[KillerMax]

You know, I'm really not that excited about all this hype around Pato. He is getting too much praise for so little he has done. And we have allegedly paid 22m Euros form him. That's a lot of money for someone who could well turn out to be just an average player at Milan. Just the way our official website is hyping this signing like it's the greatest thing that has ever happened in the World of football gets me all bored. We bought a 17 year old kid with braces and we call our summer signings over?

First of all that's too much unnecessary pressure on the kid.

Second of all, look at Barca's squad for god sake. They have the best young player in the World in Messi. And then they have Krkic and Dos Santos. I haven't seen much from Santos, but Krkic is easily a bigger talent than Pato. Pato is getting all this hype because he is Brazilian. Krkic on the other hand looks twice as promising as this guy. And Barca haven't paid a dime for any of these kids...

I'm not saying Pato is crap, but he is just another talented kid who is being dangerously hyped. And it's not like we have the jewel of young talents. IMO Barca have better ones. Looking at our team and its lack of pace and all those old players, we really needed some quality signings this season. And I keep hearing this thing about the team that just won the Champions League. You know, technically, saving your energy and players to only play good in the latter stages of CL and playing like crap with no energy and desire in other games doesn't count as success to me. We need a deep and healthy squad with determination and desire to win every single game. Whether it's Serie A or Champions League.

Now Pato is not even available to us until January and he is too young to really make a big difference. Because it's really not about how much technique you have. Look at Gourcuff, he is technically superior to most of our players but he is finding it hard to establish himself in the first team.

All in all, with the squad we have, it's only a matter of time until we run into serious problems and midway through the season we will find it hard to keep up and eventually will have to sacrifice competition after competition to help us recharge.


Please share your two cents.

This post has been edited by pKillerMax: Aug 6 2007, 10:46 PM

[Tennie]

It's a brief two cents, but I agree with your basic argument, Max: the squad is lacking in depth. We need to be able to rotate players more to avoid overtiredness or injury and much as I love some of the bench players, they're just not up to playing high-tension games. We can't play the first team starters for every game - though I hope I'm wrong, I fear that something is going to give somewhere.

[kurtsimonw]

In my opinion the sole reason they're hyping Pato up the way they are is because this transfer window has been, and will continue to be, a complete failure. We have not made one single worthwhile transfer.

People get the wrong idea about young kids, they hear they have all this talent and automatically think they're really World great players. Messi, who is a whole lot better than Pato, only really played his first full season this past year and he's now 21. Pato still has many years before he should even play a meaningful game in my opinion. He's been hyped up so much so the fans don't feel as disappointed in what we've done this season.

As I said, Pato is for the future, not for now, so this transfer window has been unproductive and a waste of time, we've not improved our team at all. We're the same old team that finished 4th, while the other mega-powers in Europe have been adding to their already great squads to tae our European title away from us.

Prediction for next season: 2 trophies. European Super Cup & World Club Championship. 4th in the league, QF in the Champions League.

[Portman]

Well, I'm not that sad TBH.

I was expecting a Summer like this. Or a big-name or nobody (Pato is for the future). Silvio Berlusconi is confident on the team and would only splash a huge sum in Ronaldinho. We all know that.

But I totally agree we would need 3-4 top signings: FW, CB, CM and possibly a LB to compete for the 5 trophies.

We've a top-class 11 and some good subs:

---------------Dida--------------
Oddo--Nesta--Kaladze--Janku.
---------------Pirlo--------------
-------Gattuso---Seedorf------
---------------Kaka'------------
------Gilardino-----Ronaldo---

+ Favalli, Bonera, Serginho, Gourcuff, Ambrosini, Inzaghi. Until December.

Sorry but I did not put Maldini up there because after what I saw in the Inter-Milan... I hope he only plays the CWC in Tokyo and then retires. It's just too much for Il Capitano to play vs. world-class fowards nowadays. It's hard but it's the truth.

But as you can see, our first 11 is as good as any other top-team.

About squad-depth, we're nowhere near Inter, Chelsea, Barcelona, Liverpool or Madrid.

Predictions for the new season? I'll tell you on the 1st of September.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Talking about Krkic and Dos Santos? Well, Krkic is 1 year younger than Pato and Dos Santos and I can say that those 2 are probably the best born 89 (both hyped by their Nike-contrats). At least at the moment.

And I don't see Krkic a bigger talent than Pato or Giovani dos Santos.

Messi as the best young player? Young = Until 20? If so I agree.

But that's because Barcelona have the best youth system in the world. Milan, Juventus, ManUtd, Liverpool, etc are nowhere near that or even the Arsenal one.

This post has been edited by Porty: Aug 6 2007, 11:52 PM

[redbabies]

There has never been a young player that conviced me more than Pato.

I dont wanna overrate him. But he has everything. Look at his goals for Internacionale and Brazil he has an incredible powerfull shot, great ball control, and is very fast.

I dunno why some people dont like him as much as the others.

About the transfer campaing in general I'm not very upset. Milan has that kind of strategy; they dont buy a lot of great players in 1 season coz they know they'll find it difficult to adapt. They try to introduce 1 or 2 players at a time.

And that has worked these last years.

[Portman]

I dunno why some people dont like him as much as the others.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

[Warchant]

oh how quickly people forget where we were this time last year

imo, we are much better off than we were this time last year...so no, i'm not sad one bit

[Rossoneri7]

I do agree with Maxs points about ppl hyping up Pato to be another one of Milan's stars, and he is too young to handle such pressures.

When Gilardino came, ppl were expecting 30+ goals/ season ... Especially with players like Rui, Kaka', Shevchenko, Pirlo, and Seedorf supporting him. In the end, it is football, it is the difference in the type of football that you play at a high level club like Milan or a mediocre club like Parma.

I hope Pato gets off on the right foot and that he doesn't have to carry so much pressure with him when he wears the Milan shirt (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) I hope he sets the CL and Serie A on fire with his quality. Still, technically he has to adapt .. Which is not so easy .. Gila and Gourcuff are suffering from this. They don't have the tactical ability of players like Ronaldo, Shevchenko, etc .. Again experience comes into play here ... Thus, Pato needs time to adapt.

Next season, I truly believe we have a good team set to challenge for the Scudetto and CL. Not forgetting the CWC and ESC .. Milan is a big club, mere transfers don't influence Milan's season, it never has and never will. If Milan is to invest it is for top players like Zambrotta, Buffon, Ronaldinho, etc .. But mediocre players rarely get a chance to take part, even though we lack depth. We have a coach who knows exactly what he needs to reach his targets and has set his course along time ago, .. With that said, Ancelotti is confident of his team and I am all for the coach.

Sure we as fans might have preferences and reservations about who we want and who should play where etc ... But at the end of the day, this is AC Milan the reigning European Champions. What more do you want from a team that demolished United at the San Siro in the semis .. Milan really proved it's pedigree on that night (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

I hope Silvio does get his man in the end, which will be enough to win a double this season, IMO (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

oh how quickly people forget where we were this time last year

imo, we are much better off than we were this time last year...so no, i'm not sad one bit

last year was considered a failure but there was a reason behind it yet we did sign bonera, gourcuff, oli (which seemed good at the time) and brocchi came back. but so far they've managed to sign no one who can actually play for us.

this time around we are a in a much better situation financially with the ticket sales and no calciopoli yet they've managed to sign no one, so no i dont see how it's the same situation as last year. this year is worse.

so please example to me how we are in a much better situation?

This post has been edited by bigmacmtl: Aug 7 2007, 04:28 AM

[Warchant]

last year was considered a failure but there was a reason behind it yet we did sign bonera, gourcuff, oli (which seemed good at the time) and brocchi came back. but so far they've managed to sign no one who can actually play for us.

this time around we are a in a much better situation financially with the ticket sales and no calciopoli yet they've managed to sign no one, so no i dont see how it's the same situation as last year. this year is worse.

so please example to me how we are in a much better situation?

i believe calciopli will hurt our team for a few more years. i think there were 3-4 players, who went to other teams, who would've come to our team last year if we hadn't gone through that scandal...i also believe that sheva would still be here.

we also have oddo and ronaldo in our squad this year as well...which i believe will greatly increase our chances domestically and internationally.

[LaPalma]

I have to agree with Max, that it'll be another Scudettoless season for us, as Inters squad (not their first 11) is way ahead of us. As Galliani said we're obciously stronger than last season, as we now have Oddo and Ronaldo. Of course I'm not as confident as R7 is (who can be (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ?), but I think qualfying for the Cl should be achieved without big problems this season. I can't see Juve anwhere near us, they lack the quality they had in 2005/2006. Nedved, Del Pierro an Trez...they're all over their prime.

For the transfer window...of course I'm dissapointed, but as Porty said: This wasn't unexpected. On the other hand: Other Top Clubs such as Real haven't finished spectacular transfers as well, and Barcas offensive may be impressive but they still don't have a good DM, and the Messi, Ronaldinho,Henry, Eto'o attack won't work for long I believe. As for us, I just just can't see us winning the CL again. Last year ways impressive, especially the victory over ManU in the SS but we can't expect Kaká to score another 10 goals in this seasons CL. And I won't even think of Ricky being injured for longer than a weak. Without him we don't stand a chance against the "big" teams.

[KillerMax]

And I won't even think of Ricky being injured for longer than a weak. Without him we don't stand a chance against the "big" teams.

That's what bothers me. If Ronaldinho gets injured, there is Messi and Henry to take his place. But if Kaka gets injured, we are forced to play with 3 defensive midfielders and Seedorf as AM since giving Gourcuff a chance to play is beyond Ancelotti. So without Kaka, it looks like this:

Gattuso Ambrosini Brocchi
---------Seedorf------------


And we all know that line up is as bad as it looks.

[Jack Sparrow]

I dunno Max. As I heard, the primary reason, why we dumped Cassano(besides the Real spat) was coz Carlo said, he wanted to give Yoann more space on the field. And Seedorf is really good as a trquartista.

FWIW I think our first team and our first line of subs are really good. On paper our subs are not heavy weights but they know their job, they've been doing it for a long time and they can do it well. The ONLY way the sh!t would hit the fan would be to have a 'atypical' injury ravaged season. You know the sort. 2 frontline strikers injured,2 frontline defenders injured, 2 midfielders out all AT the same time.

Nope we've spent more cash than any other club on medical and training facilities. I don't see this happening.

[MizNelson]

I am in agreement of the assessment that Milan are hyping the bejesus out of Pato as if he's the LeBron James of world football in hopes that it'll take our minds off of yet another lousy transfer season, the highlight of which was paying some peachfuzzed kid the moon and putting the world on his shoulders, while we continue our ridiculous Brazilian love affair. And we can't even play the guy until next year!

So, in the meantime, we've got another Scudetto-less and almost certainly injury-ravaged season to look forward to. We'll suck in the first few months and forget how to score again (Galliani might want to start looking in the Yellow Pages under "strikers"), and during the January transfer market we'll consequently make some panic buy that won't contribute a dime in a bucket. And Pato sure as hell isn't going to make an impact right away, because it takes time to learn the team system. I think only the Hiroshima bomb crashed with a louder thud. The management is going to cause a revolt among the Milan fans if this nonsense keeps up.

It's BS like this that are going to make our CL success look more like an act of God than the fruit of our hard work.

[bigmacmtl]

i believe calciopli will hurt our team for a few more years. i think there were 3-4 players, who went to other teams, who would've come to our team last year if we hadn't gone through that scandal...i also believe that sheva would still be here.

we also have oddo and ronaldo in our squad this year as well...which i believe will greatly increase our chances domestically and internationally.

ya i know those 2 will help alot but i think theres just too many factors against us. to do anything great this season we will need all the luck we can get and NO major injuries

[kurtsimonw]

I am in agreement of the assessment Milan are hyping the bejesus out of Pato as if he's the LeBron James of world football.

Agreed. Pato is most definetly not a one-man team. I don't want to see him in a Milan shirt until he's 20. If he is playing games before then, it shows how little we have up front.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 8 2007, 07:11 AM

[Zed.D]

Agreed. Pato is most definetly not a one-man team. I don't want to see him in a Milan shirt until he's 20. If he is playing games before then, it shows how little we have up front.

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) You will regret these words very sooner than that my friend...

I don't think we lack anything up front. Ronaldo/Gilardino/Inzaghi/Willy/Pato and in emergencies Kaka.

Adding Cassano to that list wouldn't be a bad idea though.

[mkenya]

IMO guys are just complaining and being emotional. Last season who thought we could win the CL and finish top 4 in Serie A????

PATO is definitely a good signing and until we see how he adapts, we cannot pass any judgements. We all thought Oliveira would be brilliant, the same for Gila and we all complained that R99 was fat and bogus. What happened???

Young players should be exposed in order to build their confidence. Someone like Gorcuff is brilliant but the confidence still lacks coz exposure is minimal. This season the management said they'll give him more time and if that happens i'm sure we'll experience his quality.

Pato might be young in terms of age but he's a matured player in terms of soccer. He gave Puyol a difficult time last season in the Club championship. He's also physically strong and I hope he gets more time to prove his worth.

The main problem we are having is in defence where age has really caught up with our players. They can't run for full 90 mins!

[Zed.D]

IMO guys are just complaining and being emotional.  Last season who thought we could win the CL and finish top 4 in Serie A????

PATO is definitely a good signing and until we see how he adapts, we cannot pass any judgements.  We all thought Oliveira would be brilliant, the same for Gila and we all complained that R99 was fat and bogus.  What happened???

Young players should be exposed in order to build their confidence.  Someone like Gorcuff is brilliant but the confidence still lacks coz exposure is minimal.  This season the management said they'll give him more time and if that happens i'm sure we'll experience his quality.

Pato might be young in terms of age but he's a matured player in terms of soccer.  He gave Puyol a difficult time last season in the Club championship. He's also physically strong and I hope he gets more time to prove his worth.

The main problem we are having is in defence where age has really caught up with our players.  They can't run for full 90 mins!

A very nice post (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[LaPalma]

I dunno Max. As I heard, the primary reason, why we dumped Cassano(besides the Real spat) was coz Carlo said, he wanted to give Yoann more space on the field. And Seedorf is really good as a trquartista.

FWIW I think our first team and our first line of subs are really good. On paper our subs are not heavy weights but they know their job, they've been doing it for a long time and they can do it well.  The ONLY way the sh!t would hit the fan would be to have a 'atypical' injury ravaged season. You know the sort. 2 frontline strikers injured,2 frontline defenders injured, 2 midfielders out all AT the same time.

Nope we've spent more cash than any other club on medical and training facilities. I don't see this happening.

FWIW? What's that supposed to mean (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ?
IMO our subs, besides in the attack are cr@p. Brocchi is a joke....that ManU managed to win against us in Old Trafford was his fault. Favalli is nothing special, Kaladze will be playing in the first 11 next year, and we all know that Simic has his moments but not more. Bonera is a misscalculation IMO, he's not very talented and already 26...we can't expect much more from him IMO. Gourcuff is a promising player but he can't compete with Seedorf when the Dutch plays like in the end of last season.

[Rossoneri7]

@LaPalma .. We do have these average players, yes, but don't forget these players are the European champions (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

Bonera, Broochi, Simic etc etc .. These are our second string players ... They play with heart for Milan .. More than any other bench player at inter or anywhere else.

It is natural that we (as fans) want the best for our team .. And we would not expect anything, but a strong bench to aid an already strong first XI ..

Leaving all this speculation aside, about how the team will cope with the new season .. Milan have a very VERY strong team ! Our midfield (IMO) is the best in Europe, the defense (well Nesta and Maldini (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ) is renowned worldwide for it's strength, we have the best goalkeeper in the world ! And we have Ronaldo leading our attack ... With that said, we have reliable subs that can take the field at anytime and under any condition, and still present a Milan standard performance.

p.s. Don't want to go into the speculation of if this or that happens we will loose (.. or whichever speculation u would like to examine..) cuz no one imagined Milan would reach a 4th place finish and take home the CL after looking at our performance in the first half of the season. In fact, this very team has been bred to win.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

IMO guys are just complaining and being emotional.  Last season who thought we could win the CL and finish top 4 in Serie A????

PATO is definitely a good signing and until we see how he adapts, we cannot pass any judgements.  We all thought Oliveira would be brilliant, the same for Gila and we all complained that R99 was fat and bogus.  What happened???

Not win the CL but yeah with an 8 point deduction I would have still expected us to be in the top 4 when other teams have been deducted more and Juve relegated...

We all thought Oliveira would be brilliant! Haha yeah right, there were loads myself included last season that were very skepticul about him, we ended up believing some of the people on here that he was any good, what a mistake... Gilar's still nearly got a goal every other game ratio in the league so it isn't exactly the worst, it's just that it seems he can't do it in the CL, at least for the moment.

[LaPalma]

@LaPalma .. We do have these average players, yes, but don't forget these players are the European champions (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

Bonera, Broochi, Simic etc etc .. These are our second string players ... They play with heart for Milan .. More than any other bench player at inter or anywhere else.

It is natural that we (as fans) want the best for our team .. And we would not expect anything, but a strong bench to aid an already strong first XI ..

Leaving all this speculation aside, about how the team will cope with the new season .. Milan have a very VERY strong team ! Our midfield (IMO) is the best in Europe, the defense (well Nesta and Maldini (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ) is renowned worldwide for it's strength, we have the best goalkeeper in the world ! And we have Ronaldo leading our attack ... With that said, we have reliable subs that can take the field at anytime and under any condition, and still present a Milan standard performance.

p.s. Don't want to go into the speculation of if this or that happens we will loose (.. or whichever speculation u would like to examine..) cuz no one imagined Milan would reach a 4th place finish and take home the CL after looking at our performance in the first half of the season. In fact, this very team has been bred to win.

These avergae players are only European champions on the paper. I don't want to say anything bad about them as you're right: They play with a lot of heart for Milan, but the "true" european champions are Seedorf, Pippo, Pirlo....and above all Kaká.
We have a very strong team...I agree. But Dida the best goalie in the world? Come on...you're heavily heavily biased. You have to agree that at least Gigi is better than Dida. The Brazilian is a very good keeper, but IMO his class is declining year by year.

Don't get me wrong. I don't want stars like Diego and others on our bench. That'd be nuts. But how about a player like Maresca? And how about some promising young players? We really need a good CB as Maldini won't play too many matches next year I believe.
And I'm not saying we can't win anything next season. Last summer I was one of the few people thinking of winning the CL. We can do that again of course...and we can even win the Scudetto, but Inter has much better chances to win the league (as they have more quality players) as other teams have much better chances to win the CL.

[kurtsimonw]

People seem to think being European Champions solves all of our problems and means we are the best.

Get real! Serie A and The Premier League are much harder to win than the Champions League. Look at the finalists in recent years. Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Monaco. No disrespect to any of them, but they're not even the top teams domestically.

Now consider this. Chelsea won both domestic cups, finished in the top 2 the previous 3 years, made 2 Champions League semi Finals - They compete in 4 competitions and still do well. Now look at Milan. We don't even think of the Coppa, we don't compete in Serie A so the CL is the only thing we have left. So yes, we should do well in it. Even Liverpool do well in more than just one competition.

Start looking at things realistically as opposed to thinking Pato is the next coming that will save all our problems, he won't.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

People seem to think being European Champions solves all of our problems and means we are the best.

Get real! Serie A and The Premier League are much harder to win than the Champions League. Look at the finalists in recent years. Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Monaco. No disrespect to any of them, but they're not even the top teams domestically.

Now consider this. Chelsea won both domestic cups, finished in the top 2 the previous 3 years, made 2 Champions League semi Finals - They compete in 4 competitions and still do well. Now look at Milan. We don't even think of the Coppa, we don't compete in Serie A so the CL is the only thing we have left. So yes, we should do well in it. Even Liverpool do well in more than just one competition.

Start looking at things realistically as opposed to thinking Pato is the next coming that will save all our problems, he won't.

Harsh, but fair (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[MizNelson]

We have a very strong team...I agree. But Dida the best goalie in the world? Come on...you're heavily heavily biased. You have to agree that at least Gigi is better than Dida. The Brazilian is a very good keeper, but IMO his class is declining year by year.

I think Rossoneri7 is more of a Dida freak than I am. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

People seem to think being European Champions solves all of our problems and means we are the best.

Word. We won't achieve anything domestically by recycling last season's lineup. Besides Pato, who was our other big acquisition? Digao? Give me a break.

[KillerMax]

People seem to think being European Champions solves all of our problems and means we are the best.

Get real! Serie A and The Premier League are much harder to win than the Champions League. Look at the finalists in recent years. Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Monaco. No disrespect to any of them, but they're not even the top teams domestically.

Now consider this. Chelsea won both domestic cups, finished in the top 2 the previous 3 years, made 2 Champions League semi Finals - They compete in 4 competitions and still do well. Now look at Milan. We don't even think of the Coppa, we don't compete in Serie A so the CL is the only thing we have left. So yes, we should do well in it. Even Liverpool do well in more than just one competition.

Start looking at things realistically as opposed to thinking Pato is the next coming that will save all our problems, he won't.

Listen to what he just said people! This is the problem with Milan!!!

[bigmacmtl]

People seem to think being European Champions solves all of our problems and means we are the best.

Get real! Serie A and The Premier League are much harder to win than the Champions League. Look at the finalists in recent years. Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Monaco. No disrespect to any of them, but they're not even the top teams domestically.

Now consider this. Chelsea won both domestic cups, finished in the top 2 the previous 3 years, made 2 Champions League semi Finals - They compete in 4 competitions and still do well. Now look at Milan. We don't even think of the Coppa, we don't compete in Serie A so the CL is the only thing we have left. So yes, we should do well in it. Even Liverpool do well in more than just one competition.

Start looking at things realistically as opposed to thinking Pato is the next coming that will save all our problems, he won't.

that sums up everything very nicely, i'm 100% with you on this one.

This post has been edited by bigmacmtl: Aug 8 2007, 08:31 PM

[Jack Sparrow]

kurt just convinced me. I'm gonna go off and support Fiorentina....till Milan win the double that is. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

If Man U could win the league last season,and make it to the semis with the kind of depth they had, Milan with MilanLab is in with a really good chance.

[bigmacmtl]

kurt just convinced me. I'm gonna go off and support Fiorentina....till Milan win the double that is. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

If Man U could win the league last season,and make it to the semis with the kind of depth they had, Milan with MilanLab is in with a really good chance.

well man u doesnt have to deal with inter, chelsea dint have much depth at all last year especially in def and cech is a huge piece for that team.

[Rossoneri7]

These avergae players are only European champions on the paper. I don't want to say anything bad about them as you're right: They play with a lot of heart for Milan, but the "true" european champions are Seedorf, Pippo, Pirlo....and above all Kaká.
We have a very strong team...I agree. But Dida the best goalie in the world? Come on...you're heavily heavily biased. You have to agree that at least Gigi is better than Dida. The Brazilian is a very good keeper, but IMO his class is declining year by year.

Don't get me wrong. I don't want stars like Diego and others on our bench. That'd be nuts. But how about a player like Maresca? And how about some promising young players? We really need a good CB as Maldini won't play too many matches next year I believe.
And I'm not saying we can't win anything next season. Last summer I was one of the few people thinking of winning the CL. We can do that again of course...and we can even win the Scudetto, but Inter has much better chances to win the league (as they have more quality players) as other teams have much better chances to win the CL.

We do have young players on our bench; Gila, Gourcuff, Pato ..

I think the club is working on finding a replacement for our aging defense (which proved once again that it is the best in the world) ... So that shouldn't be an issue of concern (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Dida .. Yeah, I'm very biased. But u got to hand it to him, he was the better goalkeeper in 03 (Old Trafford)

People seem to think being European Champions solves all of our problems and means we are the best.

Get real! Serie A and The Premier League are much harder to win than the Champions League. Look at the finalists in recent years. Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Monaco. No disrespect to any of them, but they're not even the top teams domestically.

Now consider this. Chelsea won both domestic cups, finished in the top 2 the previous 3 years, made 2 Champions League semi Finals - They compete in 4 competitions and still do well. Now look at Milan. We don't even think of the Coppa, we don't compete in Serie A so the CL is the only thing we have left. So yes, we should do well in it. Even Liverpool do well in more than just one competition.

Start looking at things realistically as opposed to thinking Pato is the next coming that will save all our problems, he won't.

Who said being European Champion solves all of our problems ?! The men on the field solve our problems (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) .. But we are the best (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) In fact we are ranked #1 in Europe. We are the most decorated club on the international front.

Then who said that Milan don't compete on several fronts .. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) You probably missed Milan's last 3 seasons before this one (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Pato is a kid !! 17 yr old kid ! There is nothing more to it.

Chelsea ?! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) Since when did Chelsea become a reference point when comparing top European teams (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Madrid, Barca, Milan, Juve .. These are the clubs u should compare (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Liverpool ?! The last time they won the league was in the 90s (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Look Kurt ... I think AC Milan is the top club in Europe, period. Therefor I am convinced that no matter what team we have, we will always prevail! As we saw in Athena. So, don't get the wrong idea (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Chelsea ?! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)   Since when did Chelsea become a reference point when comparing top European teams (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Madrid, Barca, Milan, Juve .. These are the clubs u should compare (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Liverpool ?! The last time they won the league was in the 90s (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Barca have only won it once still they are a comparible club, Chelsea have been since Abramovich came in simple as. Liverpool haven't won the league since 89/90 but have attained a Champions League, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, 3 League Cups, 3 FA Cups and only us and Madrid better them in the Champions League in terms of winning of course they are a comparible team (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

People seem to be going on about history, I don't care what they did 50 years ago. Recently is what matters!

Since 2000 Milan have won 5 trophies compared to Liverpools 10. With Milan only finishing in the top 2 in the league twice in this time, Liverpool once. So neither are really competing for the league title in all honesty. But Liverpool still manage to win so many trophies. Milan do not. In the same period Chelsea have 7 trophies (2 League titles). Last season Chelsea showed what a real team does.

FA Cup - Winners
League Cup - Winners
Charity Sheild - Runners Up
Premier Legaue - Runners Up
Champions League - Semi Finals

And don't say it's all Abramovic either - From '97-2000 they won 5 more trophies. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

That is going on all fronts, being there, or there abouts, in all the competitions you enter. Milan on the other hand only really compete in one competition per year. We only make the latter stages in one event, while Chelsea and Liverpool are making finals/semi finals/etc. In everything they enter.

P.S. The reason I pick Liverpool and Chelsea is because I know alot about them, don't pull the whole 'Why didn't you pick real European teams like Barca, Real, etc. because I don't know enough about them to comment. But if Chelsea and Liverpool aren't Europes elite, and are still more succesful than us in the 21st century. We should be really worried about our Milan.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 9 2007, 08:21 PM

[Tennie]

People seem to be going on about history, I don't care what they did 50 years ago. Recently is what matters!

Does this mean we don't have to pay attention to constant harping reminders in the English press about 1966, then? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

To be serious for a moment, my personal take on the whole issue is somewhere between R7's rosy view of things and Kurt's rather harsh view.

Milan ARE, over the last 20 years, the best team in Europe. That said, the old armor is creaking, the bench is dangerously thin, and I suspect that in the next couple of years Milan may go through a crash-and-burn-followed-by-expensive-rebuilding of the sort that Bayern just got through.

[kurtsimonw]

Does this mean we don't have to pay attention to constant harping reminders in the English press about 1966, then?  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Just be thankful we haven't won anything recently. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Does this mean we don't have to pay attention to constant harping reminders in the English press about 1966, then?  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

But do you actually have to read English press (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) It makes no sense you must go out of your way to read it from our sources, then complain, why bother...

[Rossoneri7]

If the EPL is your reference point to football .. Then you should know that the CL trophy is worth 20 FA cups and 1000 League cups. It is a merit of recognition amongst the elite of the footballing world. It is an achievement Milan have accomplished 7 times now. I think Milan is a very respectable club. A prestigious club that always has this aura of victory around it. Something all three of the EPL clubs, whom finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the EPL respectively, all didn't have the chance to match the class of AC Milan (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) And keep in mind, those 3 teams were hyped up so much .. because of the quality and depth they have in their teams.

AC Milan played with this very squad and look what it accomplished.


@Brilliant .. I meant that the EPL teams are hyped up too much. With all do respect to Liverpool, I don't think that 5th CL trophy that they won was theirs, it was ours (the whole world knows it !). So to be honest; comparing our 7 trophies and Madrid's 9 trophies .. Well, Liverpool with 4 (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ... And in general, I am no fan of things that are hyped up .. So the EPL in particular I don't like.

[kurtsimonw]

If the EPL is your reference point to football .. Then you should know that the CL trophy is worth 20 FA cups and 1000 League cups.

To a foreigner? Yes. To me? The FA Cup is the most prestigious trophy in the football World, by a long distance. As a player, I'd have that over the Champions League any day. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) It existed long before the Champions League, or any none-English club for that matter.

The reason I caompare to EPL teams is because I'm English, what do you think I watch th most? What do you think I know more about? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Something all three of the EPL clubs, whom finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the EPL respectively, all didn't have the chance to match the class of AC Milan

As I mentioned before. Milan were in one competition. Chelsea, Liverpool and United were in 3/4. Their squad was tired. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

@Brilliant .. I meant that the EPL teams are hyped up too much. With all do respect to Liverpool, I don't think that 5th CL trophy that they won was theirs, it was ours

And the 7th that we won wasn't ours, it was theirs. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 10 2007, 01:23 AM

[dst]

@Kurt: You're not really saying ********* have been competitive on all fronts are you? And they have won 10 titles? They cannot top 3 AAA titles (2 CL's and a Scudetto) with stupid third-rate cups... not in my book at least. They have not been more successful than we've been if that's what you were trying to say... certainly not!

And the 7th that we won wasn't ours, it was theirs.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

It's stupid to award a title based on a final... Istanbul is the worst day of my life but Milan maybe did not deserve a place in that final... Last year, we hammered the English champions 3-0 at San Siro... it's not really fair to administer justice this way...

This post has been edited by dst: Aug 10 2007, 01:34 AM

[Rossoneri7]

I know ur English mate (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

All I'm saying is, you should be the one who knows the difference between the FA/League cup and the Champions League cup (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ... And since you follow the EPL, then you should know that the teams in the League cup and FA cup always have teams from the 2nd or 3rd divisions .. So what kind of competition is that .. No offense, I mean English football is very rich in history and all .. But I am a Milan fan and don't see any team that can match my Milan ...

ohh United and Liverpool were too busy with other trophies to win huh (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Well, you certainly give so little recognition to a team that was being harassed by the tabloids and the commentators of the whole world for the past season .. Like 'Milan is an aging team', 'that Maldini can't kick it anymore', etc etc .. Maldini lifted that cup on top of United and Liverpool, as Milan outclassed them!


P.S. .. Milan had more injuries and fatigue throughout the season than all 3 EPL teams combined last season. And Milan was crowned above the top EPL teams, in a competition every EPL team drools at. As SAF, he'll tell you (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by Rossoneri7: Aug 10 2007, 01:52 AM

[kurtsimonw]

@Kurt: You're not really saying ********* have been competitive on all fronts are you? And they have won 10 titles? They cannot top 3 AAA titles (2 CL's and a Scudetto) with stupid third-rate cups... not in my book at least.

Liverpool HAVE been more competetive than us, at least. Neither Liverpool or Milan are competetive for the title. Both do well in the Champions Legaue. Milan do not even think of the Coppa, while Liverpool do very well in the FA Cup, the biggest domestic Cup there is. The League Cup, while not very prestigious is still big nowadays. Look at the last three winners: United - Chelsea - Chelsea. Hardly small squads, look at the lineups they've put out as well. The competetiveness of our league has forced the big 4 to go for every competition they're in, so they don't end a season trophyless.

@R7 - The reason the FA Cup is the most prestigious trophy in the history of sport is because so many teams enter it. There's about 30 rounds of the competition before it gets to the 'First round proper'. By the QF stage, the EPL teams are the only ones left, so it ultimately ends up with an EPL winner every year. But it helps our lower teams survive. Last year United played Exeter, who were in administration, the gate receipts alone will pay their wages until 2020. Italy should look into something like this.

I'm not taking anything away from Milan winning it, I'm just saying it's easier when it's the only competition you have to look at.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 10 2007, 01:55 AM

[Rossoneri7]

@R7 - The reason the FA Cup is the most prestigious trophy in the history of sport is because so many teams enter it. There's about 30 rounds of the competition before it gets to the 'First round proper'. By the QF stage, the EPL teams are the only ones left, so it ultimately ends up with an EPL winner every year. But it helps our lower teams survive. Last year United played Exeter, who were in administration, the gate receipts alone will pay their wages until 2020. Italy should look into something like this.

I'm not taking anything away from Milan winning it, I'm just saying it's easier when it's the only competition you have to look at.

I don't see the point in playing against Exeter tbh kurt .. In competitions, groups stages (then) knock-outs .. It is always the more challenging to play against well prepared clubs, clubs with history and the strong team is the victor in the end (i.e. WC, etc). The CL is the top trophy, right alongside the Scudetto for Milan. Milan doesn't play in the coppa cuz it has more important things to win; i.e. Scudetto and CL ... Whilst United play Exeter and Chelsea play Ringadong FC, just in case they don't win the league title or the CL, they have something to lean their backs onto .. A cup based in the UK and the majority of it's participants are of lower division teams .. In that sense, they should have been smarter and put more effort into landing the CL than those cups, cuz the CL for the best of the best ONLY.

Why is it that it is difficult for people to comprehend what Milan has been through last season (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) ... Milan didn't have it easy !! Milan were thrown dirt in their faces all through the season (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) Inter were already comfortable Serie A leaders, they lost to Valencia in the CL. Milan were crawling from the 18th place in October to a 14 place in December, then 3rd place in May, end of season 4th place finish .. Plus the European crown. I mean, APPLAUSE ! This is a Grand Milan side ! It fought with all the will that it had for that 4th place finish, when Lazio, Fiorentina, and Palermo were breathing down our necks the whole season ! In that sense, Milan had obligations in the league too (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

So please, don't say "..it's easier when it's the only competition you have to look at..", cuz Milan proved it by landing in 4th place, a CL seat (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[dst]

I'm not taking anything away from Milan winning it, I'm just saying it's easier when it's the only competition you have to look at.

In my view Chelsea, United and even Sevilla have had a better season than us... but I can't see how ********* have been more consistent than us in the past seasons...

[kurtsimonw]

I don't see the point in playing against Exeter tbh kurt .. In competitions, groups stages (then) knock-outs .. It is always the more challenging to play against well prepared clubs, clubs with history and the strong team is the victor in the end (i.e. WC, etc).

Come on, don't start with that.

Just because a team is small, it deserves no chance? How can a small team ever get noticed if they never get to play anything worthwhile. That's why the FA Cup is so special. And just so you know, Exeter drew 0-0 at Old Trafford. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

They are HUGE memories for an Exeter fan, they'd never play a team of note, than they draw at Old Trafford. Possibly the greatest accomplishment of that clubs history.

You can make a mockery of almost any club in that sense. In 1900 Milan had nothing, compared to Villa's 5 League titles and 3 FA Cups. Does that mean you don't deserve to play us? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Not at all, every team deserves a chance, the smaller clubs moreso than the bigger ones, they're already worth millions, the small ones just want to survive. That's why the FA Cup is so special. It's for everybody, not just the best.

Every great club starts from nothing at all.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 10 2007, 05:52 AM

[LaPalma]

We do have young players on our bench; Gila, Gourcuff, Pato ..

I think the club is working on finding a replacement for our aging defense (which proved once again that it is the best in the world) ... So that shouldn't be an issue of concern (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Dida .. Yeah, I'm very biased. But u got to hand it to him, he was the better goalkeeper in 03 (Old Trafford)

Well....as you didn't say anything else I assume you agree with me, that our subs don't have much quality. Plus, Gila is not a young player anymore....he's 25!

About that "Exeter thing". In Germany we Have the DFB Pokal which is very similar to the FA Cup, which teams of the 4th or sometimes even 5th League entering the main round. I think it's a great thing as football as a sport needs more than top teams. The base for the popularity of this sport is not the big stars, but the many players in the lower leagues who do the best PR for football. Without this leagues there would be no top team as well. These clubs deserve the chance to play against the big german teams like Bayern Bremen, Schalke etc. And don't know a person that didn't cheer for St.Pauli in 2006 (third league team, still a very popular club in Germany) when they made it to the semis and almost won against Bayern? That's one of the great storys in football. Sometimes it's harder to play against such a highly motivated team which players play the game of their life than to play against some team in the CL.

Once again on our squad. Yes, we won the CL last season which really shows the passion of our players, and this triumphwas surely no accident as we totally deserved it. But this is a new season, and if we're honest with our selves we don't have the best squad. In the first half of the last season we've seen what our team looks like without the injured Rhino and an out-of form Pirlo.
And, yes you're right R7: Milan IS the most succesfull club of the last two decades, and of course more succesfull than Chelsea has been in the last 5 years. My only concern is, that this is about to change...

[Rossoneri7]

@kurt ... All I am saying is, u cant bring a team as big as United and say 'this is their achievement, the Carling cup..' to a team like Milan.


It is good for local competition to give the other teams a chance, yes .. But the BIG teams in England should go for something rather bigger than the FA/Carling cup; no offense to those small clubs .. But it isn't a top tier championship (if u get what I mean .. I'm sure u do .. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ) ..


@LaPalma .. I assume, u read what I wrote to kurt (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ...

Don't think I am naive and overlook certain things just cuz I'm stubborn .. Yes, the team looks shaky when considering injuries to key players and there is not enough depth. And as a fan, I would love for Milan to sign several players 'X,Y,Z' ..

But when I think about what this team did last season ... I mean TBH, I don't think there is any team that can do what this Milan team did under such tough occasions. This makes the choices to replace our European champions very difficult. I mean, believe it or not, Broochi and Ambrosini really are (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) They have as much right to be a part of the success as Nesta or Oddo ..

The age issue is definitely a problem .. Still experience has shown on several occasions to be the true force within Milan (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

But in time, things will change, Berlusconi has the club at heart (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif) He is the reason behind Milan's success (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

@kurt ... All I am saying is, u cant bring a team as big as United and say 'this is their achievement, the Carling cup..' to a team like Milan.
It is good for local competition to give the other teams a chance, yes .. But the BIG teams in England should go for something rather bigger than the FA/Carling cup; no offense to those small clubs .. But it isn't a top tier championship (if u get what I mean .. I'm sure u do .. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ) ..
@LaPalma .. I assume, u read what I wrote to kurt (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ...

Don't think I am naive and overlook certain things just cuz I'm stubborn .. Yes, the team looks shaky when considering injuries to key players and there is not enough depth. And as a fan, I would love for Milan to sign several players 'X,Y,Z' ..

But when I think about what this team did last season ... I mean TBH, I don't think there is any team that can do what this Milan team did under such tough occasions. This makes the choices to replace our European champions very difficult. I mean, believe it or not, Broochi and Ambrosini really are (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) They have as much right to be a part of the success as Nesta or Oddo ..

The age issue is definitely a problem .. Still experience has shown on several occasions to be the true force within Milan (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

But in time, things will change, Berlusconi has the club at heart (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif) He is the reason behind Milan's success (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

brocchi was **** and will always be ****. he came on to replace gattuso and handed man u the momemtum and allowed them in the game which resulted in 2 goals and he 50% at fault for the 3rd.

[kurtsimonw]

The League Cup may not be the most prestigious thing in the World. But the FA Cup?

It has over double the history of the European Cup, and way more history than the World Cup, it's existed longer than League football. There's no way any team in England will overlook it, teams like Liverpool even sacrifice league title chances to win it. It's huge.

People outside of England have no idea how big the FA Cup is. The 3rd round draw (When all the EPL and Championship teams enter) Was one of the most viewed things on television last year. Not even a game, just the draw. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 14 2007, 03:08 AM

[Rossoneri7]

No, I have a very clear idea about it ... But my point is to the contrary .. Leaving aside it's importance and history within England, it is a local cup. In general, this is what I meant ..

[Milan Are Brilli...]

No, I have a very clear idea about it ... But my point is to the contrary .. Leaving aside it's importance and history within England, it is a local cup. In general, this is what I meant ..

It's not just a local cup though, it's nothing like Italy's cup who no one seems to care that much about!

The League Cup is the local Cup the FA Cup is the national one, it is huge, so much history etc. Only in recent years have the English clubs been a real force in Europe again, yes I know United won it in 99 but we seemed to have a real dry patch and it almost seemed like the impossible dream, now it's far from it.

The FA Cup is extremelly big though, I don't mean to be the typical English but this national cup, there is nothing like it around the world...

[Jack Sparrow]

there is nothing like it around the world...

Haha....it's called the Durand Cup. Gooooo Viva Kerala!!!!

[Zed.D]

To a foreigner? Yes. To me? The FA Cup is the most prestigious trophy in the football World, by a long distance. As a player, I'd have that over the Champions League any day.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) It existed long before the Champions League, or any none-English club for that matter.

(IMG:http://qsmile.com/qsimages/175.gif) O my god! You mean being the oldest competition makes the FA Cup also the most prestigious?! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Well, if there were 200 countries, people of 199 of them would think otherwise! CL is definitely the greatest and most prestigious competition after the World Cup. no question about that.

[dst]

To me? The FA Cup is the most prestigious trophy in the football World, by a long distance.

By a long distance? I think you're exaggerating there... does that mean that the Blackburn Rovers (6 FA Cup wins) are a more prestigious club than Milan (7 CL wins)!?!? I don't think so... of course I can feel the importance of the FA Cup but to say it "is the most prestigious trophy in the football world" is an overstatement in my opinion... especially when only a small part of the football world can participate in it!

This post has been edited by dst: Aug 14 2007, 03:47 PM

[Tennie]

Not to unnecessarily dredge up a tragedy, but I wonder if the stress that is placed on the FA Cup has any connection with the fact that English teams were banned from European competition for five years.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Not to unnecessarily dredge up a tragedy, but I wonder if the stress that is placed on the FA Cup has any connection with the fact that English teams were banned from European competition for five years.

Nope, they can't be excused, especially for that, English fans are extremelly dangerous unfortunately, that will give you a piece of what it's like to live here for people like Kurt and myself (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

I think Kurt meant and I certainly meant it's the biggest 'national' trophy in the world, I don't know of any other national cup that seems to be played out with so much importance as the FA Cup...

[Zed.D]

By a long distance? I think you're exaggerating there... does that mean that the Blackburn Rovers (6 FA Cup wins) are a more prestigious club than Milan (7 CL wins)!?!? I don't think so... of course I can feel the importance of the FA Cup but to say it "is the most prestigious trophy in the football world" is an overstatement in my opinion... especially when only a small part of the football world can participate in it!

A very good point there (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
FA may be England's most prestigious competition, but how can we call it "the most prestigious in the whole world" when only English teams can take part in it?!!!

[Milan Are Brilli...]

FA may be England's most prestigious competition, but how can we call it "the most prestigious in the whole world" when only English teams can take part in it?!!!

Same point with the Champions League (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) How can it be called the best in the world when only European teams can take part in it?!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Anyway as I said above I think he's talking about national cups.

[dst]

Nope, they can't be excused, especially for that, English fans are extremelly dangerous unfortunately, that will give you a piece of what it's like to live here for people like Kurt and myself  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

They hunt you down for supporting a foreign club!??? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I think Kurt meant and I certainly meant it's the biggest 'national' trophy in the world...

I agree with that.

[kurtsimonw]

(IMG:http://qsmile.com/qsimages/175.gif) O my god! You mean being the oldest competition makes the FA Cup also the most prestigious?! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Well, if there were 200 countries, people of 199 of them would think otherwise! CL is definitely the greatest and most prestigious competition after the World Cup. no question about that.

More than likely. But I'd rather Villa win the FA Cup than England win the World Cup.

Not to unnecessarily dredge up a tragedy, but I wonder if the stress that is placed on the FA Cup has any connection with the fact that English teams were banned from European competition for five years.

That may well be the case for other people. I was only about a year old when that happened, so it has no bearing for me. It's been big since alot further back than the late 80s as far as I know.

Same point with the Champions League  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)   How can it be called the best in the world when only European teams can take part in it?!!!  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

I think the European Cup was a great Cup, probably bigger than the FA Cup. But the Champions League? It doesn't even make sense. How is a team that finishes 4th be a Champion? Surely it should just be the league winners that enter, like the old European Cup.

Nope, they can't be excused, especially for that, English fans are extremelly dangerous unfortunately, that will give you a piece of what it's like to live here for people like Kurt and myself 


I think Kurt meant and I certainly meant it's the biggest 'national' trophy in the world, I don't know of any other national cup that seems to be played out with so much importance as the FA Cup...

They're not that bad.. Only when the football's on. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Well put it this way. A few thousand teams care about the FA Cup. And what, about 50 care about the Champions League? And even 4 of those that enter the Champions League still keep an eye on the FA Cup. The Champions League to me lost 99% of it's greatness when they decided to let the whole league enter it. If it was the winners of the domestic Cup and the League, fair enough. But why do 2nd, 3rd and 4th get to enter? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 14 2007, 07:20 PM

[KillerMax]

The Champions League to me lost 99% of it's greatness when they decided to let the whole league enter it. If it was the winners of the domestic Cup and the League, fair enough. But why do 2nd, 3rd and 4th get to enter?  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

To give smaller teams a fighting chance? To make a balance between rich clubs and ones with a exciting future? Like Palermo, Fiorentina, Tottenham, Villareal, Sevilla, Zaragoza and so on...

[kurtsimonw]

To give smaller teams a fighting chance? To make a balance between rich clubs and ones with a exciting future? Like Palermo, Fiorentina, Tottenham, Villareal, Sevilla, Zaragoza and so on...

That's what the UEFA Cup is for.

[jefri91]

To give smaller teams a fighting chance? To make a balance between rich clubs and ones with a exciting future? Like Palermo, Fiorentina, Tottenham, Villareal, Sevilla, Zaragoza and so on...

that sucks

EDIT: No Swearing Please (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

that sucks

I'm not exactly sure what you're saying sucks. But if it's that teams like that getting into the Champions League, Milan are one of those now, a 4th place team.

[KillerMax]

That's what the UEFA Cup is for.

Eh, I guess you're right....

And Jefrie (If that's even you're real name), you are becoming an annoying troll. Most of your posts are meaningless and sound retarded. Don't post if you don't have anything interesting to say. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

More than likely. But I'd rather Villa win the FA Cup than England win the World Cup.
That may well be the case for other people. I was only about a year old when that happened, so it has no bearing for me. It's been big since alot further back than the late 80s as far as I know.
I think the European Cup was a great Cup, probably bigger than the FA Cup. But the Champions League? It doesn't even make sense. How is a team that finishes 4th be a Champion? Surely it should just be the league winners that enter, like the old European Cup.
They're not that bad.. Only when the football's on.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Well put it this way. A few thousand teams care about the FA Cup. And what, about 50 care about the Champions League? And even 4 of those that enter the Champions League still keep an eye on the FA Cup. The Champions League to me lost 99% of it's greatness when they decided to let the whole league enter it. If it was the winners of the domestic Cup and the League, fair enough. But why do 2nd, 3rd and 4th get to enter?  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

because it's a club competition of all the best clubs in europe, the 3rd or 4th team in italy, spain or england are more often than not stronger than lets say the 1st or 2nd played team in hungary, or estonia serbia... and in adition the vast majority of the worlds best players play in europe. it makes more sense to give priority to the bigger hence stronger leagues because it increases the level of play of the competition.

This post has been edited by bigmacmtl: Aug 15 2007, 01:43 AM

[kurtsimonw]

That's one way to look at it.

The other is that UEFA couldn't bare not having a team like United in the Champions League, there's always the off chance they would finish 2nd and not get in, 3rd now Chelsea are around. UEFA won't be having that, it's so they get all the teams they want to enter. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[dst]

I think the European Cup was a great Cup, probably bigger than the FA Cup. But the Champions League? It doesn't even make sense. How is a team that finishes 4th be a Champion? Surely it should just be the league winners that enter, like the old European Cup.

Let's call it the 'Retarded League', it makes no difference... I don't get it though... isn't the fact that every single team has the chance to win the FA Cup what really excites you about it (besides it's history etc...)? So why is it wrong that the same thing happens in the '/Insert Desired Name Here/ League'?

[kurtsimonw]

Let's call it the 'Retarded League', it makes no difference... I don't get it though... isn't the fact that every single team has the chance to win the FA Cup what really excites you about it (besides it's history etc...)? So why is it wrong that the same thing happens in the '/Insert Desired Name Here/ League'?

Because the Champions League is trying to decide who the best team in Europe is? How can you be the best team in Europe, while not even being the best 3 in your country, THAT is what I find stupid, not the name.

[dst]

Because the Champions League is trying to decide who the best team in Europe is?

The Champions League is deciding nothing... it's an objective perception what it represents... The same with the FA Cup... what does it represent? Who's the strongest? How can the strongest be in the lowest league? They are both Cup competitions... the league shows which is really the strongest team! Where everyone plays against everyone! A Cup competition consists of knock-out round where one single mistake might rule you out... in the league, the strongest will catch-up later on... you might win a cup just by luck, never will you win a league that way though!

[kurtsimonw]

The winner of the EPL is called the Champions of England, the winner of Serie A is called the Champions of Italy, etc.

The winners of the European Cup are known as the Champions of Europe. The winners of the FA Cup are NOT known as the Champions of England.

It's the most historic trophy in football. Football originally existed for this, THAT is why it was so big, and that is why it will always be.

As for the Champions League, it's not as good as it's former European Cup. Only league winners and the holders entered it. Without all the group stage crap to allow big teams to slip up and still go through. The Champions League is made for the giants of European football.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 15 2007, 04:19 AM

[dst]

The winners of the European Cup are known as the Champions of Europe.

Yes they also call it a league when it's clearly a cup competition... don't get stuck to the name, look at what it really is...

As for the Champions League, it's not as good as it's former European Cup.

In what sense? I think the European Cup surpassed the Champions League on that it kept the players motivated and competitive in all fronts cause they knew they might not get another chance to play in it if they don't win the league... it could very well be a one-off...

[kurtsimonw]

Yes they also call it a league when it's clearly a cup competition... don't get stuck to the name, look at what it really is...


In what sense? I think the European Cup surpassed the Champions League on that it kept the players motivated and competitive in all fronts cause they knew they might not get another chance to play in it if they don't win the league... it could very well be a one-off...

I'm not getting stuck on its name. When you win the Champions League, European Cup, whatever, you ARE known as the Champions of Europe, it's a well known fact.

That's what I said. The European Cup is way better than the Champions League, the Champions League is a tournement that tries to look after the big teams too much.

[dst]

I'm not getting stuck on its name. When you win the Champions League, European Cup, whatever, you ARE known as the Champions of Europe, it's a well known fact.

Yes but not the best team as you said earlier... not necessarily.

What are you talking about again? I got lost in the process! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

This post has been edited by dst: Aug 15 2007, 05:22 AM

[kurtsimonw]

Yes but not the best team as you said earlier... not necessarily.

What are you talking about again? I got lost in the process! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I have to admit, I've forgotten what this was about. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[dst]

I have to admit, I've forgotten what this was about.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

So you admit you don't know what you're talking about! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)


... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

So you admit you don't know what you're talking about! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)
... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I never know what I'm talking about. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

I never know what I'm talking about.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Siamo noi .. Siamo noi .. I Campioni Dell Europa Siamo noi !!!!!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)


p.s. This old Milan that you don't seem too convinced about .. The same one that came 4th in teh league (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Humiliated your EPL champions at the San Siro and pushed them to the wire at Old Trafford. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

This post has been edited by Rossoneri7: Aug 15 2007, 12:19 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Siamo noi .. Siamo noi .. I Campioni Dell Europa Siamo noi !!!!!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)
p.s. This old Milan that you don't seem too convinced about .. The same one that came 4th in teh league (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Humiliated your EPL champions at the San Siro and pushed them to the wire at Old Trafford.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

And Villa humiliated your Champions. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

You can say it was a friendly, but then you're saying Villa beat Inter, without even trying. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

It's not that I don't believe in this team, we have as much chance as anyone of winning the European Cup, because we can beat anyone in a knockout tie! I'm just very uncertain about what we can do in the league. Juve will be alot better than people think, Roma and Inter will be up their for sure. You never know what Viola are capabale of either. We did improve under R9 and Oddo, just not enough to challenge in my opinion.

[Zed.D]

I thought you were going to discuss the season ahead on this thread not these meaningless discussions about FA, CL, etc...

[Milan Are Brilli...]

I thought you were going to discuss the season ahead on this thread not these meaningless discussions about FA, CL, etc...

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) You were adding to 'those meaningless discussions' yesterday... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

I thought you were going to discuss the season ahead on this thread not these meaningless discussions about FA, CL, etc...

It started out as that, but y'know, things change.

[Rossoneri7]

And Villa humiliated your Champions.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

You can say it was a friendly, but then you're saying Villa beat Inter, without even trying.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

It's not that I don't believe in this team, we have as much chance as anyone of winning the European Cup, because we can beat anyone in a knockout tie! I'm just very uncertain about what we can do in the league. Juve will be alot better than people think, Roma and Inter will be up their for sure. You never know what Viola are capabale of either. We did improve under R9 and Oddo, just not enough to challenge in my opinion.

R u crazy I was rooting for Villa !!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

It was a friendly ... But play Inter in a champions league semi-final haha .. Now that is a game I hope you never witness (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Well ... Again, this whole ordeal about the "lack of depth", I mean I agree !! we have a thin bench, we can all see that .. But in all honesty, we reached our targets last season. Milan reached 4th place, when people predicted that we might not even qualify for Uefa Cup (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Plus we had so much injuries .. Which makes me even more convinced that this team has guts and are the best around !

Viola, Juve, Inter, Lazio, Palermo, these will all fall beneath Milan at season kicks-off !!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) Yeah .. Every team that plays with Milan know the 'Milan story'. They all know what this Milan team is made off ... Mere transfer of Sjnieder or Pato or Ronaldinho don't change the Milan psychology.

p.s. How the hell can you sit here and chastise me about Inter ?! We have always taught the merda how to play football .. ALWAYS, except last season .. But then again, we are European Champions, what r Villa (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Well ... Again, this whole ordeal about the "lack of depth", I mean I agree !! we have a thin bench, we can all see that .. But in all honesty, we reached our targets last season. Milan reached 4th place, when people predicted that we might not even qualify for Uefa Cup (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Plus we had so much injuries .. Which makes me even more convinced that this team has guts and are the best around !

p.s. How the hell can you sit here and chastise me about Inter ?! We have always taught the merda how to play football .. ALWAYS, except last season .. But then again, we are European Champions, what r Villa (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I think Milans main problem is that we can beat United, Madrid, Barca and whoever.. but can we beat the Siena's and Livorno's? I'm not so sure, we rarely slip up against the big teams, it's usually the lesser teams that cause us problems. Hopefully that will change.

Milan are European Champions.. Villa are.. Champions of Birmingham, which is clearly better than Europe. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Zed.D]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)   You were adding to 'those meaningless discussions' yesterday...  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

You're right. but when those meaningless discussions got serious, I withdrew (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

It started out as that, but y'know, things change.

So let's give it another change and get back to roots... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

Milan are European Champions.. Villa are.. Champions of Birmingham, which is clearly better than Europe.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)


LOOOL .. Yup, Europe is part of Birmingham (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) No wonder u were giving so much significance to the FA (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
LOOOL .. Yup, Europe is part of Birmingham (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) No wonder u were giving so much significance to the FA (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Well the FA Cup may be huge, but not as big as the Birmingham Senior Cup! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Zed.D]

I think Milans main problem is that we can beat United, Madrid, Barca and whoever.. but can we beat the Siena's and Livorno's? I'm not so sure, we rarely slip up against the big teams, it's usually the lesser teams that cause us problems. Hopefully that will change.

Milan are European Champions.. Villa are.. Champions of Birmingham, which is clearly better than Europe.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Good point. I agree with it (only the bold part, of course (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) )

We have players (Seedorf for example) who clearly don't give their best when they play against these kind of teams. they only shine when they think it's worth to! like Bayern game, Manchester game, etc. what are the reasons? I think they have won so much that they don't care about playing a good game against a second rate Italian team. that's why we don't succeed in Serie A. I think our current squad lack a little bit of motivation. just look the names. Mladini, Nesta, Pirlo, Seedorf, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Cafu, Inzaghi, etc. we have too many winners...

But to succeed at European level, we have the best squad IMO.

[m1ke]

I think our current squad lack a little bit of motivation. just look the names. Mladini, Nesta, Pirlo, Seedorf, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Cafu, Inzaghi, etc. we have too many winners...

Interesting point! Not sure if I agree with it 100%, but it would certainly make for some interesting discussion.

I'm personally optimistic about this season. I think we've got a great balance within the team, and despite what others say, the age factor doesn't bother me - why should it? Team for next season (in my opinion):

----------------------Dida
_______________Kalac

Oddo-----Nesta-----Maldini-----Jankulovski
Cafu_____Bonera___Kaladze____Kaladze
Simic____Simic____Darmian____Favalli
Bonera___Diago____Diago______Serginho

-----Gattuso------Pirlo-------Seedorf
___Brocchi____Brocchi____Gourcuff
___Ambro____Ambro_____Serginho
_______________________Gourcuff

--------------------Kaka
___________Gourcuff

--------Ronaldo----------Gila
______Pato_________Inzaghi
___Aubameyang___Aubameyang

Plenty of depth there, although we're going to need a world class centre back to replace Maldini next season. If Gourcuff keeps up his good performances, he can become very useful this season (I'd love to see a Ronaldo, Pato, Gila trident with Kaka and Gourcuff behind - perfect for those teams who come to the San Siro and like to defend for 90 minutes. Carlo would never buy it though).

[Zed.D]

Interesting point! Not sure if I agree with it 100%, but it would certainly make for some interesting discussion.

I'm personally optimistic about this season. I think we've got a great balance within the team, and despite what others say, the age factor doesn't bother me - why should it? Team for next season (in my opinion):

----------------------Dida
_______________Kalac

Oddo-----Nesta-----Maldini-----Jankulovski
Cafu_____Bonera___Kaladze____Kaladze
Simic____Simic____Darmian____Favalli
Bonera___Diago____Diago______Serginho

-----Gattuso------Pirlo-------Seedorf
___Brocchi____Brocchi____Gourcuff
___Ambro____Ambro_____Serginho
_______________________Gourcuff

--------------------Kaka
___________Gourcuff

--------Ronaldo----------Gila
______Pato_________Inzaghi
___Aubameyang___Aubameyang

Plenty of depth there, although we're going to need a world class centre back to replace Maldini next season. If Gourcuff keeps up his good performances, he can become very useful this season (I'd love to see a Ronaldo, Pato, Gila trident with Kaka and Gourcuff behind - perfect for those teams who come to the San Siro and like to defend for 90 minutes. Carlo would never buy it though).

That's interesting. now I'm even more convinced we have 'enough' depth unlike what others says. we may not have Inter's or Barca's, but our depth is sufficient.

There's no reason to worry what will happen if three of four of our players get injured, because that's not gonna happen. last season we had World Cup, a shortened vacation and pre-season shortly afterwards. that cost us in the middle of the season but we got over it after the January break. it's very unlikely to happen again IMO. right now we have added Ronaldo and Oddo to the squad compared to last season, and we'll have Pato in our team from January.

So the situation is not that disastrous. not only this Milan, no other team in Europe can win five tournaments in one season nowadays (forget late 80's and 90's Milan). remember last season's Barca with all its depth and quality and how they ended up in every single competition, because they avariciously wanted to win all of them but eventually ended up with nothing. we can't make the same mistake they did, so why not to forget about Serie A and Coppa Italia and focus only on Supercup, World Club Cup and Champions League? I think that's what our management are planning to do. and let's remember that winning Supercup and World Club Cup is more valuable than Serie A. because Milan take part in Serie A every single year no matter what. but to get a chance to participate in World Club Cup and Supercup, a club must win the Champions League the year before. we cannot expect our team to win the Champions League every season, that's impossible. so now's the best time for the team to win what most of them have never won, World Club Cup.

This post has been edited by zdrossoneri: Aug 16 2007, 03:25 PM

[Jack Sparrow]

Winning the World Club championship shouldn't be a huge factor, since the Serie A season, stretches on for much longer.

I would love for us to chase the double this season and get it. It would shut up every single 'pundit' who were all talking about Milan's undeserved trophy.

But somehow I'd think Carlo's after the Serie A. He takes Inter more seriously that most of us realize, and I reckon he's gonna chase it hard, and prove a point to the merda.

Maybe if we had R10 and Emerson, I'd say the double would be no issue. But right now, it looks like just one of the two. Keeping in mind that our squad will rely a lot on two 'untested' talents Pato and Gourcuff, Serie A looks more likely.

I dunno about you guys, but something also tells me that Pato was not completely a signing meant for the future. I expect Kaka to be nailed real tight in a European matches(everyone's scared of him now), and this means Pato will become lethal. Coz he's one of the few players on our team, besides Sergio and Cafu who can drift in and out of the flanks with great pace, and he's also got a really good shot.

Pirlo+Kaka+Pato+R99+Seedorf, would be really something. Gourcuff is a great player, but while I can't complain he slows down the pace of our game, he's not really into speeding things up either. His play seems well I dunno, very Franco-Spanish. All complicated taps and feints, when our own Andy P would probably give it a one touch pass releasing Kaka/R99.

I might be wrong, but then that won't be the first time.


****So what were we talking about?***

[bigmacmtl]

aubemeyang is back with the primavera squad and from what we've seen he isnt good enough for us, pato isnt even able to play for us right now so i dont see how you can include him in the squad. LOL when are digao and darmian ever going to play?

the point is we have a couple of injuries in lets say midfield which happens with EVERY team, what happens then. lets say brocchi and ambro are injured (not even first eleven players) all we have is gourcuff and serginho... it's so much that we dont have guys to cover several positions it's more quantity. and it's not like we need lots of signings 1 or 2 would do fine...

anyways when it comes to injuries many of you talk of last season as a one of but havent any of you noticed how injuries have gotten way worse over the past 3-4 years. it's been getting worse and worse... i mean it's great having all this experience but it comes at a price and thats injuries +fitness... i mean if having an older squad was so effective wouldnt more teams be mimicking us?

[kurtsimonw]

Take for example..

United 1-2 Milan

Maldini + Gatusso OUT, Bonera + Brocchi IN

United 3-2 Milan

Losing those through injury for ONLY 45 minutes cost us two goals, imagine losing them for a game or two, we'd be in serious trouble. We simply don't have good enough cover for them. As for Serie A, we really don't have a hope.

We're expecting our unimproved Milan team, who lost home and away to Inter, to beat an improved Inter team? Like last year, Inter will beat us both home and away on the way to finishing above us. But some people seem to think the Champions League is the only thing that matters, but a team like Milan should be able to compete in multiple competitions.

[bigmacmtl]

Take for example..
We're expecting our unimproved Milan team, who lost home and away to Inter, to beat an improved Inter team? Like last year, Inter will beat us both home and away on the way to finishing above us. But some people seem to think the Champions League is the only thing that matters, but a team like Milan should be able to compete in multiple competitions.

or at least make an attempt (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) there really starting to trun into the liverpool of 05/06 and 06/07 in that they dont give a **** about anything else which doesnt make the fans happy...

it's simple "you reap what you sow". what worked last season 9winning the Cl) isn't going to necessarily work this season.

[kurtsimonw]

I dunno about Liverpool. In Rafa's first year he didn't take notice of the domestic Cups, but since then he's really gone for the domestic Cups (Made a few finals).

[Portman]

(IMG:http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/879/semttulogn5.png)

If that's the market of the Champions of Europe... then I am the Santa Claus.

Shame.

[KillerMax]

I imagine it will be much better next season.

[dst]

If that's the market of the Champions of Europe... then I am the Santa Claus.

Hey Santa can I have that thing I asked you to get me last Christmas!? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Or maybe a new player for Milan!?? A good one! Thanks...

dst

This post has been edited by dst: Sep 1 2007, 12:09 AM

[KillerMax]

Hey Santa can I have that thing I asked you to get me last Christmas!? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Or maybe a new player for Milan!?? A good one! Thanks...

dst

But Nesta likes girls. Get over it!!

[dst]

But Nesta likes girls. Get over it!!

You haven't met me... I could very well be a super-hot Liv Tyler look-alike! You wouldn't want to ruin you chances with me, would you!?

[kurtsimonw]

You haven't met me... I could very well be a super-hot Liv Tyler look-alike! You wouldn't want to ruin you chances with me, would you!?

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)