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Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 1 2012, 12:33 PM

So, here we are. My wishes are reduced to the minimum: another fullback who can play on the right side, a world class midfielder or no midfielder at all and a whole new medical team. The last one should be mandatory

Posted by: han2503 Feb 1 2012, 02:20 PM

A right sided FB?

Abate made a mistake against Inter and suddenly he needs to be replaced? He's one of the best FBs in the league, and this is reluctantly agreed upon by supporters of other teams. He's had a so so season so far as well as an injury which rarely happens to him. I think he's more than gained the confidence of the fans and coach.

I think we'll go all out for Monto and De Rosso in the summer, simply because they're free and that is what we can afford.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 1 2012, 02:43 PM

Yes, a right sided FB.

Firstly, we don't have a real backup for Abate; next season Zambrotta IMO will/should be used as a bonus, a veteran fullback for dire situations. But what's Abates real backup? Bonera?

Secondly, we've still got two left fullbacks plus Urbi and Taiwo if he returns. Since there ain't many promising leftbacks available, I don't see the point in piling up more average players.

Thirdly, it's not just the mistake Abate made. He made an impressive improvement in terms of defending, yet he still isn't that great. Against Barcelona he also shares some responsibility for the goal(s) we conceded. But, that's not what makes me nervous - it's the fact that Abate occupies the position of a offensive FB while in fact he's totally incapable of producing any assists, good shots or intelligent runs. All this fuss, all his running up and down comes mostly to nothing. His poor technique and his clumsy passing isn't helping as well.

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 1 2012, 03:12 PM

I don't know about De Rosso han but that Roma vice-captain isn't bad! (OMG it's the acid virus!!)

I think Galliani will do some nice deals in the summer. Teams like Man City, Real, Chelsea are always ripe with quality rejects ready to be rejuvenated. An attacking midfielder is a must. But maybe someone with different qualities than Kaka. Someone more powerful that Allegri can work with. Inter are having problems with Snejider. Maybe he can be an option. My ideal buys would be lesser known, but quality players who have the confidence part down. No more Gourcuffs and Merkels. I think Nuri Sahin would be a fan-f@cking-tastic acquisition. I think the Bundesliga is a great place to look for talent too. It's impressive that Bayern are not a selling club, but they are truly ripe with talent right now. Maybe look at other teams there. I'm also tired of seeing so many Brazilians come our way. I wanna see us mix it up a bit. Go for some Eastern European talents maybe.

I think we are good in the GK department. If not Abbiati, Amelia. Both great keepers any big team would lucky to have in this day and age were superstar keepers are on the brink of extinction.

In defense I wanna wait and see how Mesbah does in the LB department. But I think, between him and Emanuelson, we are decent enough. I want Antonini out. I would prefer to let Bonera go and buy a more solid CB that can slowly take the 3rd CB position from Mexes while he gradually replaces Nesta. I don't know if Nesta will renew, but I hope he does. He seems capable. I don't know if others agree, but I see Nesta as the last great defender. Costacurta, Maldini and him have been mystical to say the least. I don't think their techniques have been understood by other aspiring defenders around the world and they are at the brink of extinction too it seems. I view Baresi and Silva more in the same mold in that, determination and grit are their main arsenal against attackers rather than technique and, for a lack of a better term, mystical tactical understanding of the game.

In midfield... Oh dear. Where do I start? I want Ambrosini, Gattuso, Flamini, and Seedorf out. No apologies. Goddamn that's a bit scary but also exciting. So that will leave us with: (assuming we decide to keep Starsser, Merkel and Van Bommel)

Aquilani, Boateng, Emanuelson, Nocerino, Van Bommel, Merkel Starasser.

Very very thin.
My dream signings: Sahin, De Rossi (One can dream) and another couple of quality but lesser known players.

In attack, I would sell Pato and let Inzaghi retire or leave. I don't think we'll keep Maxi. That will leave us with: El Shaarawy, Cassano, Ibra and Robinho.

A possible fantastic signing could be Olivier Giroud of Montpellier.

I would also start a very serious task force to tackle the injury issues.

Here's my 12-13 formation:

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 1 2012, 03:44 PM

IF I were Galliani:

Out:
Roma - 0.5 mln / season
Gattuso - 4 mln / season
Seedorf - 3 mln / season
Zambrotta - 3.5 mln / season
Inzaghi - 0.8 mln / season
Yepes - 1mln / season

Maxi Lopez - 2.5 mln / season, we don't buy him in the end so we don't have to pay his wages

We save 15.3 mln from their wages

Renew:
Flamini - from 4.5 mln / season to 3 mln / season, otherwise he shouldn't get a new contract
Van Bommel - from 3.5 mln / season to 2.5 mln / season, otherwise he shouldn't get a new contract
Ambrosini - from 3.0 mln / season to 1.5 mln / season, one year contract after that to get retired
Nesta - from 2.5 mln / season to 1.5 mln / season, one year contract after that to get retired

We save 5 mln from the wage cuts of their wages

In total we save 20.3 mln from our players wages. Now, Berlusconi said that he usually invests 50 mln/season in Milan, but we all know that's not true. Last year, with new contracts for free transfered players, and the installment for Ibrahimovic and Boateng, we spent 30-35 mln, so I'm going to prejudice that we have around 25-30 mln for the summer.

So 20.3 mln (from wages) + 25-30 mln = 45.3 - 50.3 mln to invest in new players and contracts.

In:
Antonio Donnarumma GK - promote from primavera
Ricardo José Ferreira CB - promote from primavera
De Sciglio RB - promote from primavera, very promising and talented player
De Rossi for free - 8 mln / season
Montolivo for free - 4 mln / season
Aquilani full ownership 6 mln
Mario Balotelli for 20 mln - 6 mln/season
Mesbah for 2 mln

All this (also their wages) cost 44 mln, which is lower sum than 45.3 mln.

We would have a team like this:

1st team:

2nd team :



Reserve Squad: Antonio Donnarumma, Ricardo José Ferreira, Antonini, Ambrosini, Emanuelson, Strasser, El Shaarawy and Kingsley Boateng.

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 1 2012, 04:24 PM

Why on Earth Montolivo would be picked over Nocerino is beyond me. The guy is having a giant season with us and doesn't look like he is about to stop.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 1 2012, 04:26 PM

I don't think the mathematics behind it are that simple.

Also, there is no way we'd offer 6m to Aqui, he'd be on 3.5m maximum, if De Rossi comes in, I think 7m should be able to convince him. Monto also, 3m would be a great deal for him as he's not on a huge contract at Fiorentina

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 1 2012, 04:26 PM

Montolivo/Aquilani would start over Nocerino 'cos we need a creative midfielder in our starting formation. That was proven in lots of games this season, starting with the game against Juventus. Eitherway, Nocerino failed to impress against big teams (just as Aquilani did), and with all those midfielders I wouldn't choose Nocerino over Boateng or De Rossi.

Yes, but we'll have to pay Liverpool 6 mln after he plays for 25 games.

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 1 2012, 04:35 PM

That was more due to him being used on the right than the left. IMO, Nocerino has been nothing short of impressive this season. Failed to impress? More like he didn't pull magic out of his @ss(which he did do to everyone's surprise in some other games) in games that we, as a team were playing poorly.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 1 2012, 04:44 PM

Yes, and that 'cos we were playing without a creative midfielder. I don't really have a problem with Nocerino, in fact, as all Milan fans, I like him and really appreciate what he has done for Milan this season, but it would a "race" between him and Boateng for that position. But again, Boateng "pulled magic out of his @***" against a big team like Barcelona, so I guess he wins.

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 1 2012, 05:09 PM

Basically we have been saved this season by Boateng, Nocerino and Ibra pulling magic out of their @sses. No wonder our performances stink.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 1 2012, 05:15 PM

This is what really worries me atm

Last season we performed more as a team, even with all the new players. Pato, Ibra, Robs, they all were our top scorers, not just Ibra.

And maybe not in the first part of the season because we did rely on Ibra so much, but in the second part, you could really see the collective working for the wins, so much so, that even when Ibra kept getting suspended and wasn't playing at his best we still blew teams like Inter, Juve, Napoli, etc out of the water.

This season, I'm just not seeing anything click. Even when the result looks great, it's mostly just a disjointed performance with isolated incidents that resulted in goals. And this is the reason why our results against the big teams have been terrible this season

Juve on the other hand, might not be great as individuals aside from a handful of players, but collectively, they do work better than us as a team, which is why they're yet to be beaten, and why I admire Conte's work so much

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 1 2012, 05:24 PM

I'll go with what Fillipo says. I think Abate is good, but he needs a rest and isn't exactly a World class defender anyway. Maybe the competition would help push him. A real AM is a must, as is an entire new medical staff.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 1 2012, 05:29 PM

I agree with Filippo wanted a backup RB. Getting rid of Antonini on the left and replacing him with a RB would be a good move.

Abate is still very young, he's very determined, I believe that he'll be a great FB one day. Maybe not on the Maicon level but still a top RB, when there are very limited options in that department

As for a real AM, I don't think it's a must, simply because I don't believe that Allegri wants one. And will either adopt a 3-striker system (should Tevez join in the summer), or keep using Boateng there. He clearly has no intention of utilising an AM. I've never even seen any attacking mids linked to us in the media. We only seem to get linked with central mids, DMs and strikers.

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 1 2012, 05:31 PM

+1

I don't think, however, that his passing is that bad. and he doesn't need technique that much when he can get past opponents using his pace. it's that final touch i.e. his crosses, and god forbid, his shots on goal, that leaves me unimpressed.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 2 2012, 06:12 PM

I think we can all agree that we need an improvement at AM, CDM, CB (depth), and overall depth in midfield.

I think that management will push hard for Tevez in summer with some of the funds from Pato's possible sale. Management may also opt for Boatang playing there as a starter. I do honestly believe that El Sharaawy should be given a chance to compete for the role as is starting to grow into something most fans can get excited about.

Internal options: Boatang, El Sharaawy, Robinho, Cassano, Ibra, Seedorf, Merkel

Of these options i think robinho and El Sha should be the main options. SES, as i have wrote, is developing into a player that could offer pace, dribbling, vision, a good shot, and great technical ability. Having won a personal accolade at 19 for being Serie B's best player is no small feat, especially when many people consider Serie B to be the elite second division in europe. I personally rate merkel, but i would throw him at genoa if it meant us getting SES on full ownership.

Robinho, as i have been saying since we signed him is simply not a Serie A forward. he is arguably the most wasteful striker i have ever seen (taking into account all youth competitive setups i've been a part of). he is so useless in front of goal, as any else then a milan fan, i would surely piss myself watching his epic clumsiness. He does however, in a team of bronze statues, offer pace. were we a little more in tune with modern-day football, we would not need to keep him on account of him being 1 of the 3-4 people on the team who run on this team. I'm ALLLLL for selling him to a Malaga-type oil rich team wanting to fill the seats. Sadly, i do not see that happening, so i would then move him to AM as i want him comfortably away from the opposing net, while still attacking.

External options (it's nearly impossible to predict the state of the market in 5 months time, but i will ltry) Tevez, Martin, Belhandra, Eriksen...

I think we would all enjoy seeing tevez and Ibra with the ever-compatible genius of Cassano . My personal choice would be Martin, he is oozing with class and after this summer, he will be outside of our price range. I heard on canal+ sport that we were pursuing him and although he is extremely talented, he lacks vision and tries to go 1v1 too often.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 3 2012, 05:55 PM

Just sign Eriksen while he still costs around the €20 million mark. If we wait a bit longer, the kid will be unreachable for us, as his price will overshoot.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 3 2012, 07:50 PM

We'll most likely waste that money on Tevez, when we're already stocked to our necks in strikers

Just imagine this set-up for next season

1st team:


2nd team:



There would simply be no excuses for the league or the CL.

All that with just 3/4 signings, 2 of which would come for free, and one where, yes, we'd be forking out a considerable sum, but imo, it would be worth it. Far more than Tevez would

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 3 2012, 10:17 PM

Han, DDR is a dream, I really don't think Milan can sign him

Posted by: CHU-LIP Feb 3 2012, 10:38 PM

DDR used to be a nightmare, now it's a dream? Time changes.

At least you will know what I mean.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 3 2012, 10:38 PM

He still hasn't signed a contract and we're in February.

Most Italian players find it hard to move to foreign countries, especially England due to the culture shock of such a move.

I think Galliani could convince him. With a proper contract and plan for the future, I think it would be do-able. He would be coming for free, so that would give us some lee-way in terms of numbers for his contract

Posted by: Jack Bauer Feb 4 2012, 06:53 PM

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 5 2012, 11:42 AM

Problem is, I don't see Milan looking in his direction. Sure, maybe we're doing everything cloaked, but somehow I don't have the feeling it will happen. City seems to me a good option, but he'll stay with Roma if you ask me.

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 5 2012, 03:34 PM

Yeah, IMO there's as much chance of us signing DDR as there was chance of signing Fabregas. it's one of those never-gonna-happen situations.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 5 2012, 05:00 PM

Forget backup RB. Get a first team RB please.

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 5 2012, 05:04 PM

Will not happen before we sign 947563 more strikers.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 5 2012, 05:13 PM

agreed, abate is dreadful of late

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 5 2012, 05:16 PM

We obviously need more, especially Tevez

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Feb 5 2012, 06:02 PM

Dear Adriano Galliani,

This summer will mark 3 years since we sold our most influential player at the time (despite him being on a debatable decline); further more he was our only real AM. In case you haven't figured it out as yet, I am speaking about Kaka.

So with that being said, please dust off your gold tie and get us a proper replacement in the upcoming months!

.

Posted by: acid911 Feb 5 2012, 06:46 PM

Thanks for the nostalgia trip, Trinin! You can have as many Ibras in the team, none will be what Kaka was to this team. Inspirational both in the league and Europe, and more involved during games - what with him playing as a midfielder. No goal? No worries? Kaka will hand deliver one from the center of the ground.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Feb 5 2012, 06:58 PM

Bah humbug!

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2012/02/05/2888190/franco-baldini-manchester-city-target-daniele-de-rossi-has

http://football-italia.net/node/15404

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 5 2012, 08:27 PM

Posted by: Brian Birkin Feb 6 2012, 03:43 AM

Abate has never in Milan used a style like Cafu or Serginho where he takes a shot position, but he did before he came.

Posted by: albanche Feb 6 2012, 10:09 AM

Yesterday Raiola launched a statement that there were many offers coming for Ibra and he did not rule out Real Madrid transfer. So, obviously selling Ibra would make a large gap to our Ibra-reliance team. Having in mind that Tevez would possibly come after Ibra's leaving then our attacking dept would more than anything adaptable and play a more flowing football to what we have seen so far. I want Ibra's leaving at first stance, anyone saw last match with Napoli how less he sacrifices for the team and just cant perform to what Milan really expects from him, he is just not OUR material. period.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 6 2012, 10:29 AM

Raiola: "In June I'll bring a striker to Milan. Ibrahimovic remains at Milan."

Please, let him be Balotelli !

Posted by: rip Feb 6 2012, 01:23 PM

we will have two world class strikers, but both will be unavailable due to suspensions

Posted by: Brian Birkin Feb 6 2012, 01:34 PM

"I'll"? Galliani handles the deals, he is an agent. Regardless, I wish Il Faraone will have his place.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 6 2012, 01:41 PM

He's connected with Milan (I also heard that we hired him as transfer advisor) and like he brough Ibra to us, he can bring Balotelli too.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 6 2012, 02:11 PM

Let's first sell Robinho for a sandwich, then we can talk about about signing another forward...

Posted by: CHU-LIP Feb 6 2012, 02:30 PM

Where did you hear that?

It could easily be true, but I don't like the sound of it.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 6 2012, 04:05 PM

I read that on twitter, since December 2010.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 6 2012, 04:11 PM

Montolivo signs a 4 year contract (with the option for another year) for Milan. He will recieve 2.5 million/season.

source: http://acmilan-shqip.org/sq/lajme/montolivo-milanjemi-prane-arrihet-akordi/

Posted by: CHU-LIP Feb 6 2012, 04:15 PM

2.5 m/s ? Nice, that's similar to Aquilani

Posted by: han2503 Feb 6 2012, 05:23 PM

I wonder why we wasted time on bringing an unavailable and terrible Muntari. We're in a crises situation and Monto was offered on a plate for us. What do we do, we wait to sign him for free and bring in someone who can't even play while we have injuries in the midfield. Such a nuckle head move by Galliani

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Feb 6 2012, 05:30 PM

well we make moves like 500k or 1M so am not surpirsed we are looking for free tasnfer rather than spendingn 1-2million in winter... we are cheap it is simple as that... wont spend a penny if there is a slightest chance of a cheaper option..

Posted by: Brian Birkin Feb 6 2012, 06:44 PM

"heard". Put a direct source on that one.

Raiola is a professional money talker, just like Ibra, not a truth assessment.

If we want Mario, City will demand money, and Galliani does not fork out money.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Feb 6 2012, 08:45 PM

Because we are broke and trying to save every penny. That's exactly what I told you in the winter transfer thread- we brought Muntari just because we are paying absolutely nothing for him (loan + no wage). And certainly not because Allegri wanted Muntari bullshit.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Feb 6 2012, 08:47 PM

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 6 2012, 08:51 PM

According to whispers in Tuscany...sounds like the island from "Lost"

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 7 2012, 09:53 AM

^^

I hate it when they use that name when they're reporting something about Milan. can't they understand it's the San Siro for us?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 7 2012, 10:08 AM

The official name is Stadio Giuseppe Meazza though isn't it?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 7 2012, 10:10 AM

Yes it is. Just like Sampdoria's is Luigi Ferraris even though they don't call it that way.

Posted by: CHU-LIP Feb 7 2012, 01:33 PM

It's like saying he signed for Inter, that sentence.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 7 2012, 05:40 PM

What do you guys think of Obi Mikel? My chelsea friend was saying how there were talks that he might go for playing time and, so far as i can remember, he is an great CDM... Thoughts?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 8 2012, 09:12 AM

Don't rate him at all personally.

EDIT: As for the Montolivo news, if true, does that mean we're highly unlikely to take Aquilani on permanently or was it never likely we were going to. What would he cost anyway?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 8 2012, 12:04 PM

If Montolivo is a replacement for Aquilani it's one step in the wrong direction.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 8 2012, 12:55 PM

The Aqui deal had a clause, which required us to sign him should he make 25 appearances for us. So imo we'll have to sign him whether we like it or not come June since he'll most likely surpass that number. Imo Monto is a Seedorf replacement more than anything else. And seeing Seedorf labour on this season has been painful, so I still think it's a smart move by the management to get someone like Monto in for free. He'll give us great squad depth imo.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 8 2012, 02:57 PM

Aquilani is 5 or 6 appearances away from the obligatory buy out clause for us. He will cost us 6 mln Euros.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 8 2012, 04:32 PM

That means no midfielder in summer IMO.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 8 2012, 08:34 PM

We still need a DM whether they like it or not.

Posted by: milanbuf88 Feb 8 2012, 09:31 PM

Strasser will be healthy by then. I can easily see Galliani declaring him our "signing". Not that I'd be disappointed if Rodney could step up but I can definitely see us being cheap and extending Van Bommel one more year.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 9 2012, 04:44 PM

Garcia linked with Milan move

source: http://www.soccernews.com/garcia-linked-with-milan-move/88422/

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 9 2012, 05:16 PM

Never seen him play, is he any good?

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 9 2012, 05:22 PM

If memory serves he is alot like Boatang...

Posted by: acid911 Feb 9 2012, 05:30 PM

I guess the $64,000 question is how creative is he?! How much vision this guy has? If he is a handy version of Boateng, then it will be another brute, and we can forget about unlocking bigger teams than us.

Posted by: CHU-LIP Feb 9 2012, 05:32 PM

''A defensive midfielder by nature, he can also appear as a central defender.''

...a lot like Boateng? How?

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 9 2012, 05:50 PM

Jesus, i saw him play a few games over the past few years, i wasn't witting my thesis on him...
If you are going to get pissy and challenge my seemingly unobjectionable opinion on his playing style, then is quoting a written statement really more valuable information to the members of this post then my remembering his actual playing?

Posted by: CHU-LIP Feb 9 2012, 05:52 PM

It was just a question.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 10 2012, 04:51 PM

Emanuelson set for a summer exit if he doesn't improve -FI

Javi Garcia's price is 30M - Goal

Posted by: CHU-LIP Feb 10 2012, 04:54 PM

If he doesn't improve how?

In my opinion Emanuelson is preforming well, especially defensive wise and ball possession wise too, also in a very consistent way. He has done better for us than I originally expected, except for the lack of goals and assists.

I guess Milan should focus on a different anchor than Javi Garcia. He seems to be too expensive. There are a nice amount of anchor out there, so I hope we can get one of them.

Posted by: Dill.B Feb 10 2012, 06:39 PM

Alot like Ambrosini maybe. He's a good player, but doesn't worth 25 millions. With that kind of money Galliani should go for M'Vila or Javi Martinez.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 10 2012, 08:48 PM

The idea that we can pay anywere near or above 10m is just laughable to me. All these reports are 100% invented imo as we are not going to be spending big money this summer unless it's for Tevez

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 10 2012, 10:37 PM

Javi Garcia's buy out clause is 30 mln but that doesn't mean that 30 mln is the asking price. For example Kaka has a 100 mln buy out clause at Real Madrid, just imagine...

I think we can get Garcia for a 10-13 mln offer. And that's quite reasonable offer, knowing he's going to replace Ambrosini and van Bommel, who have quite high wages. But I say this, based on that report only.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 11 2012, 04:18 PM

Strasser for Ambro and a new DM for Van Bommel, Montolivo for Seedorf, Eriksen as AM, Tevez for Robinho/Pato.

Posted by: William405 Feb 11 2012, 04:53 PM

This is dream transfers thread ?

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 11 2012, 05:07 PM

You know it's a sad state of a club like AC Milan when Eriksen and Tevez are dream transfers for its fans...

Posted by: William405 Feb 11 2012, 05:17 PM

Yar...

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 11 2012, 05:19 PM

What does that mean? 'yes'? 'get out of here'? or...?

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 11 2012, 05:40 PM

Whoever said they're my dream transfers?

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 11 2012, 05:44 PM

I was referring to Willie's post, actually.

Posted by: William405 Feb 11 2012, 05:51 PM

Means Yes,in a sad fashion though

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Feb 14 2012, 11:09 PM

Not milan related but bayern have signed shaqiri for summer 2012.

Posted by: vnata001 Feb 15 2012, 05:54 PM

one of my dream transfers would be yaya toure. but knowing allergi he'd play him behind the strikers.

edit: i meant to write allegri, however he is a bit of an allergy

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 17 2012, 11:41 AM

Maybe Milan will look like this in a couple of years:

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 17 2012, 02:12 PM

Is Şahin a DM? I thought he was more of an Aquilani type of player.

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 17 2012, 05:15 PM

I was doing the whole deep-lying play maker but on second thought maybe a Van Bommel type player there could be a more solid option. I just think the whole Gattuso-Pirlo thing Ancelotti ployed during his years was such a genius idea. But Allegri works differently anyways...

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Feb 17 2012, 05:38 PM

You're forgetting Ambrosini, Nesta, Seedorf, Gattuso in the first XI for a start

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 17 2012, 05:40 PM

i'd take Criscito ahead of Balzaretti
I would love for Handanovic to be our keeper, IMO he's the most underrated keeper in the world.

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 17 2012, 06:03 PM

He did poorly the other night we played Udinese though. the first goal was totally his fault.

Posted by: acid911 Feb 17 2012, 06:19 PM

Yeah, he's a quality keeper, wouldn't mind him here. In fact, he's one of the very few goalkeepers with a personality. That means he is the sort of player who exerts himself onto the proceedings, yells to his defenders, manages the play. You can only count GKs like these on one hand, and still have fingers to spare.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 17 2012, 06:44 PM

Of course you'd love him, he's Slovenian.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 17 2012, 06:58 PM

I'll admit to being, if only just a little, bias

Posted by: han2503 Feb 17 2012, 07:02 PM

Yeah, he's a creative CM, but I can't see us spending that kind of money for a central mid, and I can't see Real selling him tbh


It was genius. Someone asked in another thread if it was Carlo that created the diamond midfield, and I do believe that Galliani once said something along the lines of how Carlo was so innovative due to the way he plays the midfield, which strictly speaking, consisted of 3 #10s and Gattuso, who's only job was to break up play, recover the ball and give it back to Pirlo.

I think that midfield worked like magic, a well oiled machine. We played some of the best football in Europe along with Barca at the time, as well as being defensively very solid.

That being said, I can't see that happening these days. We simply need a player who lies deep and protects our defence. VB does it amazingly well, and I do hope that he along with Nesta can be convinced to sign on for another season, because now that DDR is no longer even a possibility, I don't know of any other anchor DM who can do the job as well as VB and come at a reasonable price.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 17 2012, 07:05 PM

We need a replacement for Van Bommel, whether he's staying or not. Ambro must be let go. Maybe Strasser?

Posted by: han2503 Feb 17 2012, 07:12 PM

I don't feel that Strasser is at a level where he can be second choice for us. Having said that I know he's less likely to f*** up than Ambro, but still

Yes, a quality DM is needed this summer, maybe even someone who'll be a sure starter with VB being the backup.

But yes, Ambro simply has to be let go, along with all the others who are sucking out another 4m salary out of the club while not doing anything. The wage lists that were published really baffled me, we've got Seedorf, Rino and Ambro all earning in excess of 4m for a season doing nothin but taking up space on the injury list or messing up on the pitch. And then we have Nesta who last season was one of the most crucial factors in our title success and he barely earns half of what they do.

At least players like Pippo, Zambro, etc don't earn sky high wages and it's easier to accept them on the roster given the constant complaints about Galliani in regards to money, taxes, yada, yada

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 17 2012, 07:19 PM

I honestly think that strasser has what it takes to be our CDM. That being said, being as how young he is and how litte he's played in Serie A, i would really prefer MVB to stay on one more year even though he wants a PSV return. I can see us signing a veteran like Palombo (if inter don't make his signing permanent) if MVB leaves, but i sincerely think Allegri has enough faith in Strasser to make him the long term solution.

That being said, i'd love for us to get someone like Strootman, Veloso, M'Villa, Moussa Sissoko, Capoue, Banega, Tiote, Poli...

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 17 2012, 07:39 PM

What about Keita? Presumably we've reached an agreement with him. Can he play as DM?

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Feb 18 2012, 12:51 AM

i am not sure if he is a DM like van bommel..

BTW what are the options for LB.. there are not many quality fullbacks around rite now nd it sems there is no one from the outh team as well who can even be considered back up

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 18 2012, 11:32 AM

Backup? Maybe, but the guy didn't play...at all, so no real assessment can be made.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 18 2012, 08:24 PM

He's, IMO alot like Muntari skill-wise, without the brainfarts. He is a similar type midfielder that passes well has good power and a solid tackler. That being said, he's a much more disciplined professional. Both are very devout muslims as well.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 18 2012, 09:07 PM

Hmh...why is DDR crossed off the possible signings list? Has he extended with Roma or?

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Feb 18 2012, 09:13 PM

Correct

Posted by: acid911 Feb 18 2012, 09:16 PM

Yes he agreed terms with the club. Should tie him up there for quite a while.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 18 2012, 09:37 PM

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 18 2012, 09:53 PM

Montolivo was the worst on the field last night again Napoli. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it signing him. Never liked the guy.

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 18 2012, 10:30 PM

Yeah me neither. I think Aquilani is enough for that type of CM.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 18 2012, 10:53 PM

That makes three of us

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 18 2012, 10:57 PM

Guys, he'll come for free, I don't see any risk on that. Clearly he can perform in a better level than Seedorf so, I wouldn't mind him to be a backup for Aquilani. And to be honest, Fiorentina is not the best team where you can prove your creativity.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 18 2012, 11:03 PM

I'd personally rather have Poli then Aqui or Montolivo, but Samp loaned him to the dark side...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 18 2012, 11:19 PM

Ahh, not so sure about that. But here's why the Montolivo signing bothers me:

1) Because it means most probably that our management will consider the AM/creative position filled and won't even bother luring someone like Eriksen.

2) Because now I'd prefer quality over quantity. We have a bunch of midfielders in our team, and even at the peak of our injury crisis we found a fair/alright solution. What we now need IMO is someone like Pirlo or Sneijder, a true starter who'd be class and not just here as a number.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 18 2012, 11:28 PM

I thought that Boateng is filling that possition very good. And we cant have 2 world class AM's in our team 'cos one of them would have to be benched most of time and I don't think someone like Eriksen would accept that. We also have Merkel and Valotti, we should give space to our own talents.

Aquilani is Milan material player, I think he prooved that over this season. Maybe he wasn't brilliant against Inter and Barcelona, but that doesn't mean he can't perform against big teams. I don't see Galliani spending 20-30 mln for someone like them for example Modric. So in that case, I'd be glad with Montolivo. 2-3 midfielders will go in the end of the season, we'll be left with top 6-7. That's enough for Allegri's 4-3-1-2.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 19 2012, 12:02 AM

Sadly I can't see us going after somone like Eriksen either way. Main reasons: He's young, not flashy, not a big name to tickle Silvio's fancy, and most importantly, it's very unlikely that we can wrestle a cheap price out of Ajax like we did for Zlatan, Robinho, Nocerino, etc

So I'm ok with Monto because I do believe that financially, he's the best we can do atm .i.e free

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 19 2012, 12:26 AM

Boateng can play RCM, though, to be honest, he's been really good as AM so far. Sure, he's not your typical flashy trequartista, with lots of creativity and vision, but the guy has been faring well in that position. Don't get me wrong, I'd take someone like Eriksen on the spot, but even if we don't sign him, at least we have a quality AM we can count on.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 19 2012, 12:30 AM

Boateng has played RCM against Atalanta and haven't impress that much. I'd like some extra creativity in our midfield, it's something we miss, but I don't see Allegri asking for someone with characteristics like Eriksen or Ganso.

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 19 2012, 05:30 PM

Make that four. the kid's overrated. end of.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 19 2012, 05:37 PM

Like I said, it's either him or no one.

He might be a "quantity" player as Filippo likes to put it, but with the injuries we have we need a bit more quantity especially in midfield where we're all muscle and no creativity once Aquilani is ruled out

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 19 2012, 05:40 PM

Corriere dello Sport said today that the Milan board has had enough of Pato's injuries and that they're going to sell him to PSG in the summer.

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 19 2012, 05:48 PM

Good. another training ground, another training routine, another medical and fitness team... he might just manage to get rid of injuries and stay fit, like he does when he's with Brazil.

I have to admit, sometimes I wonder what it would be like if he reunited with Carlo and had the likes of Pastore and Menez around him.

It's for the best I guess. staying at Milan isn't working out for him anymore.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 19 2012, 05:49 PM

The bible for all things Milan

If the management were fead up with the injuries they'd have to sell half the sqaud.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 19 2012, 06:16 PM

I don't believe it a second. But who knows...PSG sure piling up old Milan guard players. But let's ship them Taiwo off first.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 19 2012, 10:41 PM

Can you see him going off to Paris now that he's gotten Babs with child?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 20 2012, 12:17 AM

Hmh, honestly,...I can. I think Barbara would loose a burden someone as professional as her always has to carry.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Feb 20 2012, 08:45 AM

If the money is good, sell him ... As much as it hurts to say this, but he has a high value in comparison to what he has achieved so far. I am not being too hard on the lad, but it isn't working tbh and it is not like we are dependent on him as was the case for Shevchenko or Kaka for this matter. El Sharaawy is a good enough investment in that light.

Again, ONLY if the money is good.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Feb 20 2012, 09:11 AM

I understand fully what you're saying, but part of me always wants to give him that 'one last chance' to get past these nasty injury nightmares.

It's funny how attached you can get to these players who play for the club and many of us 'just' see on tv.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 20 2012, 04:05 PM

If selling him means signing Tevez, I'm all for it.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 20 2012, 05:34 PM

That's one of the main reasons why selling him would be a mistake FFS!

The man is an idiot, and just not worth our efforts. Good as he may be, he's nothing but trouble.

If it really came down to selling Pato, I'd want us to get an AM, someone like Eriksen or Goetze with that kind of money. Not lick Tevez's @ss to come here for a year and scew us over a few months later

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 20 2012, 05:40 PM

He won't do that. Any idiot that comes to Milan becomes a saint, don't you know that?

Posted by: han2503 Feb 20 2012, 05:43 PM

Tevez surpasses that point.

There are reasons why Fergie did not sign him, arguably one of their most influential players for the league. His problems with City came at no surprise to most people.

He's simply not worth our time or money. Especially if City ask for more than we can make on Pato's sale.

Still, for now I don't think Pato will go just yet. But as I said, if we do sell him, Tevez would be the last player I'd want us to get

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 20 2012, 05:51 PM

Tevez is the first player I'd want us to sign. An Ibra-Tevez duo would rip defenses to shreds.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 20 2012, 06:23 PM

And they'd rip each other apart in the dressing rooms

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 20 2012, 07:37 PM

Say what? Tevez and Ibra will love each other. Word.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Feb 20 2012, 09:12 PM

I wouldn't want Tevez either, if he comes then we face reality and maybe the Milan 'family' attitude can work its magic yet again.

I wouldn't want Eriksen or Goetze, I want Hamsik. A midfield of dynamite!!

Napoli will give in at some point, Hamsik will not always be worth as much in three years time. I believe this type of player is very well suited to Allegri's system; imagine a midfield with KPBx2.

That would be my wish for summer 2012 tbh.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Feb 20 2012, 10:06 PM

I don't want Tevez. I have faith Cassano will come back. We can do it with just him.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 20 2012, 10:23 PM

Agreed.

I'd be very happy with our current attack. If they manage to all be fit at the same time.

Imo, the attack is the last position we need to look at. Midfield and defence need to come first. Forget this Tevez BS.

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 20 2012, 10:31 PM

Hamsik sounds so f@cking good.

-With Cassano drifting into that middle whole between Boateng and Hamsik to add dynamism and more creativity.

Bring on the Spanish Giants...!

Posted by: Jack Bauer Feb 20 2012, 10:34 PM

Hamsik was our mister x last summer but Napoli did everything in order to keep him. We most probably gonna try to bring him next summer too.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 21 2012, 12:16 AM

Err, Hamsik and Boateng aren't exactly wingers. Plus that formation lacks a proper holding mid. I'd rather take Eriksen and someone à la Xabi Alonso. Veloso, anyone?

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 21 2012, 12:24 AM

They are not wingers. And is it mandatory to have a holding midfielder? I'm trying to create a similar situation to that of Gattuso Pirlo by using Aquilani as a deep-lying playmaker and Nocerino to do most of the hustle and bustle in there
So it goes a little something like this:

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 21 2012, 12:27 AM

Can't say for sure whether Allegri would adopt such a system. Plus Aquilani is no Pirlo. I don't think he's capable of playing in that position.

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 21 2012, 12:30 AM

Looks good. Probably a more stable line up than the off-the-wall one I envisioned. Still, if we got Hamsik, how would you fit him in?



Anyone can do anything. Aquilani is such a shy, low key player though with very low self-confidence it seems to me. The perfect clone for Pirlo. Until he joins a rival team that is and becomes a friggin lion all of a sudden!

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 21 2012, 12:37 AM

Hamsik is an AM for me. I remember when we wanted to sign him last summer as a LCM to replace Seedorf, not a good idea. So, if we do sign Hamsik, then:



The DM in this case must be someone good at handling the ball and organizing the game. Again, Veloso is the closest (plus cheapest) solution I can think of.

Posted by: KillerMax Feb 21 2012, 12:58 AM

I just keep thinking though, Boateng is doing so well in that ACM position. Why change such a lethal solution to something else? I mean he even kicked Barca's @ss. All I know we need a top quality creative midfielder. Don't know where he is gonna play or how Allegri is gonna adopt his system.

BTW, how did this Eriksen player become such a popular name? Who exactly here follows the Eredivisie or this player particularly?

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 21 2012, 01:14 AM

He's popular because he's the only one we can afford.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 21 2012, 10:43 AM

Morten Olsen selected him in the Danish national team 2 years ago already, for the WC. He's one of the best performers in Ajax for quite some time. But yes, you're right, it's beginning to sound odd mentioning that name over and over again without ever actually being linked with him once of the last few months.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 21 2012, 02:17 PM

[REPORT] radio fiorentina Lady Radio: Montolivo has chosen Milan, & will sign 4 years contract (2.5m per year) with an option for a fifth.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 21 2012, 05:22 PM

Hasn't that already been mentioned like ten times already?

Posted by: han2503 Feb 21 2012, 05:59 PM

Yeah, but a couple of days ago Monto said that there was no contact with Milan.

Like he'd ever admit to practically being a Milan player while he still has to play out the rest of the season with Fiorentina

Posted by: amancik Feb 21 2012, 09:48 PM

I'd take Montolivo. He's a decent player, which I believe we can make him better.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 22 2012, 12:52 PM

Reports emerging that Paul Pogba rejected Milan's offer which consisted of a co-ownership deal with Genoa.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 22 2012, 04:28 PM

Who the hell is Pogba?

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 22 2012, 04:31 PM

Some ManU prospect. We already have Strasser in that role.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 22 2012, 04:51 PM

Pogba >> Strasser

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 22 2012, 04:53 PM

Have you seen him play?

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Feb 22 2012, 05:02 PM

Not much, but yes, more than I've seen Strasser play. He's very good physically and would be the perfect replacement for van Bommel.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 23 2012, 07:09 AM

considering how hard it is for EPL players to ajust to Serie A, i would put them on par with each other. That being said Pogba is pretty much signing for inter who have been courting him for the past year...

Posted by: han2503 Feb 23 2012, 10:23 AM

If he's that good, why would Man U let him go? It's not like they have a stellar midfield...

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 23 2012, 04:59 PM

His contract is up and he's keen on testing the market

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 27 2012, 04:33 PM

Raiola: "There's the intention from van Bommel to continue his relationship with Milan. Only if the club doesn't wish so, or if personal issues arise might influence his staying".

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/mercato/articoli/11787/pillole-di-calciomercato.shtml?refresh_cens

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 27 2012, 04:51 PM

I'd happily keep MvB. I can't even begin to describe how important he is for us but you all know that anyway.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 27 2012, 07:20 PM

Agreed.

Him and Nesta should be offered a contract today before tomorrow imo. The others need to be let go, simple as.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Feb 27 2012, 08:28 PM

Sportmediaset: Milan are after Pablo Armero of Udinese. His price tag is around 15m.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 27 2012, 08:39 PM

Do we really need him? We have Nocerino, Muntari and Emanuelson that can play as LCM. I'd rather spend those money on somebody else.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Feb 27 2012, 08:42 PM

He can also play LB.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 27 2012, 08:58 PM

I don't think we want to sign him for LB.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 27 2012, 09:27 PM

He is Serie A's Best LB imo. He does play a weird role at Udinese but he can play very well in a back four (seen him for Colombia)

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 27 2012, 09:49 PM

Well, I didn't know his natural position was LB. In that case, he'd be great. Though I'm still of the opinion that we should try Emanuelson there first for a couple of games.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 27 2012, 09:52 PM

His end product is terrible imo. Sure he'll run himself into the ground every game and create dangerous situations but his final ball is always lacking

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 28 2012, 02:54 AM

And that's something he could perfect at Milan. Unlike Antonini or Mesbah, he has the potential to become better in that aspect if you ask me.

As for trying out Emanuelson for Milan at LB...it didn't exactly work for Ajax, I'm very certain it wouldn't for Milan too. I'd rather we sign Armero.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 28 2012, 04:33 AM

Though trying him out first before jumping to conclusions would only be fair.

Posted by: Zed.D Feb 28 2012, 08:51 AM

I like Urby is his current role and he's been steadily improving so I'd rather we signed a proper, great (preferably world class) LB who can cross the damn ball and take decent shots at goal too! I swear you could count Antonini and Abate's crosses that ended up somewhere in the box on one hand the other day, and don't even get me started on the accuracy and decency of their shots (or the lack thereof). we think they're doing a good enough job, but they really are not. we'll only realize how average they are once we have a Cafu and a Sergio on the flanks again.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 28 2012, 02:07 PM

Yes, it would be fair.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 28 2012, 02:12 PM

+1

Armero almost single-handedly eliminated Arsenal from the CL. On arguably his biggest stage, he showed up in a big way. Imagine us turning our weakest point into one of our strongest. He is stupid good and i'm surprised he hasn't generated more interest. Serie A's premier LB would suit us well

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Feb 29 2012, 03:36 PM

Posted by: milanbuf88 Feb 29 2012, 05:24 PM

Armero has really impressed me and he could defintely be the LB we've been looking for. My only concern is the price tag. If we spend 15m on him then we are unlikely to make any other big purchases. The rest of the transfers in will be Galliani's favorite frees. At the same time this might work out really well. If all of our players are healthy we are pretty well covered all over. Muntari can be kept and Montolivo will be brought in along with probably a free defender. Some of the old guard will be let go and we will have healthy Strasser and Merkel to back up in the midfield. Armero could be the final piece to the puzzle. That and a couple super doctors to keep our players healthy haha.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 29 2012, 05:54 PM

Natali as fifth choice CB for free, Armero for €15 million, Keita for free, Montolivo for free, Tevez with the money from Pato's sale.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 29 2012, 07:06 PM

Well, for some reason Antonini never plays RB, even Bonera is preferred in that position over him. Secondly, I don't think we're gonna sell Pato for Tevez. And thirdly, I don't think we're gonna release every senator we have other then Nesta.

Posted by: milanbuf88 Feb 29 2012, 07:06 PM

Watch out, Zed is going to scalp you for mentioning selling Pato and Kurt will gut you for bringing in Tevez . Seriously though, those are two really really good line ups. If the new comers gel I think.we can challenge very well on all three fronts.

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 29 2012, 08:22 PM

1) That's true; 2) I think Pato and Milan have already parted their ways, unless something extraordinary happens and the duck starts performing again; 3) Inzaghi, Ambrosini and Zambrotta will probably be let go, unsure about Gattuso and Seedorf. Nesta should and will stay.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 29 2012, 09:15 PM

2) I think that's just what you like to believe

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 29 2012, 09:52 PM

I read Milan related articles from Italian sources every day, so I've sort formed an opinion about what Pato's future will be.

Posted by: han2503 Feb 29 2012, 10:05 PM

Doesn't mean they're correct, or that your oppinion is right for that matter.

You're way too into this Tevez thing, thus your wish for the club to throw Pato under the bus for the first decent offer that comes

Posted by: X-Offender Feb 29 2012, 10:10 PM

I didn't assume so.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Mar 1 2012, 02:08 AM

Dub me a pessimist but i think Pato's sale is a "balance the books" sale, if we spend half of what we receive for him, i'll be shocked...

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Mar 1 2012, 11:10 AM

CORRIERE DELLO SPORT: "Bye bye Pato. He'll most likely leave. Balotelli, Tevez and Van Persie (Ibra's favorite)"

Posted by: William405 Mar 1 2012, 12:09 PM

Meh

Posted by: han2503 Mar 1 2012, 12:18 PM

Always CdS reporting this nonsense...

Anyway, if we do sell him I just really hope the management spend the money wisely.

And if he does go to another team, I'd bet his injury problems will disappear as quickly as they appeared around 2 seasons ago

Posted by: Zed.D Mar 1 2012, 12:34 PM

Injuries aside, this was Pato's first truly bad season. sure, last season he got injured plenty, but he still ended up with 14 goals as much as Robinho and Ibra. I think if he'd managed to get those goals this season in spite of his injuries, we wouldn't be hearing about his possible sale this much. though the season is far from over, I can't see him hitting that sort of form. hell, I can't see him not getting injured every 2 weeks.

We'd be mad to sell an injury prone player only to get another one (RvP). between Tevez and Balotelli, I'd sign Balo.

+1.

That depends on the signing team. are PSG's medical staff qualified enough to solve his problem? I'm not sure...

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Mar 1 2012, 12:46 PM

I'd swich Pato and Balotelli without even asking for more money.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 1 2012, 01:10 PM

Sportmediaset today also suggests that Pato will be sold. We'll mostly likely sign Tevez, although we're also eyeing Lecce's talent Muriel, owned by Udinese. He costs €10 million.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/mercato/articoli/77921/milan-muriel-al-posto-di-pato.shtml

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 1 2012, 01:26 PM

That would be just great...

All we need is another "talent" and the washed-out Tevez. If that's the best we can get, I'd keep the injury prone kid instead. I don't want Tevez anywhere near Milan, with or without Pato, and the though of selling Pato for this guy, who has - what - 2 or maybe 3 season left? That is, if he doesn't decide to go back premature to his home country while getting bored here. Ohhhh god, once it was Shevchenko, Rui Costa and Inzaghi, nowadays it's Ibrahimovic, Boateng and Tevez.

Add just Balo and we have a real-time freakshow.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 1 2012, 02:16 PM

Tevez will do wonders at Milan.

Posted by: William405 Mar 1 2012, 02:25 PM

Define Wonders.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 1 2012, 02:28 PM

To achieve spectacularly fine results.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Mar 1 2012, 03:37 PM

You wanted him in January right?

You've probably read the news about his bold declarations that he only needed '2 weeks' in training to be back to his best...and how one match with the reserves and the club decided he's nowhere close to being fit for premier league football.

For me there's a big difference between a bad boy who's just over-passionate about his game like Cassano, Rino or even Ibra vs. someone who thinks he is above his manager's decisions and knows best when he needs to do what.

Inzaghi is being treated like **** when told to warm up with 10 minutes left in the game. But before he is a 'champion' he is a professional. He suits up and does as his coach requires.

I cannot tolerate a professional not listening to his coach, no matter how bad the coach is.

Posted by: milanbuf88 Mar 1 2012, 04:27 PM

Yes yes yes. If we get rid of Pato I want Balotelli. He is an incredible talent he just needs the right home. He is absolutely crazy but I believe he's a kind soul at heart and he is super entertaining . One maybe two years with Ibra and Balotelli together for Balo to mature and improve then we can have a super star front line of Balotelli and El Sharaawy to lead us into the future.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Mar 1 2012, 04:47 PM

he is quite that good, and i agree he has a good heart

Posted by: han2503 Mar 1 2012, 04:57 PM

I personally see Balo as someone who will come in when Ibra is no longer at Milan. City will not sell him now. We can't even affored their mis-fit, let alone a player they actually want to keep.

We should forget about him for the next xouple of years imo as it won't happen.

As for Pato, I believe it runs a lot deeper than just treating the injury, but actually figuring out what's causing it, as well as the training regiman that Pato takes on has to be suited. Non of which he has at Milan, which is such a shame considering that a few years ago, our medical department was regarded as the best in the sport. Now we can't even handle simply muscle problems, and not just with Pato. Boateng also has been having the re-curring problem, he's not coming under as much heat about it as Pato because this is his first season with such problems, while this is Pato's third. But I fear that is if the medical team situation is not fixed, than Pato will just be the first of many young players who will go through the same issue. Clearly there is a massive problem, and it goes beyond just one player


100% with jacko

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 1 2012, 06:04 PM

For his bank balance?

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Mar 1 2012, 07:01 PM

So he can pay taxes an then we get higher TV rights and more people in the Stadium.

Nah I'm kidding. I don't like Tevez too. If Pato is leaving, then I wish Balotelli can replace him. Otherwise we should give Pato a chance. Let him go to Brasil for a month, rest and get back fit.

Posted by: milanbuf88 Mar 1 2012, 07:26 PM

If it would allow him to play injury free for a year I'd let Pato go to Brasil until August.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 1 2012, 09:09 PM

For pato the first order of treatment would be to get an outside consultation from a top specialist. The quacks at Milanello are certainly not doing any good, in fact they're making it even worse. At least last season he'd stay fit for a month or 2 before getting injured again.

And even when they said he was fit again this season he wasn't as Allegri kept holding him back from playing saying he did not want to risk him, so obviously he was never 100%

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 1 2012, 10:31 PM

You're all exaggerating on this Tevez thing IMO. Everyone would want a champion like him in their team. So he has a little of an attitude problem. So did Boateng, Robinho, Ibrahimovic, Cassano etc. when they joined us, yet I don't remember any of them causing any fuss in that regard. Heck, we have the biggest narcissist in our team that makes Tevez look like small fry, yet he's been a blessing for us. Yes, I'm talking about Ibra. Your mistake is that you're not considering the environmental differences between City and Milan. Robinho had pretty much the same issue Tevez had at City, but has he ever created any problem since his arrival at Milan? No. He's been an angel if anything else. Tevez is a hard worker, and he would thrive in a team like Milan.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 2 2012, 01:36 AM

So that's your argument? We have even bigger narcissists and troublemakers? Don't you think that enough is enough? My heart is really bleeding from the inside every time I remember I must cheer for this violent egomaniac. Players like Boateng, Mexes or even van Bommel, to whom I used to refer as simple thugs nowadays rule in Milan; class, something we had for more then 25 years is rarely seen nowadays. So why not one more problem maker. Or make it two - take Balo.

Well, not with me.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 2 2012, 01:41 AM

^ No, my argument is that troublemakers at Milan always settle down.

Posted by: acid911 Mar 2 2012, 02:19 AM

Totally agreed. This has already gotten out of hands, ages ago!


On the flip side, he could be the match that lights up the flame, and kabooom! Point is, you never know!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 2 2012, 06:57 AM

Not really. I may be incorrect, but I believe Robinho's last game at City was away to Scunthorpe. It was a freezing cold game against a small opposition and City had pretty much already confirmed he'd be leaving. Did he tell City to screw themselves because he was already leaving? Nope, he got on with his job and played the game.

I really haven't seen many situations like the one with Tevez, which is why I have zero respect for him.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 2 2012, 09:53 AM

I still see them as an accident waiting to happen. Last season we ended up Champions, so there were naturally no problems. But let's wait and see what happens if we stay trophy-less this season.

And well, I tend to agree with Kurt, zero respect is what he earned.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Mar 3 2012, 10:44 AM

De Laurentiis: “I wouldn’t even sell Cavani for €70m. I wouldn’t sell Lavezzi for €50m. Hamsik is also worth around €50m."

source: twitter/Milanello

Posted by: han2503 Mar 3 2012, 10:56 AM

He can keep them, they're not that good

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Mar 3 2012, 10:57 AM

Or free

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 3 2012, 02:04 PM

Posted by: acid911 Mar 3 2012, 02:09 PM

Yeah, I can see where Han is coming from, but still, Cavani is worth €70m easy. He's the type of guy who you can build a CL winning team around. I mean for the amount a (relatively speaking) dud like Pastore went for, Cavani is twice as much. The remaining two are absolutely exaggerated figures, they're worth half that.

I mean that's his asking prices, even if a club does not pay these amounts, they'll still fetch quite a few coins!

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 3 2012, 02:12 PM

Lavezzi >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cavani

Seriously, I'm surprised you fail to see what an amazing player Lavezzi is and how important he is for Napoli. Napoli without Cavani are still a tough side, but Napoli without Lavezzi are a mediocre team. Easily the best player in Serie A after Ibra.

Anyway, that's my opinion.

Posted by: acid911 Mar 3 2012, 02:24 PM

And it's not an unfair one. I think of Cavani as more of a mercurial player, he can make things happen. Lavezzi is a hard working carbon unit, yes, but both are excellent, excellent players. Without doubt two of the reasons why Napoli is still in the CL, and why they got there in the first place.

Posted by: William405 Mar 3 2012, 02:30 PM

Agreed,Lavezzi has really stepped up this year,he was amazing before,but his final product lacked...this year he's proving to approach a world class level.Cavani is great,but when he is without any support,he will fail.But,give him one good ball,and he'll make things happen.

Posted by: Zed.D Mar 3 2012, 03:45 PM

On his best day Lavezzi is definitely better, but I think Cavani is the more consistent of the two. I've seen Lavezzi disappear in games many times.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 3 2012, 03:48 PM

They're top class players no doubt. But never are they worth that much FFS.

Cavani especially. Lavezzi is great if not better tha Cavani, but still not worth that much.

De Laurentis must be on something. Clearly trying to scare top clubs away from his best assets.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 3 2012, 05:40 PM

A player is worth whatever the selling club thinks he's worth though really.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 3 2012, 07:31 PM

That would be awesome.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Mar 3 2012, 07:55 PM

our medical staff and RVP

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 3 2012, 08:03 PM

He seems to overcome his injury problems and fulfilling his big potential this season.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 3 2012, 08:33 PM

I think RvP will stay on at Arsenal 100% if they're in the CL next season. And atm, that is looking likely.

Plus why would Arsenal want to go from RvP to Podolski FFS??

I think that if we do sell Pato, than Tevez would be our only realistic option for a top, top striker (because no one else would want him, wonder why )

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 3 2012, 10:49 PM

I can see him leaving even if the qualify for CL. Maybe not to Milan because Arsenal gonna ask a very high sum, but he's playing there for a long time (seven years), he's not getting any younger (28 y.o already) and he's not going to win something there anytime soon.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 3 2012, 11:15 PM

Most of those years were spent out injured. Arsenal stuck by him throughout those years, it would be highly sh!tty of him to jump ship now after all they've done for him

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 3 2012, 11:19 PM

Maybe, but loyalty is hard to find these days. He'll be 29 this summer and like all big players, I'm sure he wants to win trophies and have a real chance in the CL. This Arsenal can't provide him that.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 3 2012, 11:22 PM

If he does go it would be to one of the Spanish clubs, certainly not Milan.

I personally don't believe we'll sell Pato this summer. Atm my biggest worry is not selling him, but who would replace him, as the only option for us would be the desperate Carlitos...

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 3 2012, 11:30 PM

I think we'll sell Pato, seeems like there's much frustration about all these injuries. It'll be best for both sides as I think Pato needs a fresh start.

Still early, you never know who'll become available in the summer. Two years ago at this point we couldn't even dream about Zlatan.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 3 2012, 11:30 PM

According to Paolo Bargiggia, which I consider the best calciomercato specialist in Italy, Galliani has a verbal agreement with Tevez and we'll make an offer to City this summer, also including a tentative to sign Kolarov. We'll get our money from Pato's sale, which Berlusconi has finally agreed upon.

http://www.europeo2012.it/calciomercato-milan-galliani-blocca-tevez-e-da-la-caccia-a-kolarov-8981

Posted by: han2503 Mar 3 2012, 11:32 PM

2 @-holes in one. Lovely.

We'll see. If we sell Pato to get Tevez I believe it will be one of the bigger mistakes that Galliani has accomplished throughout his years, and there were some stinkers...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 4 2012, 12:43 AM

Agreed.

Posted by: Zed.D Mar 4 2012, 09:30 AM

I was pissed off when Kolarov went to City as he was a player we could've used. now that it seems Pato is certain to go, I hope we at least get something in return we greatly miss, a quality LB.

Posted by: Bluesummers Mar 4 2012, 10:09 AM

I would love kolarov. He'd be a better signing than tevez imo.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 4 2012, 03:48 PM

Who's the starting LB at City?

Posted by: han2503 Mar 4 2012, 03:52 PM

They alternate between Kolarov and Clichy

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 4 2012, 05:05 PM

I wouldn't say Kolarov is better/would be more necessary then Tevez. That's too far for me.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 4 2012, 05:42 PM

I'd personally go for Armero than Kolarov.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 4 2012, 05:44 PM

Udine would want an arm and a leg for him.

If we could somehow get him off City with Tevez at a decent deal than you can't really fault that.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 4 2012, 05:59 PM

Would they? Same was mentioned about Zapata and some other players who in the end left with little fuss. I think everybody but Handanović and di Natale there are for sale at the right price.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 4 2012, 07:17 PM

Yeah. Only Sanchez was the lucrative sale. Everyone else is very affordable. Inler and Zapata were sold for about €12 million each. Armero, Asamoah etc. are said to cost around the €15 million mark, if not less.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Mar 4 2012, 09:23 PM

Pato being sold for Tevez, a win win deal if you ask me:
Pato was different under Carlo and Leo, he was growing. Under Allegri, he had to force his way through Ibra and Robinho (who have proved worthy of their first team status. The injuries of course factors in.. All in all Pato was different under Carlo.
Tevez will get his chance to regain his fitness and prove how good he is. This deal reminds me of Russian roulette.

Aside with all the negative in Tevez's career, he is an excellent football player who will be humbled by our trophy room.


I miss Sheva

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 4 2012, 09:34 PM

Finally someone saying it right.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 4 2012, 09:51 PM

Right or your way?

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 4 2012, 09:56 PM

Right.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 4 2012, 10:10 PM

Tevez was a **** at United. Their trophy room is hardly empty!

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Mar 5 2012, 07:04 AM

Tevez was an exceptional player for United, especially in helping to achieve European glory. Albeit they had CR and Rooney, Tevez was still an integral part of that team.

However, I do understand and concur that he is a ****. Yet as a footballer, he is one of the best.

Posted by: acid911 Mar 5 2012, 07:14 AM

Ah, you mean to say one of the best ***** around. This I can agree with!

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Mar 5 2012, 07:28 AM

Watch it! We might have a fan boy in the making on this forum

Posted by: acid911 Mar 5 2012, 07:43 AM

I wonder who that is?! You or X-Off? Me personally, I think he's a pretty good player, the sort of which I like seeing at other teams. Same is the case with Balotelli. If he comes, he comes. But if we can find someone better, then I'd take the other option.

Having said that, Tevez is the sort of player a coach like Allegri would snap in a heartbeat. Or less.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 5 2012, 08:02 AM

His 2nd season was pretty awful. Then he starting crying to the media about how he wants to stay at United. So what does he do? Joins City when United offer him a contact. Tevez has shown his true colours and he's by far worse than Ibra and Balo combined. But at least they play by the rules.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Mar 5 2012, 10:51 AM

No doubt, but that doesn't undermine his delivery on the field of play. Which frankly speaking is what should have the upper hand in this argument. Otherwise he should get crucified

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 5 2012, 11:04 AM

If he's great on the pitch and not causing trouble off it, then I won't be complaining of course. But I don't want him here in the first place to find out. Though If we do indeed sign him, I'll give him a fair chance to prove that he's changed. Apologising to Mancini is a start.

Posted by: Zed.D Mar 5 2012, 11:21 AM

Speaking of which, what makes everyone certain that Tevez will leave City after all? if he thought he had no business with them anymore he wouldn't have apologized.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 5 2012, 12:31 PM

Well, he apologized to save what can be saved for this season. That's all IMO.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Mar 5 2012, 01:39 PM

They would just have kept him on and fined him into financial oblivion if he hadn't. Man City has won more respect from me for the way they showed Tevez whose boss, rather than all their improvement on the footballing field!

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Mar 7 2012, 04:25 PM

We were closely linked to him...


It would be fun to see him play next year, so long as it's not with us...


I would hate if Juve took Nesta...but this is an interesting scenario none-the-less

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 7 2012, 05:13 PM

I don't think seeing Nesta at Juventus is a possibility.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Mar 7 2012, 05:32 PM

Unless the rumours of a fallout with Max Allegri are true...but I don't believe it.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 7 2012, 05:37 PM

Lazio I believe would be his ideal return.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Mar 7 2012, 05:39 PM

Haha...it's not the Lazio of old. And if I'm not wrong the Laziale have booed him when he is in our colours. So...

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 7 2012, 06:24 PM

Of course they are nout true, that was just groundless gossip story. They claimed that he's healthy while it was confirmed that he's injured.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 7 2012, 06:45 PM

Nesta said he wants to end his career at Milan, so no need to argue anymore further. As for Ogbonna, it would be a great signing. He was the most impressive azzurro against USA last week.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 7 2012, 07:01 PM

Agreed. Remove Yepes from the team, sign Ogbonna and give Nesta another 1 year deal. Him and VB are the only ones worth keeping.

That would give us a top class central defensive line

Posted by: acid911 Mar 7 2012, 07:07 PM

Quick, somebody please mail this to Galliani. If Nesta and Bommel aren't there at the end of the season, I am going to have a sad face. And if anyone else is there, I'm going to have an even sadder face. It's high time we shake hands with our senior players, and say goodbye.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 7 2012, 07:09 PM

We said the same thing last year and the year before that...

Posted by: han2503 Mar 7 2012, 07:13 PM

So it seems

But realistically speaking here. What's the point of keeping them on? They're getting some of the highest wages in the team and they're injured for the majority of the season, or in Ambro's case, doing decent in one game and messing up in another.

It's just not worth it anymore. And also there are rumours that Rino is doing the B coaching licence course or something along that line.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 7 2012, 07:20 PM

You are preaching to the choir. I agree, we should only keep MvB and Nesta but I'm not sure Galliani thinking the same.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 7 2012, 07:20 PM

I won't discuss this issue further, other then saying:

- part with Bonera if a new CB is in
- keep Yepes for another year
- part with Gattuso, or keep him at minimum salary
- part with Flamini
- keep Nesta at any cost
- keep Pippo if Allegri accepts to give him little more time as a bonus in crisis situations
- keep Ambrosini as team captain with a reduced salary
- keep van Bommel for yet another year

I'm undecided with Seedorf. If we miss a new creative midfielder again, then keep him. Never mind this Montolivo guy.

Posted by: acid911 Mar 7 2012, 07:38 PM

I know man. I was typing this and thinking, hey, I've already typed this exact sentence for at least 2-3 years running now. Unfortunately for some, and fortunately for others, we let go of the wrong guy last year (Pirlo), and kept the wrong one (Seedorf). And worse still, we practically gift-wrapped him to Juventus our direct rival.

This year, who knows, a couple more seniors may set sail. The amount they're earning, they just may.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 7 2012, 07:40 PM

- Don't think it's wise to sell Bonera and keep Yepes in such a scenario, you said this yourself, Bonera is a versatile player, and if someone like Ogbonna does come in than it wouldn't be much of a worry, Yepes is old and just spent an entire season out, don't know what keeping him would benefit us at this point
- Read above
- Part with him, no point keeping him after this season.
- Keep him at minimum salary
- Agreed
- No point in keeping Pippo. Again he's not going to be playing so what's the point.
- Please do not re-sign this guy, Abbiati is a good enough captain, it's not like he's a Maldini level leader. Ambro was never fit to be a captain to begin with
- Agreed

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Mar 7 2012, 07:44 PM

Am I the only one who read the Allegri interview where he said he relies on Rino Gattusso in the dressing room?

Posted by: han2503 Mar 7 2012, 07:47 PM

Then he should be given a back room position. No point in keeping him on as a player though

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 7 2012, 07:47 PM

“For me in every team there are two leaders. One technical and tactical leader and one with character. In Milan our technical leader is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In terms of character, until last year, it was Rino Gattuso. Now Mark Van Bommel or Thiago Silva.”

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Mar 7 2012, 07:59 PM

Ah Silva. Phew!!!

Posted by: Jack Bauer Mar 8 2012, 10:16 PM

Posted by: han2503 Mar 8 2012, 10:30 PM

Looks to me like an agent trying to force Arsenal into upping the contract offer

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 8 2012, 11:48 PM

Maybe, maybe not. I've seen Bommel whispering something into Persie's ear at the end of our CL clash with Arsenal. I'd speculate he told him something like, "I'm waiting for you pal..."

But back to reality - well, the link exists for quite some time. Maybe it's more then just the usual agent BS.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Mar 9 2012, 09:42 AM

Why does he have two reps?

Posted by: acid911 Mar 9 2012, 09:57 AM

Because he's too cool to have just one! Gives new meaning to the word double agent.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 9 2012, 03:13 PM

I personally don't think we can afford to keep Ibra while also paying the huge salary RvP would demand. We'd probably have to pay them equivelent salaries. I don't think we could cope with it, even if we do manage to offload some of the big earners in our team (Seedorf, Ambro, Rino, Flamini, Zambro)

I think best we could do at this point would be Tevez, even if they decide to give Pato some more time. I believe they'll go after Tevez full force this summer.

Even if logically speaking a midfielder should be top priority

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 9 2012, 03:15 PM

According to Il Corriere dell Sport, Ibra wants Real Madrid.

Here we go again.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Mar 9 2012, 03:20 PM

RAIOLA: "Ibra to Madrid? I'm a serious agent, I wont be answering stupid rumors, Leave me alone"

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Mar 9 2012, 05:50 PM

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 11 2012, 11:26 AM

German media convinced Podolski will be a Arsenal player next season. Well, that makes RvP a bit more reachable. But still don't think his legs and MilanLab will make a good mach.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 11 2012, 01:51 PM

Van Persie will sign for City as they'll offer him €12 million per season.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/mercato/articoli/78502/van-persie-city-ce-laccordo.shtml

I'd rather get Tevez, honestly. He adapts perfectly to Allegri's system. A fast, versatile player and a high working rate.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Mar 11 2012, 01:57 PM

Tevez would suit us well, Persie would be a Pato v2 at this rate.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Mar 15 2012, 06:58 PM

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 15 2012, 07:49 PM

I don't like him, never have.

Posted by: il_diavolo_mtl Mar 15 2012, 07:55 PM

he's not that bad, of that list, I'd jump at Silvestre, perhaps one of the most underrated defenders in Serie A..

Posted by: han2503 Mar 15 2012, 08:10 PM

7m??

He's a free agent this summer, why would we pay any money or give them any of our players?

Anyway, I think it's a good move, Yepes clearly cannot be re-signed, he's just spent a season out injured. We need players who are reliable and are fit when we need them to fill in.

Although, with our medical team you can never say what will happen

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 15 2012, 08:25 PM

I wouldn't let go of Yepes just because he was injured. It happens almost on weekly basis, and it isn't his fault.

And I agree with X-O, never saw anything special in Astori.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 15 2012, 09:35 PM

Yepes will be a year older next season and the only time he's played this season he made a mess of things.

Astori is a decent CB, especially for a 5th choice option I think it would be a very good move. Bonera would still most likely be ahead of him in the pecking order.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 15 2012, 09:50 PM

Naah, Yepes wasn't that bad. I'd still give him 1 more year, he seems to be a great team player as well. Kind of like him, don't know why; I'm usually much harsher when it comes to defenders.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 15 2012, 10:03 PM

This is what we keep saying every year! "I'd give him another year", "He deserves another year", etc, etc. The rolling contract rule has been put forth for a reason, and this is why. Your performance as well as contribution in a season be will assesed, and based on that only should an extension be considered. None of our players aside from 2 have done what it takes to earn another extension. It's getting ridiculous. We let Pirlo go because of this issue, yet the reason why such a system is adapted is completely being ignored so we can keep these players on our roster who either spend months out or months making mistakes on the pitch.

Yepes, Zambro, Ambro, Rino and Pippo should be let go. Offer backroom positions for those who want to continue at the club, but other than that none of them have anything left to give to this club as players.

Posted by: acid911 Mar 15 2012, 10:19 PM

You forgot Seedorf. Personally, I'd just about keep Yepes, at bare minimum retainer, but rest I agree.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 15 2012, 10:31 PM

Our player? Cagliari acquired Astori's full ownership last summer. But yeah, his contract expires this summer, so I don't really get the article.



Wiser words have never been spoken. 100% agreed.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 15 2012, 11:02 PM

The article mentioned that we'd send Strasser, Ely, etc the other way

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 15 2012, 11:02 PM

No, not the renew-release talk again. Frankly, I don't care who'll be 3rd, 4th or 5th option, but if I had to pick between Pippo or a cheap newbie I'd stay with Pippo. Same with Zambro, Seedorf and Ambrosini. But if there is a quality replacement at sight, sure, let the veterans go, sign the prospect/classy player.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 15 2012, 11:11 PM

Why keep them?

Pippo is clearly not even considered as a peripheral option by Allegri. Why give him an extenstion to spend another season warming up and never coming on?

Zambrotta also, I am one who still beleives that he's a better defender than Antonini and Mesbah. But clearly there is a reason why he's not playing, a reason as to why Allegri will most likely switch Antonini to the right side next Saturday instead of going for the easier option and replacing Abate with Zambro. Why extend a contract for him to stay on the bench for another year? He's clearly not considered as a viable option.

Seedorf, usually the fittest person from the oldies, a player who rarely got injured has spent this season in and out of the treatment room. He can't even offer his contribution when our first choice creator is not available. Montolivo will be coming in this summer to provide cover for Aqui. Why renew with Seedorf when he's clearly not up to the task anymore?

Don't get me started on Ambro and his pea-brained decisions on the pitch. He's the reason why we have one foot out of the Coppa Italia to those dirty zebras. Sometimes when I watch him I wonder why he just doesn't pull on the shirt of our opponents in the first place.

Rino is a lost cause. They don't even know what they're doing with him and his issues. Add to that the fact that he's not getting any younger and hasn't played any football in months and I really don't see the logic in signing him on for another season.

Finally, we cannot forget that all of these players are on high wages. Galliani complains and complains about the players wages and how much of a financial strain they are on the club, yet we're keeping these guys who offer us nothing on the pitch for their ridiculously high wages. I mean most of them are on a better wage than Pato, Aqui, Nocerino, Abate, etc FFS!!

Renewing with them just does not make any sense

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 15 2012, 11:13 PM

As part of the deal, yes, which would be insane.

Posted by: han2503 Mar 15 2012, 11:14 PM

Yeah, that's why I said our money and our players.

Astori would come for free. So I'd take him instead of Yepes.