[Portman]

Ancelotti: Bring me Barca stars 

Saturday 26 May, 2007 ::: channel4.com

Carlo Ancelotti is already looking to next season and his wish list includes Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o and Philippe Mexes.

“I think that to remain at the top of European football, this side needs a few additions,” said the Coach who took Milan to their seventh Champions League trophy this week.

“If we are to sign players, then you may as well make it a real world class figure. Ronaldinho and Eto’o fit the bill and right now Eto’o is perhaps the best striker in circulation, but I shall say no more on the matter.”

The Barcelona and Cameroon star had already been a target last summer following Andriy Shevchenko’s departure, but seems set to leave La Liga at the end of this season, although Inter are also interested in his services.

“Next year we will certainly be competing in the European Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia, so it will be even more important to have players of quality.”

Pippo Inzaghi scored a brace in the 2-1 Final win over Liverpool and from next term Ronaldo will be available for Champions League duty, so where does this leave Alberto Gilardino?

“He is very happy at Milan,” assured Ancelotti. “His season has had ups and downs with a good number of goals scored.”

The question of the ageing defence still needs to be addressed, especially with Kakha Kaladze ready for a Premiership move as he is tired of sitting on the bench.

“Mexes? He is one of the strongest central defenders on the transfer market,” added the Coach when asked about the Roma star.

The days after the Rossoneri’s Champions League heroics have been dominated by controversy over a banner insulting Inter that appeared in Massimo Ambrosini’s hand on the open-top bus.

“I think Ambrosini made a mistake and he understood that, so he apologised. That has to be the end of the matter.”

Milan were cross with their ‘cugini’ after President Massimo Moratti, Coach Roberto Mancini and captain Javier Zanetti repeatedly stated they hoped the San Siro giants would lose the Final in Athens.

“Inter have the right to celebrate their Scudetto because they deserved it, but the same goes for Milan and the Champions League. Everyone makes fun of their rivals, it is part of football and totally normal.”

The season isn’t over yet, as Milan travel to the Stadio Granillo to face a Reggina side battling to stay in Serie A.

“We must try to send out a competitive squad that can give a dignified performance so that we do not unfairly tip the relegation battle in anyone’s favour,” noted the tactician after last night’s party at San Siro.

“Ambrosini picked up a knock, while Paolo Maldini, Inzaghi and Kaka also have a few problems. We’re also without Ronaldo and the suspended Ricardo Oliveira and Yoann Gourcuff.”

Gilardino is expected to start upfront alongside former Reggina youngster Marco Borriello.

Meanwhile, Maldini will extend his career for another season by going under the knife for a recurring knee problem.

“Paolo always makes his own decisions,” said his father, Cesare. “On Tuesday morning he’ll fly to Belgium for surgery and will return to the field at Milanello in two months.”

Bring Mexes + Ronaldinho and the European Champions will be ready for the next season. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Barcelona's most important players won't leave, their most hyped up ones will.

Without Xavi, they'd be nothing, same goes with Puyol. These are their most important, not R10 and Eto'o. They're just lazy and over-hyped.

[Portman]

Barcelona's most important players won't leave, their most hyped up ones will.

Without Xavi, they'd be nothing, same goes with Puyol. These are their most important, not R10 and Eto'o. They're just lazy and over-hyped.

TBH I think Iniesta and Deco are their most important players at the moment.

10R (even in the nowadays shape and form) and Puyol after them.

[kurtsimonw]

TBH I think Iniesta and Deco are their most important players at the moment.

10R (even in the nowadays shape and form) and Puyol after them.

I agree with Iniesta and Deco. I see Xavi as irreplaceable, same with Puyol.

Messi is head and shoulders over the rest of the team though, he IS Barcelona in my eyes. They took him out for the game against Gatafe to rest him, look what happened there. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

I agree with Iniesta and Deco. I see Xavi as irreplaceable, same with Puyol.

Messi is head and shoulders over the rest of the team though, he IS Barcelona in my eyes. They took him out for the game against Gatafe to rest him, look what happened there.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

i wouldnt say he is barca right now cuz he still is pretty young, but he will be. he is their future.