[han2503]

This is the July Schedule

(IMG:http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah232/hannvis/Untitled_zpsrtghywpt.png)

The Audi Cup will be played in August along with Real, Bayern and a 4th team that has not been announced as of yet

Plus, there will probably be other Italian friendly tournaments we'll be playing in August. The Tim trophy for sure, maybe the Birra Moretti trophy and the Berlusconi trophy, although it didn't happen last season IIRC

Can't wait to get trashed by Real again this summer, it's becoming an annual festivity for us in the pre-season.

Probable line-up for today's game

(4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Abate, Ely, Paletta, Albertazzi; Poli, De Jong, Nocerino; Suso; Cerci, Cutrone.

[han2503]

Like he did a few seasons ago alongside Mexes, you mean?

Yes, that's why we signed Zapata on a permanent deal after all. But he is a player that absolutely requires a "hand holder" playing next to him or else he'll just fall apart.

And that's why I just don't think he's a viable option for a definite starter moving forward.

Maybe for just next season he'll be okay since it is a transition one, just like it was a good idea to keep Mexes. But should we get back into the CL the following season, we absolutely do need to eliminate defenders like Zapata who always have a mistake in them

Zapata's only failings are some questionable positional sense and misplaced passes. He could at least put in tackles, get back in time, and 'defend'. Rami just couldn't, for us. He was better on the ball, much better, but as a defender, he stunk. End of discussion for me.

If you think those failings are just minor, which is the sense that I'm getting from this post, then fine. But imo, they're big issues and shortcomings for him as a player. His mistakes have directly lead to us conceding goals. And I'm not even going into the Rami vs Zapata debate here, that's pointless now that he's not even our player anymore. I'm just talking about Zapata as the defender

He's a counter-winger. Exploits space and counters to expose defences. Worked wonderfully at Torino, not so at Atleti or us. He's a mid-table player, not because of his ability, but because of his style.

Agreed, this is the very same reason why I didn't want him to join us to begin with and why I don't think he'll ever be useful in our team and why we should be looking to offload him is it is at all possible.

We've shed like 400 players. The urgency to streamline is nowhere near what it was.

No actually we haven't

We've only sold 2 players actually. The other 5 or so players had their contracts run out

We still have a bunch of players that we absolutely need to offload considering we also had a bunch that came back after loan spells and we need to get the squad size down to 25 by requirement.

Atm, we need to offload at least 10 players, also considering that we will most likely make 2 or 3 more signings

Suso, Niang and Cerci won't leave, according to MilanNews.

Too bad. Our attack is already overloaded.

I already foresaw the Cerci thing but I really do think that Niang should definitely be sent back to Genoa for another year. I till do him well plus it will be another name removed from the squad list

I think Suso would also benefit more from a loan than staying on

[Danny]

Yes, that's why we signed Zapata on a permanent deal after all. But he is a player that absolutely requires a "hand holder" playing next to him or else he'll just fall apart.

And that's why I just don't think he's a viable option for a definite starter moving forward.

Nonsensical argument. I've just pointed out next to an alpha partner he's fine. Which you agree with. Then say he's not viable. Completely ignoring the part where you accept he is.

Maybe for just next season he'll be okay since it is a transition one, just like it was a good idea to keep Mexes. But should we get back into the CL the following season, we absolutely do need to eliminate defenders like Zapata who always have a mistake in them

Ah yes, and Mexes is Mr Perfect (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

If you think those failings are just minor, which is the sense that I'm getting from this post, then fine. But imo, they're big issues and shortcomings for him as a player. His mistakes have directly lead to us conceding goals. And I'm not even going into the Rami vs Zapata debate here, that's pointless now that he's not even our player anymore. I'm just talking about Zapata as the defender

Which is why I cannot fathom why you trust Mexes so implictly when he too has commited more than his fair share of basic calamities.

Agreed, this is the very same reason why I didn't want him to join us to begin with and why I don't think he'll ever be useful in our team and why we should be looking to offload him is it is at all possible.


No actually we haven't

We've only sold 2 players actually. The other 5 or so players had their contracts run out

Utter semantics. Whether by sale or contract expiry we've shed lots of players. You can't dispute that.

We still have a bunch of players that we absolutely need to offload considering we also had a bunch that came back after loan spells and we need to get the squad size down to 25 by requirement.

Atm, we need to offload at least 10 players, also considering that we will most likely make 2 or 3 more signings

We get rid of 10 players and you're still not happy!