[han2503]

Couldn't have come at a worse time, but that's just our luck this season.

Wtih the suspensions Allegri will not be tempted to rest either Ibra or VB. However, Seedorf and Robinho need to be given a rest imo. Both ar playing badly atm, and some time to regroup would do them a world of good.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

Couldn't have come at a worse time, but that's just our luck this season.

Wtih the suspensions Allegri will not be tempted to rest either Ibra or VB. However, Seedorf and Robinho need to be given a rest imo. Both ar playing badly atm, and some time to regroup would do them a world of good.

Amelia

Abate - Bonnera - Mexes - Mesbah

Urby - Ambrosini - Nocerino

Robinho

Maxi - Ibra

I'd rest MVb & Thiago Silva for this one. Bare in mind as i write this, i don't know if we are expecting players back or not.

- Of late, urby has slowly been improving, and while he may have his critics, he is making the most of his place at RM.

-Robinho will need to play at AM as he should not be allowed near the opponents net, least of all against Buffon...

-Give Maxi a valuable start, as without Ibro, he will be our only Prima punta, so he needs to get hot fast.

-i wouldn't rest Ibra because he'll get enough rest from his right hook at the weekend.

-With all the injuries, this is a great opportunity to maybe play a kid or two after the half, With SES the main sub for obvious reasons.

[han2503]

Amelia

Abate - Bonnera - Mexes - Mesbah

Urby - Ambrosini - Nocerino

Robinho

Maxi - Ibra

I'd rest MVb & Thiago Silva for this one. Bare in mind as i write this, i don't know if we are expecting players back or not.

- Of late, urby has slowly been improving, and while he may have his critics, he is making the most of his place at RM.

-Robinho will need to play at AM as he should not be allowed near the opponents net, least of all against Buffon...

-Give Maxi a valuable start, as without Ibro, he will be our only Prima punta, so he needs to get hot fast.

-i wouldn't rest Ibra because he'll get enough rest from his right hook at the weekend.

-With all the injuries, this is a great opportunity to maybe play a kid or two after the half, With SES the main sub for obvious reasons.

Imo, we should not rest Thiago, especially not for Bonera, this is an important game against top opponents, we should not take it lightly, for me starting with Bonera is as good as handing in a forfeit...

Also, Ambro cannot be started here as we need him to be fresh for the Udine game seeing as VB will be suspended.

As for Robinho, I think he needs to be rested for this one, thus, I'd play El Shaa behind Ibra and Maxi, give Robinho both some physical and mental rest.

[Brian Birkin]

I wish to see El Shaarawy play alot. Of course, you can expect Ibra to fork the entire match now, then its wait for him to Arsenal.

Of course now we play against Juve, we need to fight hard to defeat them. We cannot reason that there is no point because it is CI. Then we should not have participated in the first place.

This post has been edited by Brian Birkin: Feb 6 2012, 06:52 PM

[Jack Bauer]

Nocerino won't play in this game, he's suspended (yellow cards).

[han2503]

Forgot about the Nocerino yellow. That will be a major problem, but also an apportunity to give him a rest as he's been looking tired lately.

I guess that will mean either Seedorf or Ambro starting. Best option would be to give them a half each so they don't get too run down

[Jack Bauer]

(IMG:http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3684/a9a5a2ac8440d3a62f6aa9e.jpg)

[Fillipo Simone]

Forgot about the Nocerino yellow. That will be a major problem, but also an apportunity to give him a rest as he's been looking tired lately.

I guess that will mean either Seedorf or Ambro starting. Best option would be to give them a half each so they don't get too run down

So you approve? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Jack Bauer]

Amelia, Bonera, Mexes, Silva, Antonini, Emanuelson, Van Bommel, Ambrosini, Seedorf, Ibrahimovic, El Shaarawy.

Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Padoin, Estigarribia; Del Piero, Borriello.

[William405]

Why not Seedorf as playmaker(his best position imo),and Robinho as an AM?err

[Jack Bauer]

Why not Seedorf as playmaker(his best position imo),and Robinho as an AM?err

Because Robinho is being rested for a more important game - vs Udinese on Saturday. Juve are giving a rest to a few players as well.

[han2503]

So you approve? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

He's literally our last resort atm. That does not mean I won't cringe every time he gets near the ball (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[vnata001]

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

barring some individual brilliance from El Shaa or Ibra, this is going to be a frustrating one to watch.

[William405]

Because Robinho is being rested for a more important game - vs Udinese on Saturday. Juve are giving a rest to a few players as well.

Robinho's been playing?!New to me!

[han2503]

Juve pressing the sh!t out of us and our players simply cannot cope with it

[han2503]

I'd personally take a 0-0 here if that means beating them in the league. Than we can go for a score draw at the Juve stadium.

[vnata001]

the team has been set up to play for the draw.

[han2503]

We played second fiddle to Juve all half. I'd personally take a scoreless draw and run with it

When Ambro tries to make those little chips over the defence I shudder and cringe

[Fillipo Simone]

We played second fiddle to Juve all half. I'd personally take a scoreless draw and run with it

When Ambro tries to make those little chips over the defence I shudder and cringe

Of all the players playing out there you still mention Ambrosini even if he's done nothing more or less right/wrong then Bonera, Clarence or even Ibra. Not to mention Antonini and Silva toying with passes around our goal. I think you have a fixation on him (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[han2503]

Of all the players playing out there you still mention Ambrosini even if he's done nothing more or less right/wrong then Bonera, Clarence or even Ibra. Not to mention Antonini and Silva toying with passes around our goal. I think you have a fixation on him (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Yes, the blond hair and blue eyes always get to me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Bonera has been ok so far, Thiago is the one that worried me, and I haven't said anything yet because I know how people get about such player. But I feel that this season he's not anywhere near last season's form, and I've noticed this in not just Silva, but Abate, VB, etc. And imo this is what's effecting our results as much as the injury epidemic.

I feel that Ibra has been isolated all season, against the smaller sides he just makes it look easy which is what puts us in a sense of false comfort. But in reality, we're struggling to bring in our attackers into the game and this is one of the main reasons why we find it so difficuilt in the big matches. And why Pato for example hasn't been performing. (not saying it's not on him as well, because he's not been in form this season), but still our midfield problems are glaringly obvious when it comes to this aspect of out game.

Back to Ambro, he's just completely out of it. Seedorf is huffing and puffing with any result and VB hasn't been his usual self.

As we did in the first game against them in the league, we're not marking their midfield, which imo is a show of arrogance from Allegri. Any team who's managed a result against Juve this season has done it the simple way, press Their CMs and 75% of their entire game plan is out the window. But like usual we'll take the hardest route, to most likely another defeat against a top side

[han2503]

Juve score.

How predictable there (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[vnata001]

Juve score.

How predictable there (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

yep. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Zed.D]

Is it a one-legged tie?

[han2503]

The is where we usually get our kiss of death. We push forward like headless chickens and constantly get caught on the break.

Predictability at its best

[han2503]

The is where we usually get our kiss of death. We push forward like headless chickens and constantly get caught on the break.

Predictability at its best

[han2503]

EL SHAARAWYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[Fillipo Simone]

Ambro makes the perfect assist (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[han2503]

Seedorf finally does something right. And no surprise it's once he's moved on the left side of midfield

[han2503]

Ambro makes the perfect assist (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

The only time he's useful, when the ball is in the air... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif)

[William405]

**** YEAH,how was the goal?!
And what changes happened?

[han2503]

btw, I'm still shell shocked that Antonini actually put in a decent cross to set that up

[William405]

Ambro makes the perfect assist (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

This is getting too funny (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[vnata001]

Seedorf finally does something right. And no surprise it's once he's moved on the left side of midfield

precisely this.

[han2503]

HOW THE F%$^ can he rule that out. No handball or offside from Ibra!!

Cheated again in a matter of days

[William405]

precisely this.

It's his best position obviously,playmaker on the left side.Only problem is that it changes Nocerino's position no?

[han2503]

It's his best position obviously,playmaker on the left side.Only problem is that it changes Nocerino's position no?

Yep, which is a huge problem!

WHAT A CHANCE FOR IBRA THERE. Miracle block from Chiellini to stop that

[han2503]

We've seriously re-emerged this half with some fight. Hopefully it does not fade out before we score

[vnata001]

nice passage of play there from ambrosini!

first his awful touch sets thiago silva up for a nice painful knock! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)

and then seconds later he does it again, and juve almost instantly score.

fillipo, just similar to allegri takes one step forward, and 2 steps back..ambro does the same thing.

This post has been edited by vnata001: Feb 8 2012, 10:23 PM

[William405]

Seems like we're going for it Forza Milan!

[han2503]

Robinho might be terrible in front of goal, but he gives us a spark in attack.

Ambro nearly giving away a goal there (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

In the last 10 minutes we gave up 6 unnecessary balls to Juve. 3 out of 6 it was Ambrosini. Getting on my nerves now.

[Zed.D]

FOR GOD'S SAKE WILL SOMEONE ANSWER MY QUESTION? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/realmad.gif)


IS THERE A RETURN GAME OR IS THE TIE DECIDED TONIGHT!?

[han2503]

In the last 10 minutes we gave up 6 unnecessary balls to Juve. 3 out of 6 it was Ambrosini. Getting on my nerves now.

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

I'l Lovin' It (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[han2503]

FOR GOD'S SAKE WILL SOMEONE ANSWER MY QUESTION? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/realmad.gif)


IS THERE A RETURN GAME OR IS THE TIE DECIDED TONIGHT!?

There is a return game, hence the title of the thread (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[William405]

FOR GOD'S SAKE WILL SOMEONE ANSWER MY QUESTION? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/realmad.gif)


IS THERE A RETURN GAME OR IS THE TIE DECIDED TONIGHT!?

Yes there is one.

[vnata001]

Two away goals conceded! It's not Allegri, it's the injuries! Nice clearance Ambro!

This post has been edited by vnata001: Feb 8 2012, 10:31 PM

[han2503]

Goal Juve.

Kiss of death for us

[han2503]

Lol, Ambro should have just worn the Juve shirt and claimed the assist for that

[Zed.D]

There is a return game, hence the title of the thread (IMG:http://www.milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Oops!

Yes there is one.

Thanks × 2

[han2503]

LOOOL

He takes of VB...




And leaves Ambro on...


Oh my word

[William405]

Dang.We're playing home right?

This post has been edited by William405: Feb 8 2012, 10:34 PM

[vnata001]

LOOOL

He takes of VB...




And leaves Ambro on...


Oh my word

it's not allegri! it's the injuries!

[han2503]

We're playing so high up the pitch, no wonder we keep getting caught out (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[han2503]

I still want to cry when I remember that we let Pirlo go for free to these f£$%$£^ zebras!!

[han2503]

Huge gaps in the center of our defence, Thiago and Mexes have been all over the place tonight

Juve get another one over us (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

I hope Allegri learns something from 2 humiliating defeats

[William405]

So my Tv decides to work when the match is over,just great!

[William405]

Two away goals conceded! It's not Allegri, it's the injuries! Nice clearance Ambro!

Are you being sarcastic or?...

[han2503]

Are you being sarcastic or?...

100% sarcastic (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

vnata is the Yin to my Yang

[acid911]

vnata is the Yin to my Yang

A lot of people are Yins to you, bub. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) I'm the Yin to your spelling Yang, for instance!

[Fillipo Simone]

Way to go! Another defeat in a big match...what maybe the 5th or 6th this season? But no, Allegri can't be the reason. Nice way to battle us through the schedule. This "Grande Februario" will soon turn into a "grande niente" for us.

[Danny]

I still want to cry when I remember that we let Pirlo go for free to these f£$%$£^ zebras!!

1: Pirlo was in miserable form for us us in the past 3 years. He could have stayed with us and remained in dire form. He needed a fresh start.

2: It's approaching that time of the season where you agreed that if Juve were still in the hunt for the Scudetto, you'd concede they were contenders. Ready to accept it now?

[vnata001]

A lot of people are Yins to you, bub. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) I'm the Yin to your spelling Yang, for instance!

u aren't.....jealous now are you acid? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) haha

[drucurl]

Didn't see the game (hopping three states today) so I'll keep it brief. Another big team another flop. This team is assuming the character (or lack thereof) of iBra. Won't knock the clueless one because our injury bug is borderline ridiculous, but wasn't this guy supposed to be resourceful and able to scrape up results with minimal resources? Just a thought. There are arguments for and against my opinion so no fire and brimstone today :-)

[Brian Birkin]

I think the biggest problem is the way we play. Why can we not play direct? Quick pass up and a run. We pass around the ball and lose it.

El Shaarawy is a light source per sempre.

We have 13 injuries now, which must be taken into consideration almost with T. Silva added to that.

[kurtsimonw]

I think the biggest problem is the way we play. Why can we not play direct? Quick pass up and a run. We pass around the ball and lose it.

I just wish we changed the entire we we set up and played altogether. I think of any big clubs, we're by far the easiest to play against. Of course our superior quality is usually enough to over-match some club, but the better clubs will generally be able to beat us.

There's a reason most top clubs play with wide players and are very attacking. It stretches the opposition and creates space in the middle, particularly for creative players. I don't see us ever really switching from 4-3-1-2 and it'll hurt us.

[Zed.D]

1: Pirlo was in miserable form for us us in the past 3 years. He could have stayed with us and remained in dire form. He needed a fresh start.

+1.

I don't think we'd be any different now if we had Pirlo.

I blame the management for not bringing what they promised which was a world class AM / a creative force. with Aquilani and Montolivo, I can't see us making that move at all anytime soon. they have decided an Ibra-dependent Milan is good enough. Ibra is a great player and can carry a team on his back as long as long balls from way back in defense end up on his feet, but I can see why drucurl is against having him. we're no longer a team. that is not blaming Ibra, it's just the price you pay for having him. you get results but don't play great as a team anymore.

[d'Arc.LP]

The most important thing is we drop the small team mentality.

Milan vs Big teams: W0-D4-L6 (n)

Record in February 2012: L(2) D(1) W(0)

Allegri signed a new deal on January 14. Eight games were played since then - 4 defeats 1 draw 3 wins.

Next Month from Hell fixtures: Udinese (A), Arsenal (H), Cesena (A), Juventus (H).

Based on our past results, I'd be happy if we get a draw against Udinese, a draw against Arsenal, maybe a win against Cesena and probably a draw against Juventus at home.

[acid911]

u aren't.....jealous now are you acid? haha

(IMG:http://i42.tinypic.com/2ch2wi9.jpg)

I was just stating the obvious. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

I don't think Ibra is essentially the problem here. Ibra has enough intelligence to play in flow with the team. The issue is the mediocrity around him.

Is it Ibra's fault that he is found in a lineups where he is the only one creating. He makes a pass and Robinho misses. Pato is injured or out of touch so he disappears. Nocerino is the only one competent.

And Allegri has miraculously decided that the solution to his troubles is to have the fullbacks push up. Sure they offer the versatility of width which we exploit against average sides...but the top sides just shut us down.

And as for me, I still believe Allegri is out of his league. The top coaches have as good teams, better tactics and better experience. I'm embarassed that the scudetto winning coach is getting his butt handed out to him by a 'n00b' like Conte.

[Rossoneri7]

I think the biggest problem is the way we play. Why can we not play direct? Quick pass up and a run. We pass around the ball and lose it.

El Shaarawy is a light source per sempre.

We have 13 injuries now, which must be taken into consideration almost with T. Silva added to that.

Injuries have hampered our performance and is only expected .. Hence the matter is only temporary, given 8 out of 13 injured are midfielders. The vision is long-term and as such we shouldn't worry too much given the injuries at hand.

[d'Arc.LP]

I don't think Ibra is essentially the problem here. Ibra has enough intelligence to play in flow with the team. The issue is the mediocrity around him.

Is it Ibra's fault that he is found in a lineups where he is the only one creating. He makes a pass and Robinho misses. Pato is injured or out of touch so he disappears. Nocerino is the only one competent.

And Allegri has miraculously decided that the solution to his troubles is to have the fullbacks push up. Sure they offer the versatility of width which we exploit against average sides...but the top sides just shut us down.

And as for me, I still believe Allegri is out of his league. The top coaches have as good teams, better tactics and better experience. I'm embarassed that the scudetto winning coach is getting his butt handed out to him by a 'n00b' like Conte.

this too, goes to FB (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) +1

[acid911]

I'm embarassed that the scudetto winning coach is getting his butt handed out to him by a 'n00b' like Conte.

Well, for better or for worse, any coach worth his salt can read Allegri out like a book. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) That's not to say he's necessarily a bad coach, but Allegri is just too predictable with his tactics. And more than that, too slow to react.

[Zed.D]

How should he react, though? what is it he should be doing that he's not? we have a first team out injured, his hands are tied. the fact that Ambro gets to play in these games says it all really...

[han2503]

1: Pirlo was in miserable form for us us in the past 3 years. He could have stayed with us and remained in dire form. He needed a fresh start.

2: It's approaching that time of the season where you agreed that if Juve were still in the hunt for the Scudetto, you'd concede they were contenders. Ready to accept it now?

Sure I'll conceed, but they are where they are simply because we have been TERRIBLE this season against any of the decent sides. And that is a FACT!

Juve have lost a lot of points against the smaller sides this season, and the reason they're sill top of the table is because we simply cannot cope anymore, with these injuries as well as a terrible game plan. I never feared them as title contenders because I had faith in our team before. Maybe you can call that over-confidence, but why shouldn't we all feel that way? We have the best team in the league by a mile imo. Yet we've been reduced to this.

[acid911]

How should he react, though? what is it he should be doing that he's not? we have a first team out injured, his hands are tied. the fact that Ambro gets to play in these games says it all really...

I was actually talking about his general laid back demeanor. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) Usually our coach is 5-20 minutes too late in calling his subs, and more often than not when he makes a mistakes in tactics, it takes a few good matches to rectify them and think of something new. A lot of it has got to do with his passive (coaching) nature, I guess.

[Danny]

Sure I'll conceed, but they are where they are simply because we have been TERRIBLE this season against any of the decent sides. And that is a FACT!

Juve have lost a lot of points against the smaller sides this season, and the reason they're sill top of the table is because we simply cannot cope anymore, with these injuries as well as a terrible game plan. I never feared them as title contenders because I had faith in our team before. Maybe you can call that over-confidence, but why shouldn't we all feel that way? We have the best team in the league by a mile imo. Yet we've been reduced to this.

Absolutely knew this would be your response.

Just as last year some took the credit from us for winning the league away 'because the rest of the league was rubbish', now we're saying we're the rubbish ones and Juve are being gifted the title.

I wonder, when was the last time Serie A had a 'worthy winner'...

[Fillipo Simone]

Now, now, let's see what's to say...

I don't think we'd be any different now if we had Pirlo.

This left me speechless. Don't you understand that we have a creative problem? Don't you get that Pirlo, even an off-form Pirlo is miles away from players who do the creating job for us, especially Emanuleson and Boateng? No, I refuse to agree that Pirlo hasn't been good for the past three years: last year he had serious injuries and Allegri clearly didn't provide any motivation to sign a new deal and get mentally stronger. Isn't it hard to watch him bring the opposition from spot 8 to spot 1? Don't you regret it when you see him play that good with Juventus? I sure do.

How should he react, though? what is it he should be doing that he's not? we have a first team out injured, his hands are tied. the fact that Ambro gets to play in these games says it all really...

I've said it a million times: more preparation, more tactical thinking. Allegri mostly just pushes a player to a fixed spot and then expects for example Emanuelson to do a Boateng. Ancelotti was the master of preparation; in many ways he was wrong or too stubborn, but he knew how to think, how to set a trap and tactical maneuver. Allegri...no. With him it's almost the same, Ambrosini or Nocerino, Boateng or Emanuelson, the initial idea remains while things look different only because of the individual differences. He has zero ability to surprise a oppositions coach. Like Acid said, the read him like a book - from the small things like the fetish with making (too) late subs to bigger tactical things.

[han2503]

Absolutely knew this would be your response.

Just as last year some took the credit from us for winning the league away 'because the rest of the league was rubbish', now we're saying we're the rubbish ones and Juve are being gifted the title.

I wonder, when was the last time Serie A had a 'worthy winner'...

Do you think we've been anywhere near good this season? Not even great but just good?

The answer is simple. No.

We've struggled big time this season. Yes we've had injuries but the team simply has not clicked this season, even when we win big, it's usually down to isolated instances when Ibra does something great. We've won a big fat zero when it comes to games against the top sides.

Last season's Serie A was nothing special, Inter were a mess, Juve were a mess, etc. But still we beat those teams, Inter are a bigger mess this season then they were last and they're getting humiliated left and right, same for Lazio and Juve are finding it difficuilt against the smaller sides, yet when we go up against them, it's relatively easy for them to stop us, simply because this season we're playing a 1 dimensional game.

How many times have we seen our team constantly get caught on the counter after we have the lion's share of possession. Last season we eliminated this from our game, this season it's become even worse.

Our best performers from last season have also been struggling this season. I'm seeing Thiago Silva make mistakes FFS. If that does not ring alarm bells than I don't know what will.

Yes Serie A is a lot more competitive this season, but you cannot deny the fact that we have barely showed up this season. The injures have literally crippled us and Allegri's short comings are more apparent than ever.

Let's see if we get KO'd out of the CL by this time next week...

[acid911]

This left me speechless. Don't you understand that we have a creative problem? Don't you get that Pirlo, even an off-form Pirlo is miles away from players who do the creating job for us, especially Emanuleson and Boateng? No, I refuse to agree that Pirlo hasn't been good for the past three years: last year he had serious injuries and Allegri clearly didn't provide any motivation to sign a new deal and get mentally stronger. Isn't it hard to watch him bring the opposition from spot 8 to spot 1? Don't you regret it when you see him play that good with Juventus? I sure do.

Totally agreed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I still think, and will do so for the foreseeable future, that we kept the wrongs players. I'd personally have shook hands with Seedorf, and smilingly parted ways, and kept Pirlo. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) Heck, give him a two-year contract if anything and see what goes. Find a middle ground.

And speaking of grounds, one thing which I haven't brought to notice is the San Siro pitch. I'd dare say, if it hasn't been said before, that the grass there is cursed. Wretchedly cursed. inter has had their fair share of injuries, we have had a whole lot of them. Quite a few of our players fall down like flies when we are playing at home. For what it's worth Ronaldo (the real one, thank you) suffered two of his worst setbacks and injuries here in Milan.

Maybe it's the ground, the soil that needs work, the way the pitch is laid out, whatever. But it's not helping!

I've said it a million times: more preparation, more tactical thinking. Allegri mostly just pushes a player to a fixed spot and then expects for example Emanuelson to do a Boateng. Ancelotti was the master of preparation; in many ways he was wrong or too stubborn, but he knew how to think, how to set a trap and tactical maneuver. Allegri...no. With him it's almost the same, Ambrosini or Nocerino, Boateng or Emanuelson, the initial idea remains while things look different only because of the individual differences. He has zero ability to surprise a oppositions coach. Like Acid said, the read him like a book - from the small things like the fetish with making (too) late subs to bigger tactical things.

Thanks for elaborating, totally agreed again on all counts. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/goodheart.gif) If we can somehow lure Capello in, then let's do and get it all over with after the Arsenal first leg. I'm all for Allegri, he's still in my good books, unlucky with injuries, not as good a man-manager, but it's this Small-Club Mentality™ that ticks me off the most. Utterly predictable, and very easy to be outfoxed by any decent coach who is willing to study him.

I'll wait for the 15th of this month to see, but I have my suspicions, that we'll not lose to Arsenal, but to Arsene Wegner come the end of the two legs. At this point in time, I'm expecting QF exit from the CL and a 2nd place finish in the league. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) That is until miracles happen (plus we get a whole bunch of our players back in fitness and form). But then again, I've always believed that miracles don't happen - you have to be a miracle.

When we should be 5 point ahead, we're 5 points behind, give or take. Leagues are rarely won like this!

[Zed.D]

This left me speechless. Don't you understand that we have a creative problem? Don't you get that Pirlo, even an off-form Pirlo is miles away from players who do the creating job for us, especially Emanuleson and Boateng? No, I refuse to agree that Pirlo hasn't been good for the past three years: last year he had serious injuries and Allegri clearly didn't provide any motivation to sign a new deal and get mentally stronger. Isn't it hard to watch him bring the opposition from spot 8 to spot 1? Don't you regret it when you see him play that good with Juventus? I sure do.

Didn't read my last post, did you? I blamed the management for their failure to bring a new AM/creative force to replace Pirlo, so yes, I do understand we have a creative problem. nice try patronizing me, though.

As Danny pointed out and I agreed with it, something wasn't working between us and Pirlo on a technical level. once upon a time he was arguably one of the very best midfielders in the world and we all took pride in that. but after the Athens final the only way he seemed to go was downhill. Carlo couldn't revive him. Leonardo couldn't revive him. what makes you think Allegri could when you don't even rate him in any way? leaving Milan for a new challenge was the best solution for Pirlo and I'm happy he's found some of his old form back (I'm taking your word for it, haven't watched more than 1 or 2 Juve games this season).

[Zed.D]

We've won a big fat zero when it comes to games against the top sides.

Roma.

[kurtsimonw]

Absolutely knew this would be your response.

Just as last year some took the credit from us for winning the league away 'because the rest of the league was rubbish', now we're saying we're the rubbish ones and Juve are being gifted the title.

I wonder, when was the last time Serie A had a 'worthy winner'...

Unfortunately some on here are far too concerned with bashing Max to actually be bothered about the lack of logic in their arguement.

[Fillipo Simone]

Didn't read my last post, did you? I blamed the management for their failure to bring a new AM/creative force to replace Pirlo, so yes, I do understand we have a creative problem. nice try patronizing me, though.

Hah, nice try to bring it to a personal level (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I can't understand it though; isn't it obvious that Allegri pressures the strategy with two DM's or box-to-box midfielders and a creative one + two support strikers alla Robinho or Tevez? Isn't it clear that Allegri does not prioritize signing a AM, but rather imagines a strong working DM and a bonus working striker? I mean, he failed with all creative players but Seedorf, isn't that enough to realize that maybe our management isn't just stupid but also guided by the ideas how Milan's setup looks?

[han2503]

Roma.

Really???

That's your answer? Roma?

[Fillipo Simone]

Naah, it's pointless to discuss it anymore. We're being labeled as haters or bashers, while Milan sinks downward because of injuries, the managements incompetence and the sudden quality of some teams.

[han2503]

Unfortunately some on here are far too concerned with bashing Max to actually be bothered about the lack of logic in their arguement.

I'll ponder that lack of logic while we continue to lose (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif)

[d'Arc.LP]

MILAN - “The team needs to feel the fans’ support. This can’t become a time for arguments and criticism.” Words from Barabara Berlusconi the day after Milan’s loss to Juventus in the first leg of the Italian Cup semi final. “We’re going through a crucial phase of the season. The next few weeks will be decisive without a doubt. We’re on course to achieve all the objectives that we fixed at the start of the season. Positive news is not lacking. El Shaaraway is showing what a great prospect he is for our football and some of our players have shown good form. In general however, we’re not going through an easy period. Many players are out and playing every three days it’s difficult to get them back. That’s why we need support and trust from everyone. “

From Milanello, here’s what Massimo Ambrosini had to say the Sky: “Ibra is a fundamental player and it’ll be important to see how the team reacts without him. Last year without him we put I some good performances.”
Ambro then spoke of Chellini who called for the use of TV evidence: “He should avoid taking these kinds of stands because it’s out of place. It’s disappointing because we’re trying tone things down and I don’t think it’s right to go into the press room and call for TV evidence. If someone makes a mistake, he should pay, but going and acting as a spy and forcing the issue like that is just not the way to do things. Udinese and Arsenal? I’m worried about the game against Udinese. It’s decisive becasue we need something to change this run of results. We can’t let another game pass by without sending out a strong signal.”

[d'Arc.LP]

(IMG:http://www.tuttosport.com/images/52/C_3_Media_1420452_immagine_ts673_400.jpg)

[Guest_Suhail 3_*]

I hope that we come back strongly after the udinese game against Arsenal and beat them convincingly in the san siro (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[d'Arc.LP]

This pic. shows that Juventus' second goal came from an offside position :

(IMG:https://p.twimg.com/AlORW-MCQAAz8NH.jpg)

And this showes that there was a contact between Chiellini and Ibrahimovic and that this one should have been a penallty :

(IMG:https://p.twimg.com/AlORHFQCEAERWxm.jpg)

[Brian Birkin]

I just wish we changed the entire we we set up and played altogether. I think of any big clubs, we're by far the easiest to play against. Of course our superior quality is usually enough to over-match some club, but the better clubs will generally be able to beat us.

There's a reason most top clubs play with wide players and are very attacking. It stretches the opposition and creates space in the middle, particularly for creative players. I don't see us ever really switching from 4-3-1-2 and it'll hurt us.

I agree. Now we are easy to read. We take alot of time when attacking which gives time to construct defense for the opposition.

This is what makes me most angry, we have 13 injuries of course also but that is. We must watch Van Persie against Arsenal who plays faster than Juventus.
Of course players and Allegri keep saying 'Supporters must be with us. We will try harder next time'.

Everything started with the mercato who nowadays rarely bring in big money signings.

The days now are well away from the Ancelotti era. Now we have no midfield creativity; no Ricky and no Pirlo.

However, we do not have the same speed as we had circa 5 years ago, Seedorf and others have gone older.

http://www.milannews.it/?action=read&idnotizia=72957

Crudeli: "The match showed that: It is important to have a manager who can create a solid team of whoever is playing".

I believe Allegri must dare to play in more than one way, dare to change tactics etc.

This post has been edited by Brian Birkin: Feb 9 2012, 05:30 PM

[Danny]

MILAN - “The team needs to feel the fans’ support. This can’t become a time for arguments and criticism.” Words from Barabara Berlusconi the day after Milan’s loss to Juventus in the first leg of the Italian Cup semi final. “We’re going through a crucial phase of the season. The next few weeks will be decisive without a doubt. We’re on course to achieve all the objectives that we fixed at the start of the season. Positive news is not lacking. El Shaaraway is showing what a great prospect he is for our football and some of our players have shown good form. In general however, we’re not going through an easy period. Many players are out and playing every three days it’s difficult to get them back. That’s why we need support and trust from everyone. “

Nice to see Babs paying attention to the team for once. For a while she was attending all the matches, but now she's more occupied with her Duck and alleged sprog.

[Zed.D]

Hah, nice try to bring it to a personal level (IMG:http://www.milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I can't understand it though; isn't it obvious that Allegri pressures the strategy with two DM's or box-to-box midfielders and a creative one + two support strikers alla Robinho or Tevez? Isn't it clear that Allegri does not prioritize signing a AM, but rather imagines a strong working DM and a bonus working striker? I mean, he failed with all creative players but Seedorf, isn't that enough to realize that maybe our management isn't just stupid but also guided by the ideas how Milan's setup looks?

Um... exactly what are you getting at? (if you're interested in continuing this discussion)

Really???

That's your answer? Roma?

You say we've lost to EVERY big team out there including Lazio (I mean.. LMAO), so yeah, that's my answer (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) we beat Roma at the Olimpico after god knows how many years, if Lazio are big more so are Roma and it's a fact you should remember when you attempt to repeat what you've already said about a hundred times.

Naah, it's pointless to discuss it anymore. We're being labeled as haters or bashers, while Milan sinks downward because of injuries, the managements incompetence and the sudden quality of some teams.

Milan sinks downward? gee, when did you become such a drama queen?

This post has been edited by Zed.D: Feb 9 2012, 07:53 PM

[d'Arc.LP]

Ibra's "one-finger slap" to Storari:

(IMG:http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431213_369227639772576_261816137180394_1324816_1955048330_n.jpg)

[William405]

They made quite a big deal out of that.

[han2503]

You say we've lost to EVERY big team out there including Lazio (I mean.. LMAO), so yeah, that's my answer (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) we beat Roma at the Olimpico after god knows how many years, if Lazio are big more so are Roma and it's a fact you should remember when you attempt to repeat what you've already said about a hundred times.

Everyone was p!ssed off after the Lazio game and brought that point up, that does not mean everyone thinks that Lazio are a top club!

I don't include Lazio as a top club that we haven't beaten this season. But I do consider them a very strong team that we haven't been able to beat. They're stronger than Roma this season and that is what matters. If we're talking about just club stature, than Roma imo are the bigger club for me. But that is not what anyone really is using to measure how poor we've been.

Let's look at it this way, we have not beaten any of the top 4 clubs in the league this season. So don't bring Roma into this as that win really did not show anything imo.

[Fillipo Simone]

They made quite a big deal out of that.

Nothing special if treated as an isolated incident. Give the context of last weeks Napoli game, it show Ibra is on the edge. Won't do good to our appeal.

Um... exactly what are you getting at? (if you're interested in continuing this discussion)

I don't blame the management this time. I think Allegri and Galliani are much closer then Leo or Ancelotti in terms of picking up players Milan tries to sign. I also never read or saw Allegri showing any deeper interest in a offensive midfielder who could be a classical creator. Allegri clearly IMO prefers an system with 3 working midfielders, one working AM (rather then a classic creator like Pirlo or Ronaldinho) and a support striker like Robinho. That's why we wanted Tevez.

You say we've lost to EVERY big team out there including Lazio (I mean.. LMAO), so yeah, that's my answer wink.gif we beat Roma at the Olimpico after god knows how many years, if Lazio are big more so are Roma and it's a fact you should remember when you attempt to repeat what you've already said about a hundred times.

What? Seriously...if Lazio are big more so are Roma? This season, just like last season, Lazio is actually doing better. But anyway, yes, you're completely right we beat 1 big time, while loosing to Napoli, Inter, Juventus twice, Lazio and Barcelona. But hey, we beat Roma, that's a heck of an achievement. A total of 10%.

Milan sinks downward? gee, when did you become such a drama queen?

I don't know, when did you become so personal?

[William405]

Conte exposes Milan deficiencies

It doesn’t seem to matter what Juventus players Antonio Conte selects or what formation he plays them in. He could close his eyes and play eeny meeny miny mo in the dressing room, or dress up in a shiny jacket and pull his players names out a bowl at random. Maybe that’s what he did in Milan last night.

Conte appeared to tempt fate with his selection for the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg, showing scant regard for his team’s unbeaten record this season, as if it was a distraction he’d rather be rid of. He dropped eight of the players that faced Siena on Sunday, gave new signings Martin Caceres and Simone Padoin their debuts, played Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Borriello – a strikeforce with a grand total of one goal between them this season – up front, and deployed this motley crew in a 3-5-2 formation that the Bianconeri had experimented with on only a handful of prior occasions this term. Even the strip they wore was third choice.

Yet when the final whistle rung out at San Siro, Juve had extended their unbeaten run to 24 matches in all competitions, taken a big step towards the Coppa Final and landed a sizeable psychological blow on Scudetto rivals Milan – just two weeks before their all-important rendezvous at the same venue on League business.

“Tonight Juventus proved once more that we are a team,” Conte remarked of the 2-1 victory. “I put on to the pitch players that wanted to prove they are part of this project, and their response was extraordinary. I liked their attitude a lot, their enthusiasm, their organisation.”

His counterpart Massimiliano Allegri insisted “this defeat won’t influence the rest of the season,” but that remains to be seen. Nothing is decided yet, neither the Coppa semi-final or the Scudetto race, but three conclusions were immediately apparent last night.

One, Juventus made the wiser moves in the January window. Caceres scored twice on an extraordinary second debut and fellow January arrivals Padoin and Borriello both produced earnest, diligent displays. Of Milan’s buys, youngsters Alexander Merkel and Rodney Strasser are injured, Sulley Muntari is yet to return from the African Nations Cup, Djamel Mesbah was left out and for the second match running Allegri waited until the 86th minute to summon Maxi Lopez from the bench, suggesting he has just as little faith in the Argentine striker as Catania boss Vincenzo Montella did.

Two, Juventus have greater strength in depth. True, Milan are in the midst of another horrendous injury crisis, but Conte’s selection levelled the playing field and La Vecchia Signora still won out. Caceres is essentially their second choice right-back, can you imagine the Diavolo’s second choice right-back Daniele Bonera scoring that spectacular winner?

Three, Juventus are more tactically flexible. Their standard 4-3-3 shelved, the Bianconeri looked just as dangerous going forward and just as solid at the back in the 3-5-2. Serie A top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic had less chance of finding a way past Giorgio Chiellini than Iain Dowie did of pronouncing either players’ name correctly. In contrast Allegri seems stuck in his 4-3-1-2 tactical straightjacket, unable or unwilling to change regardless of the opposition or circumstances.

Writing off the Rossoneri at this stage would be madness. The title-holders suffered similar difficulties with injuries, suspensions and faltering form this time last year and at the beginning of this season, and recovered on both occasions. However, they need their injured players, Kevin Prince Boateng and Alberto Aquilani in particular, back in action and they need some sort of tactical alternative. Because as long as Conte can afford to treat his team selections like a game of bingo, there’s only going to be one winner.

This post has been edited by William405: Feb 9 2012, 08:46 PM

[Brian Birkin]

Against Roma we fitted a strong performance. Except for Nocerino, we sealed every chance to a goal, and we won a heavy match.

http://www.milannews.it/?action=read&idnotizia=72821

Luis Enrique: "Against Milan, we witnessed a stronger team".

This post has been edited by Brian Birkin: Feb 10 2012, 02:18 AM

[Fillipo Simone]

Guys, you really think beating Roma is a dealbreaker?