenko in the sole of microphones' Milan Channel ', today at Milanello, at the end of the workout session of the team:

Andriy, how are you?
"I feel much better and I hope to do potercerla to be present already in the Uefa Cup challenge against Werder Bremen. Today I played the entire workout with the team and I hope to be convened by mister on Thursday.
In this period I worked as much. I was detained two weeks, but I will try to work more and more each day to return to the best of shape, to give my contribution to the team. It would also be nice being able to score a goal at San Siro. "

The one against Werder will be an important game.
"Yes, because the whole team is at pains to do well in the Uefa Cup, especially with an opponent rather like Werder. I hope that the stadium is full. AC Milan will make a good game to pass the turn. They will be obliged to search for the goal to qualify and we have to stop. The Werder players have very high and the whole team should work together to prevent them from suffering goals, especially on head shot. "

you know fillipo, i spoil ya (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) hahahah

[Zed.D]

Well first of all talking for a coaching perspective, at the beginning of the season you usually give roles to the keepers. For example carlo could assign abbiati all serie A games and dida is responsible for uefa cup and kalac could be given coppa italia in order to balance out the playing time and still keep the keepers in shape.


I'm not sure how carlo does it exactly but i am sure that dida's responsibility is uefa cup games. If you pull your keeper mid way through the season and put in another eventhough dida was the one who helped us advance through the group stage and rightly deserves to play out the rest of the uefa cup season; will cause a real upseting balance in morale.

You gotta have trust and mutual respect in order for your club to be successful and we have done that with our family-esque environment.


If carlo pulls that stunt off, like i said earlier, he's nearing the axe and he is going to do everything to win it; dida is injured; or silvio and galliani issued this order.

The bold part makes perfect sense to me.

The rest.. I'm not sure. maybe, maybe not.

[acid911]

Is it just me or anyone else thinks Abbiati will play in this game?

Dida should. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) He is undefeated up till now in the UEFA Cup, and besides has a lesser goal-per-game average than Abbiati (1.00 to Abbiait's 1.05 even though generally we put up a better defense for Serie A). We'll see.

[Bluesummers]

The bold part makes perfect sense to me.

The rest.. I'm not sure. maybe, maybe not.

what are you not sure about. In a pro squad and in a club like milan, there is no simple shuffle shuffle like its some football game of kick about.


Its a job zeddie, and people are assigned roles and parts in projects. Serie A is a project and so is uefa cup. That is why for example dida will not play a serie A game unless abbiati is injured, because Serie A is a project which the goalkeeping role has been assigned and trusted to abbiati. Like wise for uefa cup and dida.

Thats why we had all those friendlies in the summer, in order to test who would be assigned which project. Otherwise carlo may as well have decided july 1, who the gk was going to be.

So if carlo pulls that stunt off it will be a huge and degrading insult to dida, which will cause a stir-up in the squad's morale.

No matter what dida has done in order to make him self second choice, he is still a respected and liked individual in our squad and doing that is an act of desperation (Or as we in canada say a "d*ck move*) because its either he wins the uefa cup or hes out.

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Feb 24 2009, 06:52 PM

[Zed.D]

what are you not sure about. In a pro squad and in a club like milan, there is no simple shuffle shuffle like its some football game of kick about.


Its a job zeddie, and people are assigned roles and parts in projects. Serie A is a project and so is uefa cup. That is why for example dida will not play a serie A game unless abbiati is injured, because Serie A is a project which the goalkeeping role has been assigned and trusted to abbiati. Like wise for uefa cup and dida.

Thats why we had all those friendlies in the summer, in order to test who would be assigned which project. Otherwise carlo may as well have decided july 1, who the gk was going to be.

So if carlo pulls that stunt off it will be a huge and degrading insult to dida, which will cause a stir-up in the squad's morale.

No matter what dida has done in order to make him self second choice, he is still a respected and liked individual in our squad and doing that is an act of desperation (Or as we in canada say a "d*ck move*) because its either he wins the uefa cup or hes out.

I understand what you mean and I think you could be right (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) for what it's worth, I think Dida should play in this game. if he didn't, we could say Carlo's decision was affected by the probable outcome. which in a way is the same as what you're saying.

[Habitant]

sheva will be key for us if we win the uefa cup

quote me on this (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[whoarethepatriot...]

Dida should. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) He is undefeated up till now in the UEFA Cup, and besides has a lesser goal-per-game average than Abbiati (1.00 to Abbiait's 1.05 even though generally we put up a better defense for Serie A). We'll see.

We also play against much better attackers and teams

[acid911]

We also play against much better attackers and teams

Which was my initial point. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) We put up our better defenders because we're up against better attackers and teams. If we played our first choice defense in UEFA Cup, then the balance would be shifted. Then again, it's up for debate whether Regginas and Lecces are better teams than the ones that play in the UEFA Cup. Probably not.

Whoever stands in goal, I just ask for a peak performance from them. Even if it's Kalac.

[han2503]

If Pato, Dinho and Sheva are going to be available then I would lkie to see us come out with this one on Thursday

Antonini--Senderos--Bonera--Favalli
Becks--Flamini--Seedorf
Dinho
Pato--Sheva

I think Pirlo should be given a rest and only played if needed in the game. Paolo cannot be risked.

I like the idea of a Sheva-Pato pairing upfront, maybe Pippo stepping in for Pato in the second half would be a good idea since Pato is coming off injury and we need him to be fit for the weekend match

This post has been edited by han2503: Feb 24 2009, 08:07 PM

[whoarethepatriot...]

Which was my initial point. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) We put up our better defenders because we're up against better attackers and teams. If we played our first choice defense in UEFA Cup, then the balance would be shifted. Then again, it's up for debate whether Regginas and Lecces are better teams than the ones that play in the UEFA Cup. Probably not.

Whoever stands in goal, I just ask for a peak performance from them. Even if it's Kalac.

No certainly not, Reggina and Lecce are worse than Uefa teams. Its the Juve's the Inter's the Roma's which cause damage against us and they are CL class teams

[acid911]

No certainly not, Reggina and Lecce are worse than Uefa teams. Its the Juve's the Inter's the Roma's which cause damage against us and they are CL class teams

Fair enough. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif)

[Bluesummers]

If Pato, Dinho and Sheva are going to be available then I would lkie to see us come out with this one on Thursday

Antonini--Senderos--Bonera--Favalli
Becks--Flamini--Seedorf
Dinho
Pato--Sheva

I think Pirlo should be given a rest and only played if needed in the game. Paolo cannot be risked.

I like the idea of a Sheva-Pato pairing upfront, maybe Pippo stepping in for Pato in the second half would be a good idea since Pato is coming off injury and we need him to be fit for the weekend match

lol your a dreamer.

we'll start with our most powerful line up, which is why dinho and pato didn't play on the weekend.

[Tennie]

Actually, Blue, Pato didn't play because he was injured. He wasn't being rested.

[Bluesummers]

he had a small muscle problem, I read he could have played but they didn't want to risk it. But either way, i'm sure he will participate in this game.

[Tennie]

He's not been doing full training this week.

[Bluesummers]

Care to bet on this tennie? I bet that he'll at least play 1 minute in the game on thursday. If i'm wrong i will write you a 10 line poem about how wonderful you are (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) And i have quite the talent in poetry (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) And i will keep it in my sig for at least 1 month.

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Feb 25 2009, 12:14 AM

[ACM1899]

If Pato, Dinho and Sheva are going to be available then I would lkie to see us come out with this one on Thursday

Antonini--Senderos--Bonera--Favalli
Becks--Flamini--Seedorf
Dinho
Pato--Sheva

I think Pirlo should be given a rest and only played if needed in the game. Paolo cannot be risked.

I like the idea of a Sheva-Pato pairing upfront, maybe Pippo stepping in for Pato in the second half would be a good idea since Pato is coming off injury and we need him to be fit for the weekend match

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) I agree with your lineup maybe if anything thats diffrent would be Pippo in for sheva from the begining or comes in if need be in the second half.

Im a big fan of the 4-3-1-2 formation for our team and r80 will have more room to roam and make his magic.
Tuff game on thurs no matter what i just hope we play aggresive for 90min not a min less.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

If Pato, Dinho and Sheva are going to be available then I would lkie to see us come out with this one on Thursday

Antonini--Senderos--Bonera--Favalli
Becks--Flamini--Seedorf
Dinho
Pato--Sheva

I think Pirlo should be given a rest and only played if needed in the game. Paolo cannot be risked.

I like the idea of a Sheva-Pato pairing upfront, maybe Pippo stepping in for Pato in the second half would be a good idea since Pato is coming off injury and we need him to be fit for the weekend match

If by sheva you mean pirlo off the field...or just sheva i would have to disagree

[MizNelson]

Andriy, how are you?

Nobody gives a tougher interview than the folks at Milan Channel. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[han2503]

lol your a dreamer.

we'll start with our most powerful line up, which is why dinho and pato didn't play on the weekend.

I personally don't see it justified that we put our best line-up for the UEFA Cup. To me our main priority should be securing 2nd or 3rd in the league, and we start fresh next season in the CL

Playing our best line-up in this game would have to mean risking players like Paolo, who imo should not play more then once a week, and that once a week should be in the important games, which to me are league games

he had a small muscle problem, I read he could have played but they didn't want to risk it. But either way, i'm sure he will participate in this game.

I thik they didn't want to risk him aggrevating anything, atleast that's why I hope he didn't play on Sunday

[Jack Sparrow]

Care to bet on this tennie? I bet that he'll at least play 1 minute in the game on thursday. If i'm wrong i will write you a 10 line poem about how wonderful you are (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) And i have quite the talent in poetry (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) And i will keep it in my sig for at least 1 month.

You wanna ask her out..ask her out. Don't beat around the bush ok?! Seriously man...you got a poem you've been meaning to read out to her..do it. What's with this "if he doesn't play..." excuse. Love shouldn't need excuses or reasons. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

For all you know a flying cow might crash land on you, break your jaw, and you'll never be able to tell her you real feelings...

Or in the words of my namesake.." If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it..."

[MizNelson]

Ooh, I love when jealous pirates get touchy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Slightly OT, but this one's for Kurt: Why is Villa fielding such a threadbare team for their upcoming Cup match? Are they pretty much giving up on the competition?

[Tennie]

Hm. Bremen's usual starting keeper Tim Wiese did NOT make the trip to Milan. Not sure what sort of injury he's picked up but they'll have...I think it's Vander (?) in goal.

[MizNelson]

Hm. Bremen's usual starting keeper Tim Wiese did NOT make the trip to Milan. Not sure what sort of injury he's picked up but they'll have...I think it's Vander (?) in goal.

Well, Fishdoll, you asked. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Tim Wiese sidelined by thigh injury
Werder Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese has been sidelined by a thigh injury which could keep him out for some time.

The 27-year-old custodian picked up the injury in the first-leg UEFA Cup clash with AC Milan and didn’t play on Saturday as Bremen lost to Energie Cottbus 2-1.

On missing the trip to the San Siro, Wiese said: "I'm very disappointed not to be able to help the team in such an important game."

Reserve keeper Christian Vander will replace Wiese and he commented before the clash with AC Milan: "I am always happy when I get the chance to play. The match against Milan will be my first in the UEFA Cup and because of that it's special."

According to UEFA.com, it's a muscle tear. Tough break for Wiese. He actually didn't do too shabby in our first meeting.

This post has been edited by MizNelson: Feb 25 2009, 03:47 PM

[Tennie]

Fishdoll thanks Didafan for the information. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Tennie]

MILAN-WERDER: I CONVOCATI ROSSONERI
25/02/2009
MILANELLO - Questi i 19 convocati di Carlo Ancelotti per la gara di Coppa Uefa contro il Werder Brema:

Abbiati, Dida, Antonini, Bonera, Darmian, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Senderos, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Beckham, Flamini, Pirlo, Inzaghi, Pato, Seedorf, Shevchenko.

Giocatori indisponibili: Kalac, Nesta, Gattuso, Kakà, Ronaldinho.

[CrazyMilanFan]

MILANELLO - Questi i 19 convocati di Carlo Ancelotti per la gara di Coppa Uefa contro il Werder Brema:

Abbiati, Dida, Antonini, Bonera, Darmian, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Senderos, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Beckham, Flamini, Pirlo, Inzaghi, Pato, Seedorf, Shevchenko.

Giocatori indisponibili: Kalac, Nesta, Gattuso, Kakà, Ronaldinho.

[Tennie]

Fishdoll sorries for stealing the brain cell from CMF.

[Bluesummers]

MILAN-WERDER: I CONVOCATI ROSSONERI
25/02/2009
MILANELLO - Questi i 19 convocati di Carlo Ancelotti per la gara di Coppa Uefa contro il Werder Brema:

Abbiati, Dida, Antonini, Bonera, Darmian, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Senderos, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Beckham, Flamini, Pirlo, Inzaghi, Pato, Seedorf, Shevchenko.

Giocatori indisponibili: Kalac, Nesta, Gattuso, Kakà, Ronaldinho.

I'm a genius (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) But why is dinho out ? If hes injured this really is a big blow.

[Tennie]

Being called up does not guarantee one will play. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Bluesummers]

Being called up does not guarantee one will play. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

LOL i put the proposal out there... care to accept dozer? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/droolsmiley.gif)

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Feb 25 2009, 06:24 PM

[han2503]

So I guess we will probable either see a 4-3-1-2 with Seedorf behind Pato-Pippo/Sheva or a 4-3-3 sort of setup with Sheva and Pato Supporting Pippo.

[Darunia]

No Kaka or Ronaldinho.. but good to see Sheva and Pato back in the squad. Does this mean we'll finally see 4-3-1-2? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Abbiati
Zambrotta Bonera Maldini Jankulovski
Beckham Pirlo Flamini
Seedorf
Inzaghi Pato

[Fillipo Simone]

Does the dozer thing start again?

[Jack Sparrow]

I doubt the 4-3-3. Putting all our fit strikers on at once to play 90 minutes? I think the 4-3-1-2.

Or 4-4-2 with Janku in mid.

[han2503]

Does the dozer thing start again?

Apperantly (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I had forgotten about the dozer (IMG:style_emoticons/default/droolsmiley.gif)

[Zed.D]

So I guess we will probable either see a 4-3-1-2 with Seedorf behind Pato-Pippo/Sheva or a 4-3-3 sort of setup with Sheva and Pato Supporting Pippo.

Never gonna happen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[han2503]

I doubt the 4-3-3. Putting all our fit strikers on at once to play 90 minutes? I think the 4-3-1-2.

Or 4-4-2 with Janku in mid.

He's done it before... although we did have Dinho on the bench

Anyway, hopefully it won't be a flat 4-4-2, since we really struggle when we play that system because we don't have any wingers

4-3-1-2 would be the safest option imo

[han2503]

Never gonna happen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

He used it against Braga in the San Siro a couple months ago...

[CrazyMilanFan]

He used it against Braga in the San Siro a couple months ago...

yea he did at that time 4-3-3 floped but then so many time s mas tree has floped as well

[il_diavolo_mtl]

yea he did at that time 4-3-3 floped but then so many time s mas tree has floped as well

you are wrong we are third in serie A with players that i believe are past their prime. Milan's christmas tree is the reason we are cited as having one of the best counter-attacks in europe.
Suggesting a complete experiment in a cup tournament, is welll................oh nvm i just read your profile name ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Habitant]

you are wrong we are third in serie A with players that i believe are past their prime. Milan's christmas tree is the reason we are cited as having one of the best counter-attacks in europe.
Suggesting a complete experiment in a cup tournament, is welll................oh nvm i just read your profile name ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

still that against lecce isnt exactly effective.

[Rivaldo]

No Kaka....no Dinho....we should play with two strikers Pato-Pippo I Think.

[Zed.D]

After watching CL games for two nights, here we are again, the UEFA Cup (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puke.gif) what pissed me off is that this was our best chance to win the league while we were away from the CL and we couldn't do it for whatever reason. god knows how many years will pass till we see the tricolori on our shirts again.

This post has been edited by Zed.D: Feb 25 2009, 11:58 PM

[elcordobez]

After watching CL games for two nights, here we are again, the UEFA Cup (IMG:style_emoticons/default/puke.gif) what pissed me off is that this was our best chance to win the league while we were away from the CL and we couldn't do it for whatever reason. god knows how many years will pass till we see the tricolori on our shirts again.

Yeh i had a bit of nostalgia watching the CL ties,i watched Man U v Inter and Juve v Chelsea and i'm thinking Milan can play better than that.
We've only got a few more months to wait before everything happens,end of season,transfer window and then Champions League.

I'm actually glad Kaka and R80 are sitting this one out,i'd rather have them rested properly and fully recovered from their injuries than rush them back.This is a somewhat important game but we've got the players to give us a result.

I reckon xmas tree would suit a game like this,although slim we do have the advantage and i can't see Carlo going with 2 strikers.

[MizNelson]

We may not have the horses to win the Scudetto this season, but we can certainly stay in the top four.

[Ry4n]

My prediction is 3-0 with Pippo scoring two and Pato scoring one !!!

FORZA MILAN !!!!!!!!!

[Jack Sparrow]

We need jefri's prediction to win this one.

Jef? We're gonna lose this one 4-0 with a Diego hatrick and a Senderos own goal right?

[Bluesummers]

lol jeffrie is godlike with his predictions.

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Feb 26 2009, 04:22 AM

[il_diavolo_mtl]

still that against lecce isnt exactly effective.

I doubt the flaw in the system is Lecce'esque ball movement lol (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
the truth is if a big team can't win a game against a minnow more times then not they are usually a lot less motivated then the smaller team. I.E Reggina played inspired against Milan and came out with a draw they played very well and wanted it more.
so to recap, people won't study Lecce's tactics, mayby i'm a little harsh, but We should be able to win more agianst minnows and i hardly blame the system, does it lack the "sexy" factor arsenal has endeared us with, yes but quick counter-attack is a viable offense none the less.

i say this but i would prefer a 4-2-3-1, with pato as a AM,SS role

Zambrotta - Bonera - Maldini - Janku

Flamini- Pirlo

Ronaldinho Kaka
Pato

Boriello

[il_diavolo_mtl]

btw canadians Beat vancover 3-0 in an onslaught (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[MizNelson]

Edit: misunderstood previous post.

This post has been edited by MizNelson: Feb 26 2009, 07:55 AM

[Jack Sparrow]

I agree. I think a lot of tactics against our small teams were set with Borriello in mind. You have to look at any other top team which does well against minnows. They all have a big dominant striker who can keep the defenders busy.

Of course it's a bit different in La Liga, but teams rarely park the bus there.

Another thing, I don't like is we seem obsessed about putting in the through balls, and the balls into the box thing. Once in a while a shot from 20-30 yards would help. It would force the opposing team out of just lying back in and around the box.

We won't take the long shot, so just pass it from left to right to left again.

[jefri91]

2-1 for Milan with a classic pippo finishing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Zed.D]

2-1 for Milan with a classic pippo finishing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

This is not jefri (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) what have you done to him?

[Jack Sparrow]

^^

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) He thinks we're going to win. We're doomed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

[Zed.D]

A MATCH WORTHY OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

2/25/2009 5:41:00 PM

'It's a Uefa Cup match, but we consider it a Champions League': that's what Carlo Ancelotti said about tomorrow's match against Werder Bremen, in which courage and personality will be needed.

(IMG:http://media2.acmilan.com/200902/13331_news.jpg)

(on the photo, the Rossoneri's celebrations after Inzaghi's goal in Werder Bremen-Milan of last Wednesday)

MILANELLO - Here are the main declarations of coach Carlo Ancelotti, who talked during a press conference ahead of the second leg of the sixteenth finals of the Uefa Cup against Werder Bremen (San Siro, tomorrow 26 February 20.45).

ON THE FORMATION - 'Tomorrow there will not be a preordained turnover, we will try to use the best players available. The goalscorers emergency continues but we will evaluate the situation better after today's training. The doubts are mainly for Kaká and Ronaldinho, while as far as Pato and Shevchenko are concerned there are good possibilities. Also in defence we will try to use the most correct pairing, to counter the difficulties they will create in aerial play. Flamini is in a good moment, now he's playing with continuity and he's improved a lot. He can be used, also tomorrow. Beckham can play independently of whether or not Mathieu will play. As for Inzaghi, he has the objective of maintaining the title of European top scorer. He feels these games very strongly, and when that's the case, he rarely makes mistakes.'

ON KAKÁ - 'I don't think he can play against Werder, but on Sunday he will. Ricky had to stay out for 15 days for a distorsion; now we are in the 18th day, it makes no difference for me; we are we are in line with the recovery that had been programmed.'

ON THE MATCH - 'Werder are a team with excellent offensive qualities and they are used to these types of games. We know that the biggest problem in this match for us will be their physical power and their quality especially in attack. Werder play the same way both at home and away. We will find some difficulties on dead balls, and on aerial play: there will be some dangerous situations of this kind. We know it is a delicate match in a very important part of the season. We want to play an excellent match and we won't make any calculations even though on paper the first leg result gives us an advantage. We will play to win. Our primary objective at the moment is finishing in the top three in the league and we have not lost hope to reach the top of the table. Of course there's also the desire to play another final. Let's hope that getting past Werder Bremen can clear the road towards the final for us. We were talking about it yesterday with captain Maldini: it would be nice if he could lift another Cup. And we also have to get through for Nesta: we want to go forward and give also him the possibility of playing in the Uefa Cup. In any case, to go through we have to play well, control the match. We have to play in a courageous way, with personality and without fear. In these matches in Europe you don't make calculations, it's much more important to have courage and to want to impose yourself. From this point of view it will be a more open match than the one between Inter and Manchester, also because this one decisive, and that one was just the first half."

ON MILAN'S MOMENT - 'We had difficulties due to some points lost along the road and the recovery of the injured players. What we have done so far is all due to us. The pressure that surrounds us doesn't scare me, on the contrary, the more there is, the more possibilities we have of controlling it and drawing energy from it."

ON THE WHISTLES AT SAN SIRO - "They don't weigh on me, I accept them as criticisms. But I think that tomorrow these whistles will transform into applause for the team. Seedorf has the affection of the crowd, the fans have good memory and they know what Clarence has always given to this team. I think tomorrow we will find a different ambience; if it isn't, then we will have to change that. The Milan fans have always given their support in this type of match. It's not a Champions League match, but it's as if it were. We consider it a Champions League match because of the teams on the pitch and their experience."

[dst]

And we also have to get through for Nesta: we want to go forward and give also him the possibility of playing in the Uefa Cup.

What... give him the possibility? In which context, as a farewell present... ? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[il_diavolo_mtl]

Edit: misunderstood previous post.

Lol hockey news. i'll stop, it's off topic

2-1 for Milan with a classic pippo finishing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

offside? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Hopefully. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)


So since I'm too lazy to open a new thread...and I don't give a damn about going OT...

FIFA plan to limit foreign players ''not illegal''

Controversial plans by football's world governing body to limit the number of foreign players do not breach EU rules, an independent report declared on Thursday.

FIFA's so-called ''6+5'' rule has been overwhelmingly approved by 155 of the organisation's member nations, but dismissed as illegal by the European Commission and most EU governments because they say it amounts to discrimination at work and a restriction on the free movement of workers.

Now the Institute for European Affairs (INEA) - commissioned by FIFA itself to study the issue - claims the idea of restricting foreign players in league games does not fall foul of EU rules on free movement of workers.

''There is no conflict with European law,'' INEA chairman Professor Jurgen Gramke told a press conference in Brussels. He insisted the report, although commissioned by FIFA, was entirely independent.

''We took no instructions from FIFA,'' he added. ''INEA accepted this commission on condition that our requirements of complete independence were met.''

The report says that, under EU law, the ''regulatory autonomy'' of sporting associations is recognised and supported.

''The key aim of the 6+5 rule in the view of the experts is the creation and assurance of sporting competition.

''The 6+5 rule does not impinge on the core area of the right to freedom of movement. The rule is merely a rule of the game declared in the general interest of sport in order to improve the sporting balance between clubs and associations''.

FIFA endorsed the rule in May last year, but six months later EU ministers said it clearly broke EU rules.

The 6+5 rule established that at the start of each match, a club must field at least six players who would be eligible for the national team of the country of the club.

But there would be no limit on substitutes and no limit on the number of non-national players that clubs can sign.

Thursday's report says that, at worst, the 6+5 rule could constitute ''indirect discrimination'' because ''it is not directly based on the nationality of professional players''.

Instead it ''merely considers entitlement to play for the national team concerned, and any possible indirect discrimination can be defended on the basis of compelling reasons of general interest''.

At the moment, quota systems in football are outlawed, thanks to a European Court ruling in 1995 known as the Bosman Case.

It declared illegal the system, then in operation in many national leagues and in UEFA club competitions, which allowed only three ''foreign'' players in a team.

The Bosman judgment had a dramatic effect on football, said today's report, opening up the use of foreign players to such a degree that up to 56% of national league players are now not eligible to play for the national team of the league in which they play. In addition, up to half of the ''foreign'' players are ''non-European''.

This development discourages young indigenous footballing talent, because clubs can recruit fully trained players from elsewhere, often cheaper, the report points out.

It says the central aim of the 6+5 rule is to generate and safeguard sporting competition, and its goal is best summed up as ''sport should remain sport''.

Professor Gramke said the report's conclusions justifying the compatibility of the 6+5 rule with EU law also applied to other team sports such as handball, basketball and ice hockey.

''It has an important protective function for the whole of international sport, so that sport can remain sport,'' he said.

The findings add fresh ammunition to FIFA's challenge to the European Commission and governments to recognise the 6+5 rule.

A FIFA spokesman said the report would form the basis of fresh talks with Commission officials, including Employment Commissioner Vladimir Spidla.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is determined to see the 6+5 rule in place by the start of the 2012-13 season and the Commission is currently equally determined to block him.

Please..please..please let this happen. Inter, Inter...wherefore art thou Inter? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

Btw...does anyone know of any kinda rating in place for youth academies of the clubs. I read somewhere that the Milan youth academy 'rated' as one of the best in the world etc....

So is there some kind of rating, or is this just some propoganda thing?



This post has been edited by Jack Sparrow: Feb 26 2009, 03:04 PM

[Tennie]

I think it's a good idea. Whether it'll get through EU regs....I dunno.

btw, today Milan will be wearing black armbands and both teams will observe a minute of silence before the game in honor of the passing of Silvio Berlusconi's sister who died last night.

EDIT: Don't know about ratings of youth academies, Jack. I've never seen such a thing. Some academies have historically good reputations: Ajax, Sporting, etc. I think it's relatively subjective.

This post has been edited by Tennie: Feb 26 2009, 03:08 PM

[Jack Sparrow]

Well that's what the report is saying. It's finding a workaround, by saying you can buy as many non-nationals as you want, keep as many of them on the bench as you want BUT you will have to start with 6 people eligible for NT, even if they're the only 6 people you got.

I think however this rule if FIFA meant to implement, would mean at least a 3 year notice. If they did it *smack* within one year, a lot of big teams would be decimated (Arsenal, Inter). Milan would be weakened but we would manage.

[Tennie]

They're talking about a couple of years leadup as I understand it, Jack. Still, I think it'll take time for the thing to be ratified if it ever is.

As for today's game, Bremen will have Frings back in midfield. They may, however, have half an eye on the BUndesliga as they host Bayern on Sunday.

[Bluesummers]

What a racist rule imo. What does it matter where you get your players from, its a game about talent and skill. If their worried about talent in the country diminishing then they should help out the smaller clubs in the country who mostly play players from the nt eligiblity not shackle the top clubs because its not fair.

[Tennie]

Again the use of the term racist. I find that a little objectionable.

I think the proposal is aimed at preserving the integrity of the sport, and in seeing that clubs actually foster the national (specifically the youth) game. There's nothing preventing clubs from getting a lot of players from wherever they want, just not fielding an entire team of imports. I don't see a problem with it.

[han2503]

What a racist rule imo. What does it matter where you get your players from, its a game about talent and skill. If their worried about talent in the country diminishing then they should help out the smaller clubs in the country who mostly play players from the nt eligiblity not shackle the top clubs because its not fair.

I think it's a good idea, we've got teams like Inter and Arsenal who barely have any Italian/English players on their team. Clubs who would rather shun their youth products in favour of going to Brazil or Argentina and buying the 'next big thing'

Clubs in the past used to handle the foreigner reistriction rules just fine. For example Milan, Milan's greatest ever side under Sacchi was made up of all Italian players except for the Dutch trio. And look at the Italian layers that were on the roster

Maldini, Baresi, Ancelotti, Donadoni, Massarro, Costacurta, etc All were great Italian players, why should a club like Inter have a squad full of foreign players and not even a decent amount of Italian players, at this point Inter might as well pack up and move to Argentina, since they have more of an Argentinian core rather then an Italian one

[Jack Sparrow]

I agree.

Either that or you have one single league for all of Europe which is so obviously impractical.

Why even call it the Italian league, if you don't see any Italians? Why even play it in Italy? Play it someplace else. Like Argentina/Brazil wherever. All the players can stay in their home country that way.

[kizo]

MILAN-WERDER BREMA: LE FORMAZIONI UFFICIALI
26/02/2009
MILAN: Dida; Zambrotta, Senderos, Maldini, Favalli; Beckham, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf; Inzaghi, Pato.

WERDER BREMA: Vander; Fritz, Mertesacker, Naldo, Pasanen; Tziolis, Frings, Ozil; Diego, H. Almeida, Pizarro.

[Darunia]

Didnt Carlo say Flamini would play? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

Prefer to see Antonini over Favalli at LB (or Jankulovski? is he injured). I'd even prefer to see Zambro on the left and Bonera on the right, just don't think Favalli can play LB at a high level anymore. Even prefer Flamini at LB =/

This post has been edited by Darunia: Feb 26 2009, 07:46 PM

[gal_kenny]

so favalli is chosen ahead of antonini..**** u Carlo

[Tennie]

Fishdoll is scared. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Someone has done something to Ancelotti - perhaps he's been replaced by an Evil Clone. There are TWO strikers in the lineup.

Was it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) ?

Was it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/alien.gif) ?

Was it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif) ?

[nmcg]

http://www.rojadirecta.com/ustream/531981 click to watch : )

This post has been edited by nmcg: Feb 26 2009, 08:11 PM

[Bluesummers]

MILAN-WERDER BREMA: LE FORMAZIONI UFFICIALI
26/02/2009
MILAN: Dida; Zambrotta, Senderos, Maldini, Favalli; Beckham, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf; Inzaghi, Pato.

WERDER BREMA: Vander; Fritz, Mertesacker, Naldo, Pasanen; Tziolis, Frings, Ozil; Diego, H. Almeida, Pizarro.

i'm a genius. Good thing you didn't bet tennie (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[han2503]

Well I'm not completely happy about it, but at least we have 2 strikers on the field and just 1 DM

Would have prefered Bonera in the middle instead of Senderos and Antonini on the left instead of Favalli

Don't understand why Carlo chose to risk Maldini in this one, he's our best defender atm and we really should't take any chances with him, Favalli and Bonera in the middle of defence would have been imo enough

[han2503]

i'm a genius. Good thing you didn't bet tennie (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I think everyone knew that Pato would play today...

[Bluesummers]

i'm a genius. Good thing you didn't bet tennie (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

scratch that, that doesn't sound good.


I'm not a genius, I'm the special one! hahahahahha love it... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Bluesummers]

I think everyone knew that Pato would play today...

tennie was doubting it thats why i was proposing to bet her, but she didn't accept. It would have been a great poem too had she accepted and i lost.


But since i'm the "special" one, i knew he would play hahahhaha (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)





PS: my new word now is special one instead of dozer hahahah

[Bluesummers]

Well I'm not completely happy about it, but at least we have 2 strikers on the field and just 1 DM

Would have prefered Bonera in the middle instead of Senderos and Antonini on the left instead of Favalli

Don't understand why Carlo chose to risk Maldini in this one, he's our best defender atm and we really should't take any chances with him, Favalli and Bonera in the middle of defence would have been imo enough

I told ya man, hes going out there with the best line up possible. I'm guessing its either win uefa cup or he's sacked.

[Tennie]

Tennie wasn't actually doubting a thing. Not my fault you misunderstood the 'Pato hasn't been training regularly' comment. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I still wonder who kidnapped Carlo and replaced him with a clone.

(Blue, congratulations. You've come up with something even MORE obnoxious and annoying than 'dozer' with your 'special' talk).

[acid911]

PS: my new word now is special one instead of dozer hahahah

I actually preferred Dozer. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[han2503]

PS: my new word now is special one instead of dozer hahahah

Does it come accompanied by it's own special smiley? Because the (IMG:style_emoticons/default/droolsmiley.gif) was what made dozer special (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[whoarethepatriot...]

Favalli and Senderos! Yikes!

I dont think we are progressing to the next round lads