[han2503]

Who: Empoli FC vs. AC Milan



(IMG:https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/374x191q90/911/28TvU0.png)



Where: Stadio Carlo Castellani



(IMG:http://smimgs.com/images/stadium/121_1358052145.jpg)



When:
23rd September 2014 @ 8:45pm CET


Head-to-Head Record



(IMG:https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/637x193q90/540/2upieI.png)

[Jack Sparrow]

Horrible match.

I have to now place Muntari on the poor list. I also think Poli played much better on the left of midfield than on the right (his usual position). Leads me to believe that perhaps that will make the difference.

Bonera at CB was a poor pick. I like Bonera but even I was aghast at that pick. Unless Rami was injured I don't know what the reason was.

I already voted in the other thread, but for me Flop: Muntari (He was hauled off at half time) and Top: Menez.

It's a huge shame, but when I see the team play, only Menez and Torres remotely look like they have any confidence on the ball. The others treat it like it's made of molten lava and get it away from them as soon as possible without any thought.

---

My final thoughts, this formation is all wrong. The 4-3-3 I feel is a formation for dynamic team with technique and poise on the ball and defensive solidity without it. We don't have it. And after 3 years, I don't see us drilling it into the players.

For me, we have to go with the old-fashioned flat/diamond moving 4-4-2 .

This 4-3-3 simply leaves too much space in midfield, either for attacking or defending, and our players are appearing too static for any sort of progress. So until Montolivo comes back, this is my chosen formation:

Abate---Rami---Alex---DeScig/Armero [Disappointed by MDS's performances as fullback)
----------------NdJ----------------------
-----MVG/Jack-------Poli/Jack----------
---------------Honda--------------------
-------------Menez[FREE ROLE]--------
-------Torres---------------------------


- We need to cover more space, and our midfield especially needs to be more compact.
- I know I've benched SeS, but for me it's a choice of form. Menez is now 5 times the player SeS is anyway.
- Another thing would be for the fullback to hustle up and crowd out the midfield in the defensive possesion phase, while the back three compacts up to be a 3 man backline.
-Rami and Alex are for me the most trustable CB pairing. Rami is quick, while Alex is calm, gives us good aerial strength and Rami will cover for his occasional brainfarts.

Other points:

Not including Mexes, since he seems to be exiled.

Benched Muntari. Can come on when we want to hold on to a lead. Also Bonera is a fullback for me. Can give Abate some rest. We'll just play Armero on the wing for the attack when playing Bonera who is a more solid type.