[han2503]

Some crucial players will be back for this one. But our problems have now shifted to the attack. Since we lost Biglia and Bonaventura we have struggled to score regularly. As I said from the beginning, the double pivot of Kessie and Bakayoko won't work long term as there's not enough creativity and we're struggling to bring in the attacking players into the game

After the harrowing midweek venture against Olympiacos it has become even more imperative that we perform in these upcoming games/ We don't have EL to distract us anymore and key players are starting to return from their injuries. So we need to make sure we collect max points from tomorrow to the end of the year

[Fillipo Simone]

God awful game. Please give us a good coach. I respect Rino but Milan needs someone better at this moment.

[X-Offender]

This is just so lame.

[Fillipo Simone]

And the worst thing is this choker mentality. This was the second time we had a golden opportunity to build a distance between Lazio and Roma, but no...

I blame of course the lack of creativity, but also Rino not being able to find more solutions. We played like this was just a warm-up friendly - again. Same happened over and over again against weaker opponents, while at the same time we're not even near of winning a competitive match against Napoli, Inter or Juventus.

We need Conte.

[X-Offender]

But most of all, we need quality players. Paqueta and Fabregas couldn't come anytime sooner, assuming we'll sign the latter. And we need a left winger in attack AT ALL COST.

[CrazyMilanFan]

first we are scoring but not keeping clean sheets. Now we are keeping clean sheets but not scoring as well. I missed the last 3 games so dont know how are we playing but it seems we have been very dull.

[Rossoneri7]

first we are scoring but not keeping clean sheets. Now we are keeping clean sheets but not scoring as well. I missed the last 3 games so dont know how are we playing but it seems we have been very dull.

The injuries in midfield are at the root cause of the stagnant results as of late. Prior to that, the team was on a good run which is reflected in the table's position.

Injuries in defense also contributed to a more cautious approach when attacking, noting that our fullbacks were playing as center backs.

You have to take all this into context, hence why it seems the team is dull as of late.

Don't think Gattuso is to blame, as any coach would be faced with an uphill task given the injuries to so many key players.

[X-Offender]

Bertolacci injured as well today. We'll play with Calabria, Mauri and Hakan in midfield vs Fiorentina tomorrow.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[William405]

January couldn't come fast enough.

[X-Offender]

I'm not even angry. How can you be angry at such a lousy team? We need a change in January.

[Fillipo Simone]

Same story over and over again. Important players underperform, unexperienced coaches ending up in the dustbin. I do blame Gattuso... playing Calabria in midfield, not having the slightest idea what to do with the given situation, not doing anything to make a change of pace and approch, I can go on and on...

[X-Offender]

Honestly, you can't blame him for playing Calabria in midfield. We had NO ONE available. And I mean no one. Montolivo hasn't played a game since May, not even in training. He's not an option. We only had Mauri and Hakan available.

Nevertheless, despite the injuries, I think Gattuso has just lost it. He's just not a capable coach.

[Fillipo Simone]

Honestly, you can't blame him for playing Calabria in midfield. We had NO ONE available. And I mean no one. Montolivo hasn't played a game since May, not even in training. He's not an option. We only had Mauri and Hakan available.

Nevertheless, despite the injuries, I think Gattuso has just lost it. He's just not a capable coach.

Montolivo is finished but he's still better then Calabria in midfield. He didn't play a minute because of Gattuso. Now I agree he should have sidelined him, perhaps he shouldn't have picked Monto as well, but please - why not change the tactical outlook then? Playing with three right fullbacks/wingers, Suso, Calabria and Abate was a complete mess. Them not achieving more then 2 crosses is yet another tragicomical segment of his wrong approach.

[X-Offender]

The issue is that, even when we had a full midfield, against Torino and Bologna, we still didn't manage to score a single goal.

[Fillipo Simone]

And this has to do with tactics and preparation mostly. I understand that with Bonaventura gone we lack creativity, but that's only part of the problem.

[X-Offender]

And this has to do with tactics and preparation mostly. I understand that with Bonaventura gone we lack creativity, but that's only part of the problem.

Bonaventura has been bad for two years now. His absence is not a justification.

Creativity is a major issue, yes. But like you said, tactics, preparation, mentality, these are things distilled by the coach. I keep repeating myself, but Gattuso is just not up to it. He's not a bad coach, but not a good one either, especially for a top club like Milan.

We need an established coach. Can't believe that we haven't had one since Ancelotti left in 2009.

[Fillipo Simone]

Top club like Milan? Milan ain’t no top club anymore...

[Fillipo Simone]

Frosinone-Milan 0:0

Embarrassing on all accounts. Goodbye Rino.

[han2503]

From bad to worse it seems.

Didn't watch as I had to go out but I'm glad I didn't bother. Rino has reached the limit of what he is capable of doing with what he has, any coach would struggle under such circumstances, but some of his decisions are certainly not helping our cause

All these injuries were bound to start really effecting the results. Our January purchases need to be pitch perfect. And with Ibra no longer an option and Fabregas looking far from a sure thing, I'm not so sure we can pull a good mercato off at this point either

[Rossoneri7]

Looks like Ringo will be axed soon. Here we go again.

As for the market, Milan had just been fired by UEFA for breach of FFP. What market are you talking about? Ibra was supposed to come, but due to FFP Milan had to pull out.

Any new comers means some will be sold first. That's reality.

[maldini03]

I have been a stark defender of Rino up until now but after today I think he needs to go. We haven't scored a goal in 4 games and the opposition has hardly been impressive. We need to bring in a coach who can elevate us to the next level and we need to test the market to bring in some players who can bring creativity.

[Fillipo Simone]

Rino should be long gone, but fact is - we are going nowhere.

With UEFA sanctioning us we are tied and it seems we've entered a never ending circle. Just read what Leonardo said few hours ago - the mercato will be like in the old days, cheap and disappointing. Not because we lack ideas, but because of the financial restraints. So is the choice of Gattuso's replacement. It could be Donadoni, Blanc or some other second-rate option. We'll most probably miss out of the 4th spot; Higuain, Bakayoko and perhaps Suso will leave, we will once again try out players past their prime or gamble with youngsters - and we're back to square one.

I'm really losing hope that Milan has a bright future.

[X-Offender]

Rino should be long gone, but fact is - we are going nowhere.

With UEFA sanctioning us we are tied and it seems we've entered a never ending circle. Just read what Leonardo said few hours ago - the mercato will be like in the old days, cheap and disappointing. Not because we lack ideas, but because of the financial restraints. So is the choice of Gattuso's replacement. It could be Donadoni, Blanc or some other second-rate option. We'll most probably miss out of the 4th spot; Higuain, Bakayoko and perhaps Suso will leave, we will once again try out players past their prime or gamble with youngsters - and we're back to square one.

I'm really losing hope that Milan has a bright future.

Hmmm, I don't see it as dark as you do. First of all, Leonardo was referring to the January mercato, which makes sense.

Secondly, we cannot miss the 4th spot. We've been plagued by injuries and a terrible form, yet we're only 3 points away. With Paqueta, possibly Fabregas (his agent said today he will rescind with Chelsea), and another signing in attack we have all it takes to be in the Champions League next season. Lazio and Roma are no real threats, unless we let them.

Yes, Gattuso is by no means the right coach for us. That is a problem that our management needs to understand.

By the way, Borini's agent traveled to Hong Kong today to meet with Shenzen FC who are offering 10-12 million to sign. Can you believe that? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

This team has no chance of getting 4th. Roma and Lazio faced hiccups but still have the upper hand. We had the chance to build a considerable advantage but squandered everything against the likes of Torino, Bologna and Frosinone. SPAL could be next... No, sorry. Even with our best (on paper) players like Higuain and Suso on field we managed nothing and the injury crisis isn't a big enough excuse.

It will be a miracle if we reach 4th place. But all hope lies on this chore, and who do we have to achieve it: Gattuso, or perhaps yet another past Milan rookie player who wants to succeed Rino like Pippo, Brocchi and Seedorf before? Or Donadoni, who never once in his career managed to stir a team to 4th place? Or Blanc and Wenger, complete strangers to Italian football and Serie A? And this sorry excuse of a team without leadership, without heart and without soul? Sorry, I honestly doubt 4th place is achievable. Dzeko will be back, Roma will recuperate. Perhpas Lazio will stumble, but it's a big question mark.

Anyway, what if we don't make 4th spot? The endless loop continues.

[Rossoneri7]

This team has no chance of getting 4th. Roma and Lazio faced hiccups but still have the upper hand. We had the chance to build a considerable advantage but squandered everything against the likes of Torino, Bologna and Frosinone. SPAL could be next... No, sorry. Even with our best (on paper) players like Higuain and Suso on field we managed nothing and the injury crisis isn't a big enough excuse.

It will be a miracle if we reach 4th place. But all hope lies on this chore, and who do we have to achieve it: Gattuso, or perhaps yet another past Milan rookie player who wants to succeed Rino like Pippo, Brocchi and Seedorf before? Or Donadoni, who never once in his career managed to stir a team to 4th place? Or Blanc and Wenger, complete strangers to Italian football and Serie A? And this sorry excuse of a team without leadership, without heart and without soul? Sorry, I honestly doubt 4th place is achievable. Dzeko will be back, Roma will recuperate. Perhpas Lazio will stumble, but it's a big question mark.

Anyway, what if we don't make 4th spot? The endless loop continues.

So Pippo, FFP has put Milan in handcuffs? Doesn’t this resemble the situation Galliani was in?

If Milan manage to secure 4th place and UEFA extends the breakeven deadline for Milan, the game would change a bit. Milan would be able to make proper signings to improve the team.

Once again, its not rocket science this has been going on since FFP kicked in. How serious? Well just this summer Milan was kicked out of Europe for Li’s extravagant spending (mediocre when compared to the spending Silvio did to make Milan what it was).

P.S. Iv said this years ago, yet here we are again. Oh and on top of that, both Leo and Maldini back Ringo. So he isn't going anywhere either.

[X-Offender]

This team has no chance of getting 4th. Roma and Lazio faced hiccups but still have the upper hand. We had the chance to build a considerable advantage but squandered everything against the likes of Torino, Bologna and Frosinone. SPAL could be next... No, sorry. Even with our best (on paper) players like Higuain and Suso on field we managed nothing and the injury crisis isn't a big enough excuse.

It will be a miracle if we reach 4th place. But all hope lies on this chore, and who do we have to achieve it: Gattuso, or perhaps yet another past Milan rookie player who wants to succeed Rino like Pippo, Brocchi and Seedorf before? Or Donadoni, who never once in his career managed to stir a team to 4th place? Or Blanc and Wenger, complete strangers to Italian football and Serie A? And this sorry excuse of a team without leadership, without heart and without soul? Sorry, I honestly doubt 4th place is achievable. Dzeko will be back, Roma will recuperate. Perhpas Lazio will stumble, but it's a big question mark.

Anyway, what if we don't make 4th spot? The endless loop continues.

Mark my words, we’ll be in the Champions League next season. We just needs those 2-3 signings in January to give us that extra boost.

[han2503]

Mark my words, we’ll be in the Champions League next season. We just needs those 2-3 signings in January to give us that extra boost.

Let's hope so, if those signings aren't made I can't see how we'll manage to limp along to a 4th place finish at this point

Rino is a question mark for me atm. I don't think he's been as bad as some have made him out to be considering the massive injury crises he's had to deal with

[CHU-LIP]

Milan should 'save' their season, and end 4th. Otherwise it would be a massive disappointment. Gattuso should be fired.

Nonetheless, I did like the duo sub. When I saw Calabria and Cutrone ready to sub in, it were the exact two I wanted to see subbed off. I thought a Cutrone Higuaín pairing would be what Milan needed, and it immediatly paid off. Even though Suso and Hakan lack effiency in their finishing, they were the right ones to stay on field to play on the sides.

I feel like Milan lacks some certain spirit, and needs changes. Beginnging of the season I liked their play more being leaning to tiki taka, but was still very vulnerable and therefore fawlthy. What I see now, is simply worse.

Most creativity (and general threat) came from Suso, but I feel like that's not enough. Before Cutrone subbed in, I felt like Higauín was playing on an island. I am sadly not surprised Higuaín having had a long dry spell at Milan.

Bakayoko made some errors. It are errors like these I hope Milan makes less, once they have better spirit and energy.

I am impresed with Petagna his strength and body play, what a beast!

[Fillipo Simone]

Mark my words, we’ll be in the Champions League next season. We just needs those 2-3 signings in January to give us that extra boost.

It is questionable however if Milan will make any quality signings this January bar Paqueta.

[Fillipo Simone]

Milan under Gattuso... no chance of scoring goals.

Another half-blooded game.

[X-Offender]

Milan under Gattuso... no chance of scoring goals.

Another half-blooded game.

But we won.

[Fillipo Simone]

Yes, we won. But we play horrible football for a very consistent and long period now. And very idea-less as well. I fear Paqueta will be drowned in this nonsensical tactics we play.

[William405]

Yes, we won. But we play horrible football for a very consistent and long period now. And very idea-less as well. I fear Paqueta will be drowned in this nonsensical tactics we play.

I agree. I'm seeing a downward spiral to our game since sometime now. I hope we get back to playing better, maybe with the return of the injured players.

[X-Offender]

If Higuain leaves then we're practically f*cked.

[William405]

Paqueta is very very impressive.

[Fillipo Simone]

If Higuain leaves then we're practically f*cked.

I think his departure is sealed.

[Fillipo Simone]

And Donnarumma does it again. What a joke.

[Fillipo Simone]

Typicall Kessie... dumb and useless.

[William405]

Typicall Kessie... dumb and useless.

That is very very harsh, and you know it Pipo

[Fillipo Simone]

Not at all. Kessie is an outdated and limited player who would be virtually useless for any big team. He's simply too unintelligent and clumsy in the attacking phase and adds just a few good segments to the game overall. Just compare him with Bakayoko, who's far superior yet still not that great.

[maldini03]

Kessie can hardly be considered a useless player in a big team. To me he is Vidal or Matuidi-lite. He is a box-to-box midfielder who plays with tenacity and physicality. Not a refined passer, nor a pure anchor. Both of those guys truly shine when they play next to players who can bring some creativity to the team. As for not finding a place in the top sides that is wild. Every team needs a player who is going to endlessly run around and provide to both the attacking and defensive phase Kessie is that player for us.

Kessie needs time more than anything. Neither Vidal nor Matuidi came into their own skin until age ~24 but once they rounded out their games and matured a bit they have played for all of the top sides (Barca, PSG, Bayern, Juve), and have played critical roles. Wait until Kessie irons out those few kinks to his game and the midfield to bring in some creativity and you will see how important he is. With Paqueta bringing confidence, flair, and passing ability it will elevate Kessie's game. Soon enough Kessie will be back in the goals and his confidence will rise.

[X-Offender]

Kessie can hardly be considered a useless player in a big team. To me he is Vidal or Matuidi-lite. He is a box-to-box midfielder who plays with tenacity and physicality. Not a refined passer, nor a pure anchor. Both of those guys truly shine when they play next to players who can bring some creativity to the team. As for not finding a place in the top sides that is wild. Every team needs a player who is going to endlessly run around and provide to both the attacking and defensive phase Kessie is that player for us.

Kessie needs time more than anything. Neither Vidal nor Matuidi came into their own skin until age ~24 but once they rounded out their games and matured a bit they have played for all of the top sides (Barca, PSG, Bayern, Juve), and have played critical roles. Wait until Kessie irons out those few kinks to his game and the midfield to bring in some creativity and you will see how important he is. With Paqueta bringing confidence, flair, and passing ability it will elevate Kessie's game. Soon enough Kessie will be back in the goals and his confidence will rise.

Agreed.

[X-Offender]

I haven't been able to see the last couple of games. How's Paqueta played?

[William405]

I haven't been able to see the last couple of games. How's Paqueta played?

I think quite good. He is playing it simple which is the smart thing to do when you're thrown into the fire like that. He is very calm, and controls well the ball. I don't feel like he has a good shot on him, but maybe he'll prove otherwise. I'm quite excited to see how he turns out.

[maldini03]

I think he has been pretty impressive has been the fresh presence and creativity we seriously need. I feel like our midfield has been pretty stagnant and the lack of dynamic players and movement has lead to us losing the ability to create chances in games.

Paqueta changes that, he is constantly moving off the ball to get open and get the ball to create. Plus he can pick out a pass nicely and always has his head up looking for other players.

[han2503]

Hey guys, back from a trip.

Seeing the developments about Higuain p!ssed me right off. I mean, why even sign if he was reluctant to begin with? Piatek will most likely be the guy brought in, I'm not that excited about it, if he can keep up his Genoa numbers that would be great but he just doesn't give me that kind of impression of being a big game player capable of making the mark in a big team with big ambitions.

It's not like Higuain has been scoring a lot either but he does bring in that extra confidence level that I can't see Piratek doing


As for Paqueta, he's looked impressive so far, he definitely has the confidence to be starting, showed great character in the Juve game as well.

Also, I think some of you are going a bit overboard with criticizing Rino. He hasn't had a fully fit squad since the first month of the season but still has managed to keep results relatively stable. We played the Juve game without any of our big attacking threats and still managed to create some good chances while also keeping the result respectable when we went down to 10 men. Add to that the wholly BS refereeing that went down as has been the case for the last 5 or so games we've played against Juve where we got screwed over in some way or the other and you just have to give respect to these players and the coach as well

[Fillipo Simone]

Are you watching Han? Tell me, when was the last time Milan played so dull and consistently bad football?

[CrazyMilanFan]

we did win. i think 2nd half was an improvement over the first

[han2503]

Are you watching Han? Tell me, when was the last time Milan played so dull and consistently bad football?

Yes I am, and let me think.... The last decade or so fits that bill, only we weren't even getting half decent results then, which we are now.

You know, you can criticize Rino as much as you'd like but facts are facts, we're in 4th after 20 games played all while having some serious injury issues and a relatively small squad especially in terms of quality off the bench which is pretty much non-existent

Add to that he had to deal with his marquee player being mentally checked out since November

All in all, he's done a damn fine job if you ask me. What do you guys really expect? That's we'd be on par with Napoli? We knew the problems we had going into the season. The only real disappointment so far was the EL exit, but in the long run it could prove helpful for us

As for the football in general, I think we've played much worse stuff under Allegri, Montella and Pippo. We still manage to create nice plays in the majority of the games but generally lack the quality on the final ball. hat being said, Rino might not have made us beautiful to watch, but he's definitely made us difficult to beat, if Leonardo and Maldini can give him the 2 players we need in the attack that can give us that extra spark and added quality than the nice looking football will follow from there

On another note, I'm really impressed with Paqueta, this kid approaches the game with such style and quality, I'm really looking forward to seeing more of him

[X-Offender]

So, we're 4th after 20 games played. When was the last time that happened?

[han2503]

So, we're 4th after 20 games played. When was the last time that happened?

No idea. But the majority of Milan fans, and this is not an observation of just this forum, are still complaining about Rino...

[han2503]

With that all being said, we have a ridiculous schedule coming up, Napoli, Napoli, Roma within a span of a few days, thankfully we're recovering some of our injured players, but we might not still be in 4th after these game are played

Conti will also be a major boost for us, already 2 assists in around 120 minutes of football played since coming back

[maldini03]

Yeah, all in all, I think I agree with you han. I was quick to criticize Gattuso but it seems he has sorted things out. I think having Higuain out will be a good long run decision. To be honest, I never much liked him, always thought he failed to show up in the big games. He was never a good fit here where we need someone to work to take us back. Higuain needs the team to play for him and I think he upset the atmosphere we have under Gattuso.

The next few games are a good test for us. If we can manage 4 points from those two games with Napoli and Roma we might be looking good. I still have my eye on the transfer window though I think we will bring someone else in on top of Piatek.

[Fillipo Simone]

Yes I am, and let me think.... The last decade or so fits that bill, only we weren't even getting half decent results then, which we are now.

You know, you can criticize Rino as much as you'd like but facts are facts, we're in 4th after 20 games played all while having some serious injury issues and a relatively small squad especially in terms of quality off the bench which is pretty much non-existent

Add to that he had to deal with his marquee player being mentally checked out since November

All in all, he's done a damn fine job if you ask me. What do you guys really expect? That's we'd be on par with Napoli? We knew the problems we had going into the season. The only real disappointment so far was the EL exit, but in the long run it could prove helpful for us

As for the football in general, I think we've played much worse stuff under Allegri, Montella and Pippo. We still manage to create nice plays in the majority of the games but generally lack the quality on the final ball. hat being said, Rino might not have made us beautiful to watch, but he's definitely made us difficult to beat, if Leonardo and Maldini can give him the 2 players we need in the attack that can give us that extra spark and added quality than the nice looking football will follow from there

On another note, I'm really impressed with Paqueta, this kid approaches the game with such style and quality, I'm really looking forward to seeing more of him

Perhaps. I do understand that the situation Rino got himself into isn't easy to deal with. But we had injury crisis like this under Allegri as well. Only our expectations were higher, and granted, our team better. Yet who said anything about being on pair with Napoli? But we are unable to be on pair with Lazio or Roma as well.

Yes, results are momentarily good. But we had a golden opportunity in December when Lazio and Roma were in crisis and Inter also started shaking to take a grittier approach and win points against the likes of Torino, Bologna, etc. But we never found an ounce of strength to show some face. Just like last season when the team simply disappeared on the first real European test against Arsenal, or like we hit numerous times self-destruct in important games - we caved. I really do not believe Rino can stir us to 4th place and the temporarily good position is just that - temporal. Soon we'll find ourselves back in 6th or 7th.

With that all being said, we have a ridiculous schedule coming up, Napoli, Napoli, Roma within a span of a few days, thankfully we're recovering some of our injured players, but we might not still be in 4th after these game are played

Conti will also be a major boost for us, already 2 assists in around 120 minutes of football played since coming back

Conti has been very good I must admit, just what we needed. Hopefully he can maintain this form.

[han2503]

Yeah, all in all, I think I agree with you han. I was quick to criticize Gattuso but it seems he has sorted things out. I think having Higuain out will be a good long run decision. To be honest, I never much liked him, always thought he failed to show up in the big games. He was never a good fit here where we need someone to work to take us back. Higuain needs the team to play for him and I think he upset the atmosphere we have under Gattuso.

The next few games are a good test for us. If we can manage 4 points from those two games with Napoli and Roma we might be looking good. I still have my eye on the transfer window though I think we will bring someone else in on top of Piatek.

Agreed about Higuain. I still don't understand why he even agreed to the move if he wasn't willing to do the work it takes when you join a team who are going through a rebuilding phase. Such a complete lack of character

Perhaps. I do understand that the situation Rino got himself into isn't easy to deal with. But we had injury crisis like this under Allegri as well. Only our expectations were higher, and granted, our team better. Yet who said anything about being on pair with Napoli? But we are unable to be on pair with Lazio or Roma as well.

Yes, results are momentarily good. But we had a golden opportunity in December when Lazio and Roma were in crisis and Inter also started shaking to take a grittier approach and win points against the likes of Torino, Bologna, etc. But we never found an ounce of strength to show some face. Just like last season when the team simply disappeared on the first real European test against Arsenal, or like we hit numerous times self-destruct in important games - we caved. I really do not believe Rino can stir us to 4th place and the temporarily good position is just that - temporal. Soon we'll find ourselves back in 6th or 7th.

Conti has been very good I must admit, just what we needed. Hopefully he can maintain this form.

Yes, we had an injury crises with Allegri, and what happened? We conceded the Scudetto to Juve while having the best team in the league by a good margin, and it wasn't a team that was lacking in resources be any stretch of the imagination either, we had a a deep squad that Allegri could use, the same cannot be said now.

As for not taking advantage of the crises, yes it is disappointing, but you have to take into consideration that we have been in our very own crises since September with all the injuries we had to deal with, and this is not Alegri's Milan, if a player like Bona, Biglia or Suso go down, we have no alternatives that would allow us to still maintain the same level of quality without them in the starting 11. We've at least been lucky that Bakayoko has recovered his form and has been producing great performances since Biglia's been out or our crises would have been much worse, and I attribute Bakayoko's retun to form in part to Rino as well.

Look I'm not someone who's blind to Rino's faults (which mostly are due to his lack of experience), would I still like a Conte or Klopp? Of coure, but those guys are unrealistic, and given all the challenges Rino has faced, you simply cannot deny that he's done a commendable job. And I think if we can give him the backing he has so far deserved, he'll continue to grow and improve as a coach and we'll reap those benefits.

Also I said Napoli because that's where we should be aspiring to in the short term, I already think we're on par with Roma and Lazio now, and as for where we'll finish, we'll see, we're lucky because the majority of our difficult fixtures are all clumped in the coming weeks, so we'll be able to get those out of the way and re-assess after that. Hopefully we can make 1 more signing and bring the winger we need in and it will give us that added push.

[han2503]

Don't know who watched the Napoli game, but there were definitely some positives to take away, Paqueta is such an interesting player, major potential in him, he plays with a level of confidence that you rarely see in players his age coming from outside the league. There are definitely things he needs to cut out, like holding on to the ball too long in tight areas and going for the risky pass in dangerous areas but that's something that can be coached out of him

Piantek looks good as well, certainly looks to be more than just a poacher. He looks to be a powerful runner, good with his back to goal and on link up play and has great positioning. This obviously from the little I've seen of him so far. It's also a relief to have a player who so clearly wants to be on this team and not feeling like the other players are tip toeing around him because he's the "star"

If only we can get that winger in. We're linked with Carrasco and now Deulofeu as well, and honestly, I'd take the latter. He'll be cheap and he's a known quantity to us. And I think his characteristics are exactly what we need to make our trident complete. Obviously Carrasco would be great but he's harder to get plus much more expensive

Anyway, overall it was a good game I thought. I'll take a point off Napoli any day of the week, the Roma game is what will be crucial

[han2503]

Piatek (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[CrazyMilanFan]

2 0 both goals from out new boy

[William405]

And another one today.

[CrazyMilanFan]

We drew but i think its a missed opportunity for us

[han2503]

We drew but i think its a missed opportunity for us

The ref really screwed us over in that one imo. Must win today, let's see how we do

[William405]

Is it me or is Hakan sometimes playing more central and switching on the wings with Paqueta? In anyway, I like it.

We are playing well...There is a certain matureness( is that a word?) to our game. We attack when we have to, and we know how to slow down the pace.

Surprised that Piatek didn't score on that opportunity. But, this kid has good quality. He can pass the ball well.

And, Paqueta as usual is doing well!

[han2503]

Is it me or is Hakan sometimes playing more central and switching on the wings with Paqueta? In anyway, I like it.

We are playing well...There is a certain matureness( is that a word?) to our game. We attack when we have to, and we know how to slow down the pace.

Surprised that Piatek didn't score on that opportunity. But, this kid has good quality. He can pass the ball well.

And, Paqueta as usual is doing well!

Yeah, they seem to be switching around between each other. Hakan is finally looking better these past few weeks after months of underwhelming performances

Agreed, I think part of that has to be attributed to Bakayoko. He brings a lot of defensive stability into our midfield and in turn helps out our defenders immensely

Piatek got a little bit too cocky on that, he shouldn't have tried to chip that, but still, it's a good sign to see him having the confidence to attempt it

[han2503]

Where is everyone? Now that this team is finally clicking and we're playing well everyone seems to have disappeared...

[CrazyMilanFan]

I just watched the headlines.. We are looking good and main thing is we are playing well. Piatek show is simply stunning especially the first goal today.

[CrazyMilanFan]

Lazio lost as well.. Hopefully Roma will drop points too..

[William405]

Yes, I hope so. Anyway, we just need to focus on always playing good and I think the 4th spot, at this pace, could very well be ours. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[X-Offender]

We played really well last night. Didn't dominate the game by any means but we looked solid and took our chances. Hopefully the players can keep up this momentum till the end of the season.

Piatek and Paqueta are turning out to be two of the best signings we've made in a very long time. Piatek is just fantastic. He's got great technique and fights for every ball. I honestly wasn't expecting him to turn out like this. And Paqueta man, what a player. He's so practical, all the tricks he does have an end to them, he doesn't just do them for show. Plus he plays for the team and defends the ball well. Top class

But the real revelation so far has been Bakayoko. What a beast! Totally deserves every penny of that 40M clause.

[William405]

We played really well last night. Didn't dominate the game by any means but we looked solid and took our chances. Hopefully the players can keep up this momentum till the end of the season.

Piatek and Paqueta are turning out to be two of the best signings we've made in a very long time. Piatek is just fantastic. He's got great technique and fights for every ball. I honestly wasn't expecting him to turn out like this. And Paqueta man, what a player. He's so practical, all the tricks he does have an end to them, he doesn't just do them for show. Plus he plays for the team and defends the ball well. Top class

But the real revelation so far has been Bakayoko. What a beast! Totally deserves every penny of that 40M clause.

Ah ah ah, feels well to see optimism!!!

[han2503]

Lazio lost as well.. Hopefully Roma will drop points too..

Let's see if Mihajlovic can do us a favour for old time's sake

Inter won though, which is disappointing after the sh!t show that's been going down across town with the Icardi nonsense.

I think we need to stop looking at who's behind us and start focusing on that 3rd spot. We've already gotten a bunch of really difficult fixtures out of the way this year. Managing to consolidate 4th spot after having faced Napoli, Roma and Atalanta, the last 2 away from home is something that I absolutely did not expect to happen, but here we are, 4 points off 3rd with a little bit of leeway (depending still one what Roma do tomorrow) from the 5th spot. The table is really tight, but the fixture list in the upcoming 3 games massively favours us. We need to make sure we grab all 9 points against Empoli (H) Sassuolo (H) and Chievo (A) with a Coppa fixture against Lazio wedged in between

But tese 3 games are massively important as Inter will face Fiorentina, Lazio and Roma face each other and Lazio will also play Fiorentina. So 9 points would not only help in consolidating 4th, but they'd potentially put some distance between us and the Roman clubs, not to mention hopefully make up ground on Inter before the derby

Yes, I hope so. Anyway, we just need to focus on always playing good and I think the 4th spot, at this pace, could very well be ours. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Agreed. In the past few years, this game would have been prime opportunity for us to implode but we went out there, played a slightly shaky first half but managed to keep things tight and came out gunning to win it in the second half

What Rino has managed to do with this team, imo has been amazing so far this season. The fact that he managed to keep things together and not fall apart through the massive injury crises we were in while still maintaining a good position in the table and getting results when in previous years we would have thrown in the towel by October had we faced the same kinds of issues is admirable and deserves massive amounts of respect and kudos

We played really well last night. Didn't dominate the game by any means but we looked solid and took our chances. Hopefully the players can keep up this momentum till the end of the season.

Piatek and Paqueta are turning out to be two of the best signings we've made in a very long time. Piatek is just fantastic. He's got great technique and fights for every ball. I honestly wasn't expecting him to turn out like this. And Paqueta man, what a player. He's so practical, all the tricks he does have an end to them, he doesn't just do them for show. Plus he plays for the team and defends the ball well. Top class

But the real revelation so far has been Bakayoko. What a beast! Totally deserves every penny of that 40M clause.

Agreed on all. Especially Bakayoko. And this coming from someone who was highly critical of him in his first few games (which were admittedly a nightmare)

He's become the most important puzzle piece within our formation imo. He shields the defense so well and connects defense and attack so seamlessly. Initiating that release clause next summer has to be priority 1. And he seems just as determined to stay so that's also great to see

You know, during January when that Higuain mess was going down I could already see the rest of our season crumbling before my eyes.

But now, in hindsight, him wanting to leave is the best thing that could have happened to this team. In fact I'll go even further and say Bonucci wanting to leave and go back to Juve was the best thing that could have happened to us, as it started the chain reaction that lead to Piatek. Not to mention getting Caldara off Juve as well who, even though so far has had a very disappointing time of it, he's still imo one of the best young Italian defenders next to Romagnoli. So Leonardo has so far made some seriously inspired moves. I was a bit let down that we couldn't get a winger but we'll see if we can still achieve our goals for a CL spot without one.

[CrazyMilanFan]

Very sloppy passing so far..

[CrazyMilanFan]

Another goal piatak and one from kessie 2-0 up

[CrazyMilanFan]

3-0 cassitilljo or whatever his name is spelled

[CrazyMilanFan]

4-0 borini.. 2 very different halfs

Edit: goal disallowed quite a stupid decision.

This post has been edited by CrazyMilanFan: Feb 22 2019, 10:11 PM

[X-Offender]

4-0 borini.. 2 very different halfs

Edit: goal disallowed quite a stupid decision.

Yeah, what a retarded decision that was.

[han2503]

Finally seeing his team clicking is what we've been hoping for for a while now. Piatek and Paqueta are proving the difference. And it's also great to see Kessie and Hakan finally start to wake up at this point in the season. If only we can get Suso back to peak fitness levels. We need him at his best if we are to stay where we are in the table.

I'd personally rather he misses the Sassuolo game as well if it means he can fully recover and be back o 100% against Inter.

Lazio 1st leg in the Coppa up next, then Sassuolo, Chievo and the derby after that. We need to go all out against Lazio imo. We have a huge chance at the Coppa this year with Juve out, we can't afford to miss out on potential silverware. We can afford to have a a little rotation against Sassuolo since they're terrible atm

[Danny]

I've been taking a big break from this club, because frankly the toxicity of the disgusting Bonucci and Higuain spells put me off completely.

When we got rid of those two, and brought in Piatek - I felt that was the difference and it made me pay attention again.

Most Milanistis doubted Piatek big time - I was one of the few who were actually excited.

And he's turning into the best striker in the league at the moment. A small club striker who can handle the Milan shirt on his back and become a big club striker.

It's good to see Rino get more out of this team, and fourth in the league and consistently so is impressive. We're a long way off the old Milan but there's more pride now.

Paqueta too is winning me over. Things seem to be building at a more believable level now.

[X-Offender]

If only we can get Suso back to peak fitness levels. We need him at his best if we are to stay where we are in the table.

I'd personally rather he misses the Sassuolo game as well if it means he can fully recover and be back o 100% against Inter.

Suso was suspended. He doesn't have any physical issues.

[X-Offender]

Anyway, yeah, things are looking good at the moment. I won't say that we play some brilliant football, cos we don't, but we are looking like a team now. We're solid, the players show a lot of hunger and determination, and that is showing on the pitch. I still think we need a couple of upgrades in midfield and attack, but overall, we're on the right path.

Not finishing in the top 4 this year would be truly devastating.

[William405]

Anyway, yeah, things are looking good at the moment. I won't say that we play some brilliant football, cos we don't, but we are looking like a team now. We're solid, the players show a lot of hunger and determination, and that is showing on the pitch. I still think we need a couple of upgrades in midfield and attack, but overall, we're on the right path.

Not finishing in the top 4 this year would be truly devastating.

True. The thing is we're playing consistently. We are not falling apart in matches. I remember in recent years, we would totally be murdered by some mid-table team. Just because of the lack of consistency.

Gattuso is building a team which is solid defensively, but is also clinical in scoring goals.

I agree that some improvements in quality might be needed, but in my opinion, what is important is to conserve the core of this team. We have a solid core of young players that have been playing together for a few years now. This is massively important imo.

[Danny]

I'm also liking the new Kessie - the one he was for a while pre-season the summer of 2017. He's looking like that marauding titan mean midfield machine again.

[CrazyMilanFan]

Roma won in injury time man...

[CrazyMilanFan]

DP

This post has been edited by CrazyMilanFan: Feb 23 2019, 10:33 PM

[William405]

Man, it's a bit frustrating. They are getting lucky quite often. We are clearly not going to get this the easy way, we gotta get out there and earn it!

[CrazyMilanFan]

Inter drew against fiorintina. So 2 points between them and us. This derby will be critical

[Danny]

Bland match but a clean sheet away in Rome regardless of their form is a good result to take home.

[Fillipo Simone]

It is considering how we played.

[Danny]

It is considering how we played.

Not overly shocking - it's the cup. We never seem to show up for it.

[CrazyMilanFan]

A must win game which take us third as well now

[han2503]

I've been taking a big break from this club, because frankly the toxicity of the disgusting Bonucci and Higuain spells put me off completely.

When we got rid of those two, and brought in Piatek - I felt that was the difference and it made me pay attention again.

Most Milanistis doubted Piatek big time - I was one of the few who were actually excited.

And he's turning into the best striker in the league at the moment. A small club striker who can handle the Milan shirt on his back and become a big club striker.

It's good to see Rino get more out of this team, and fourth in the league and consistently so is impressive. We're a long way off the old Milan but there's more pride now.

Paqueta too is winning me over. Things seem to be building at a more believable level now.

Hi Danny, glad to see you around

I agree about the whole Bonucci and then Higuain situations. In December I honestly thought we wouldn't be able to recover from the demoralizing effect Higuain pushing his way out would create within the group, not to mention the injury crises we were carrying throughout the months of October, November and December and it was a recipe for a disaster end to the season.

But Higuain leaving actually had the opposite effect. It was clear that his negative attitude was effecting the rest of he team. Both him and Bonucci were brought in as players who were winners that can elevate the rest of te squad but their petulance at not always winning like they were at Juve had the opposite effect. Weak characters the both of them.

But the major positive from that entire Bonucci thing the summer previous to last when we bought him is that it lead to Caldara and Piatek in the end. And we'll be the better for it in a couple of years while Juve are showing clear signs of aging and slowing down imo. They might still be stumbling onto wins in the league but they have been terrible all season. Luck and some help from the refs make them look much better than they actually are

Suso was suspended. He doesn't have any physical issues.

Yes I know, but he's been terrible since December imo and I read that he was carrying some sort of physical issue. His consistency is terrible. Look at the game against Lazio, I don't remember him even making one positive action on the play. All his touches and dribbles were bad which lead to us losing possession

At this point I think Rino needs to bench him and play Castillejo who has been very impressive when he's played since the turn of the new year

I understand Rino wanting to give Suso his confidence, just like he did with Hakan which is seemingly paying off now, but even when Hakan was under-performing, he wasn't a liability to the team as Suso is as he still worked his @ss off in the game, and if he wasn't helping in the attack he was contributing to our defensive game. Suso when he's not on, he's a passenger. Against Lazio h probably played one of the worst games I've seen him play for us. It's time for him to sit, this is a point in our season where we cannot afford to carry dead-weight as we need to be practically perfect to stay in the CL positions as Roma keep winning games

Anyway, yeah, things are looking good at the moment. I won't say that we play some brilliant football, cos we don't, but we are looking like a team now. We're solid, the players show a lot of hunger and determination, and that is showing on the pitch. I still think we need a couple of upgrades in midfield and attack, but overall, we're on the right path.

Not finishing in the top 4 this year would be truly devastating.

We don't play brilliant football, but you can see a clear identity starting to form. If we had some more quality on the wings,a more dynamic LB and someone a more dynamic midfielder instead of Kessie, you would probably see the brilliant football we've been lacking for a while. But imo, this is the best football we've played in a long long time. It might not be super silky and tiki taka, but it's effective and at times pleasing to watch as well

I'm looking forward to see what players we bring in this summer. I definately think we need 1 or 2 wingers who are quick and skilfull, a creative mid who can play next to Bakayoko and Paqueta and probably a LB as well. Rodriguez is reliable and generally gives good performances, but imo we need someone who's quicker and better on the ball

True. The thing is we're playing consistently. We are not falling apart in matches. I remember in recent years, we would totally be murdered by some mid-table team. Just because of the lack of consistency.

Gattuso is building a team which is solid defensively, but is also clinical in scoring goals.

I agree that some improvements in quality might be needed, but in my opinion, what is important is to conserve the core of this team. We have a solid core of young players that have been playing together for a few years now. This is massively important imo.

Agreed

Gattuso deserves major props for what he's done with this group. He managed to keep the ship steady even during our worst moments in the season. We drew a few too many games in December during the peak of our injury crises but he still managed to gather a respectable amount of points that allowed us to still be in contention for 4th. He handled the Higuain situation and has integrated 2 new players into the squad seamlessly.

I know people are still very skeptical about him as a coach, and some still don't want to give him the chance because he's not the big name they want, but I think he deserves to be our coach next season imo and if he gets us CL football then that's a major achievement considering all the coaches before him who tried and failed

I'm also liking the new Kessie - the one he was for a while pre-season the summer of 2017. He's looking like that marauding titan mean midfield machine again.

I'm personally very on the fence about him, he can be great one moment and incredibly frustrating the next. I need to see improvements in his decision making, passing and finishing because right now, I feel that replacing him in the starting 11 with someone more dynamic/creative is a priority.

He makes great runs and his physique is a problem for most sides, but his passing decisions are generally bad and his decisions when he gets in front of goal which are to generally shoot and miss are even worse.He's got the attributes to be a great player imo, but the things I mentioned above need to improve greatly. If we're in the CL next season, I don't think he's good enough to be starting games in that competition if his performances remain as they are now

Man, it's a bit frustrating. They are getting lucky quite often. We are clearly not going to get this the easy way, we gotta get out there and earn it!

Yep, but they're not playing all that well, so potential for dropping points is always there even if they are getting lucky, plus Frosinone are the biggest donkey team in the league, so that was expected (can't believe we lost points there - biggest face palm moment of the season for us so far). Hopefully they go past Porto in the CL so they can have that to worry about as well.

Bland match but a clean sheet away in Rome regardless of their form is a good result to take home.

I thought Lazio were going to be missing more players, since the reports before the game was about the major injury crises they had, but they had all their major players on the pitch bar Luis Alberto - who later came on

I expected it to be tough, they were coming off 3 losses, they weren't just going to lay down for us and let us walk it at the Olympico. We better play better in the 2nd leg though, this is the best chance of silverware we've had in a while with Juve out

It is considering how we played.

Yes, we played badly, I was disappointed. But it's still impressive how we've built such an impenetrable defense, that even when we play badly we're still getting results due to our defensive play

[han2503]

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to reply to everyone (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Good one Han (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Inter lost to Cagliari last night. Hopefully we show character and seal the win tonight.

[han2503]

Good one Han (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Inter lost to Cagliari last night. Hopefully we show character and seal the win tonight.

Yes, the game tonight will be a good indicator of whether we have what it takes to pull this off.

Generally speaking, in the past this type of game is a prime moment for us to f up and not take the opportunity we've been presented before us.

Not to mention the Rome derby being played later on tonight

[X-Offender]

@Han

I would still prefer the worst Suso to Castillejo. Let's be honest, Castillejo is a very average player who doesn't really bring anything substantial to our play. He can have his moments, but thus far he's been a passenger this season.

Suso, on the other hand, has been and continues to be crucial for us. He has class and lots of skill, and even on his worst day he can still pull off something out of nowhere. And besides, it'd be unfair to bench probably our best performer of the last 2-3 years just because he's had a few bad games.

As for today's game, we have the opportunity to achieve something we haven't achieved since 2013: 3rd place! This is huge, the players need to be conscious and aware of it.

[Danny]

Playing today huh? Might need to keep my eye out for it. Third on merit would be pretty amazing tbh.

[CrazyMilanFan]

Last 5 mins we have fallen asleep..

[CrazyMilanFan]

1-0 up from a corner

[CrazyMilanFan]

HT 1-0 but we have looked quite shaky. Need to improve in the second half

[X-Offender]

We're playing really bad.

[CrazyMilanFan]

Just a matter of time before we concede it seems