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AC Milan - Milanfan.com _ Matches _ Serie A 2021/2022 Season

Posted by: han2503 Aug 20 2021, 08:53 PM

League starts back up tomorrow, we play the first game Monday night against Samp

Posted by: William405 Aug 20 2021, 11:40 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 20 2021, 10:53 PM) *
League starts back up tomorrow, we play the first game Monday night against Samp



What...time passes fast.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 21 2021, 11:50 AM

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 20 2021, 11:40 PM) *
What...time passes fast.


Bro, all other leagues have already started since a while. biggrin.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 21 2021, 05:48 PM

1 assist and 1 goal for Capanoglu in his first 15 minutes with Inter. I wonder if Paolo is watching... rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 21 2021, 06:21 PM

Well...

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 21 2021, 07:03 PM

Even without Conte, Hakimi and Lukaku, Inter are still on a whole other level.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 21 2021, 07:10 PM

They are?

Mind that Inzaghi usually starts the season strong and then tends to loose momentum. Not unlike Pioli for that matter.

Posted by: William405 Aug 21 2021, 07:19 PM

Let's chill, they're playing Genoa.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 21 2021, 10:17 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 21 2021, 07:10 PM) *
Mind that Inzaghi usually starts the season strong and then tends to loose momentum.


Different team, different players.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 22 2021, 12:49 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 22 2021, 12:17 AM) *
Different team, different players.

Same coach. It happens very often and it isn't just a coincidence.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 22 2021, 12:55 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 22 2021, 12:49 PM) *
Same coach. It happens very often and it isn't just a coincidence.


Yeah, sorry, I don't buy that.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 22 2021, 03:52 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 21 2021, 05:48 PM) *
1 assist and 1 goal for Capanoglu in his first 15 minutes with Inter. I wonder if Paolo is watching... rolleyes.gif

Correct me if I'm wrong but you were okay with us letting him go...

This is all revisionist history now because he played well against one of the worst sides in the league who always bend over for Inter. Their goal difference over the last 2 seasons or so was 0-24 to Inter (I have to check that again as I'm not sure of the amount of games but it was a ridiculous number)

Genoa were terrible and this was a typical "look what you're missing" performance from Hakan, his post-match comments show that he's still salty.

And I was one of the few here who wanted us to keep him. But let's not gloss over the time Hakan spent at Milan. 8 or so good months out of 4 years.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 21 2021, 07:03 PM) *
Even without Conte, Hakimi and Lukaku, Inter are still on a whole other level.

Come on now. It was the opener against Genoa... Let's see how they do against other sides before naming them champions on matchday 1.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 22 2021, 06:51 PM

Haha, good point, revisionist history biggrin.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 22 2021, 07:31 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 22 2021, 03:52 PM) *
Correct me if I'm wrong but you were okay with us letting him go...


Yes, I was. Where did I say I wasn't? My remark was towards Maldini who, as sporting director, let him go for free. He's the one that should be bitter about it.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 22 2021, 07:34 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 22 2021, 03:52 PM) *
Come on now. It was the opener against Genoa... Let's see how they do against other sides before naming them champions on matchday 1.


I didn't crown them champions on matchday 1. I said they're still great. Until they prove us otherwise, let's stop trying to justify their win as it was "just Genoa".

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 10:04 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 22 2021, 07:31 PM) *
Yes, I was. Where did I say I wasn't? My remark was towards Maldini who, as sporting director, let him go for free. He's the one that should be bitter about it.

You're the one pointing out his contributions...

As I said in May/June, this is going to haunt us. Forget about Hakan who we all know well enough, but letting him go for free has created a hole for us that we seemingly cannot fill, not to mention that it would make it almost impossible to get in the RW we needed...

I understand not wanting to overpay players, especially ones who do not deserve it as was the case with Hakan. But we're seemingly going to make the same f@ck up with Kessie and if that happens serious questions would have to be asked


Anyway, Bennacer will not start today as he's not in optimal condition due to just recovering from Covid. Krunic will start instead...

This obsession Pioli has with this subpar dude is really getting old. Why not play Pobega there FFS???

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2021, 10:57 AM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 23 2021, 10:04 AM) *
You're the one pointing out his contributions...


And? Even more so why Paolo should feel embarrassed.

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 23 2021, 10:04 AM) *
Anyway, Bennacer will not start today as he's not in optimal condition due to just recovering from Covid. Krunic will start instead...

This obsession Pioli has with this subpar dude is really getting old. Why not play Pobega there FFS???


Pobega has been lukewarm in pre-season, it wouldn't change a thing. This is another case that would have been solved had we not pushed Bakayoko's signing in the final week.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2021, 11:29 AM

I'm kinda secretly hoping we lose this one, maybe 2-0 or 3-1, so it can act as a wake up call to management that we're nowhere near competitive as we are right now.

Anyway, it's gonna end in a draw. No way we're winning tonight.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 01:46 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 23 2021, 10:57 AM) *
And? Even more so why Paolo should feel embarrassed.



Pobega has been lukewarm in pre-season, it wouldn't change a thing. This is another case that would have been solved had we not pushed Bakayoko's signing in the final week.

But by that definition, you and Paolo were on the same page re Hakan - Not worth what he was asking for. So why should Paolo be embarrassed?

And many other Milan fans were in your corner as well btw, this is not just me pointing out your sudden turn around. Most Milan fans wanted to see the back of him. They have been abusing him on social media for months now. But suddenly because he had a decent game against a Genoa that bends over backwards for Inter every time, it was suddenly a mistake to let him go...

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 23 2021, 11:29 AM) *
I'm kinda secretly hoping we lose this one, maybe 2-0 or 3-1, so it can act as a wake up call to management that we're nowhere near competitive as we are right now.

Anyway, it's gonna end in a draw. No way we're winning tonight.

Nah man, no matter what we need a strong start similar to last year. We can't start slow and lose points here. A loss won't change anything. It won't suddenly make the management decide to pump money into the side. They all know what the problems are, no need for a loss to spell it out. Whoever we close for this week will remain the same, whether we win or lose today


And agreed re the midfield, but Pobega at least did better than Krunic in the pre-season. This is the same BS we had to deal with under Galliania, leaving the most crucial signings to the last minute and wasting the first few months until they integrate into the side.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2021, 01:58 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 23 2021, 01:46 PM) *
But by that definition, you and Paolo were on the same page re Hakan - Not worth what he was asking for. So why should Paolo be embarrassed?

And many other Milan fans were in your corner as well btw, this is not just me pointing out your sudden turn around. Most Milan fans wanted to see the back of him. They have been abusing him on social media for months now. But suddenly because he had a decent game against a Genoa that bends over backwards for Inter every time, it was suddenly a mistake to let him go...


It's not the same in the slightest.

I'm a fan who doesn't like a player and doesn't care about the financial of the club. I only care about winning.

Paolo is the sporting director of AC Milan, who clearly didn't want to lose Capanoglu on a free and is now watching him have an excellent debut for the city rivals.

If Capanoglu turns out a successful singing for Inter, the blame is entirely on Maldini, that's all there is to it. But even poor Paolo probably had Gazidis dictating him not a cent more for Capanoglu's renewal.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 02:17 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 23 2021, 01:58 PM) *
It's not the same in the slightest.

I'm a fan who doesn't like a player and doesn't care about the financial of the club. I only care about winning.

Paolo is the sporting director of AC Milan, who clearly didn't want to lose Capanoglu on a free and is now watching him have an excellent debut for the city rivals.

If Capanoglu turns out a successful singing for Inter, the blame is entirely on Maldini, that's all there is to it. But even poor Paolo probably had Gazidis dictating him not a cent more for Capanoglu's renewal.

Ah so general consensus doesn't matter when it turns out not to be a good decision.

For me it was always the wrong move to let him go for free. But at some point you have to let it go. Maldini and the management made their offer to him based on what they thought he deserved, it was always obvious that staying at Milan would have been Hakan's last choice if no other opportunities came up. For me it was clear that he was using the Euros as a personal advert for himself, obviously it didn't go well for him on that front but he got lucky with Eriksson's heart issues because if that hadn't happened Inter wouldn't have gone for him either and he'd have reluctantly renewed.

Had we already signed a better replacement we wouldn't even care that he did well in the opening game. Hakan has always been this way, he blows hot and cold. I feel like I've stepped into the twilight zone sometimes, the other day I saw someone compare him to KDB ffs!

And I was someone who advocated for him to stay until the final minute btw. Even if I knew he had clear flaws to his game and that Milan wasn't first choice for him.

But we move.

Let's see if we can replace him by the end of the window. Because that would be the catastrophe for us here, no letting him go

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 07:58 PM

Maignan with some awesome outballs so far

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 23 2021, 08:04 PM

Leao looking good as well

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 23 2021, 08:05 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 23 2021, 08:58 PM) *
Maignan with some awesome outballs so far

He is like the main playmaker role tongue.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 23 2021, 08:09 PM

I like this Milan devil.gif

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 23 2021, 08:15 PM

Lord krunic missed a sitter

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2021, 08:15 PM

What have we ever done to deserve Krunic? It's like a curse.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 08:16 PM

Krunic man...


How do you not score that. Or at least put it on target

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 08:16 PM

I'm liking what I'm seeing from Leao and Tonali mostly, it looks like they're ready to make that step up

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 08:17 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Aug 23 2021, 08:05 PM) *
He is like the main playmaker role tongue.gif

Really great with the ball

And some top notch reflexes as well

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 23 2021, 08:23 PM

Samp are not bad. Very end to end

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 08:31 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Aug 23 2021, 08:23 PM) *
Samp are not bad. Very end to end

They have some decent players

I was worried during the opening few minutes as they were pressing us very aggressively and we tend to struggle against that type of setup. But we've settled well

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2021, 08:38 PM

I don't get this squad. We started off so well, but for whatever reason we just stopped playing. Boring game. Sampdoria leave plenty of open spaces behind, guys like Brahim, Leao and Theo should be eating them alive. Ufff...

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 08:52 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 23 2021, 08:38 PM) *
I don't get this squad. We started off so well, but for whatever reason we just stopped playing. Boring game. Sampdoria leave plenty of open spaces behind, guys like Brahim, Leao and Theo should be eating them alive. Ufff...

We've missed some passes that could have produced killer counter attacks. We're obviously missing Kessie and Benna in that middle, and Diaz likes to carry the ball more rather than making the quick release pass.

There are some obvious things to work on but overall it has been an encouraging display considering we're missing the entire midfield 3 we used last season

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2021, 09:18 PM

Bro, why is Pioli so fixated with Krunic? Why???

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2021, 09:20 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 23 2021, 08:52 PM) *
We've missed some passes that could have produced killer counter attacks. We're obviously missing Kessie and Benna in that middle, and Diaz likes to carry the ball more rather than making the quick release pass.

There are some obvious things to work on but overall it has been an encouraging display considering we're missing the entire midfield 3 we used last season


Our biggest problem is we completely f*ck up the passing in the final third. Some terrible, terrible passes and decision making.

Also, can somebody please slap Theo for me? His nonchalance almost cost us a goal. Wake the f*ck up, frenchy!

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 09:29 PM

Theo killing me today. WTF is he doing?

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 09:31 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 23 2021, 09:18 PM) *
Bro, why is Pioli so fixated with Krunic? Why???

Krunic at AM gives me a stomach ache.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 09:33 PM

This f@cking about with the ball in dangerous areas is giving me an ulcer

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 23 2021, 09:34 PM

Wtf are we doing.. Why play for 1-0

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 09:37 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Aug 23 2021, 09:34 PM) *
Wtf are we doing.. Why play for 1-0

It's crazy! We're playing like a bunch of demented chickens ffs! Can't keep the ball to save our lives

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 23 2021, 09:44 PM

Ft 1-0

Not the best of performance but 3 points in the end.

Tonali, tomari and leao my picks

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 09:44 PM

FT

FFS... An insanely stupid game from us. Take the 3 points and learn!

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 09:46 PM

Tonali finally showing some spirit and quality. Still lacks that final ball. But I can say that about pretty much all of our players.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 23 2021, 09:48 PM

Saw positives and negatives in this game. The positives are obvious; Tonali, Leao and Maignan. The negatives, the team is not as sharp and lots of mistakes were done.

But 3 points in the opening round is welcomed and this gives the team something to work on in training. Think as the season progresses, even Giroud will be well oiled in positioning, as the team gets accustomed to his movements.

Proud of Maldini in keeping the core entact and retaining the coach.

Forza Milan.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 23 2021, 09:52 PM

Bad game and lucky win. Sampdoria didn't deserve to lose.

This mentality thing to take things calmly and nonchalant is truly annoying. We were wining 1-0 and Sampdoria was dictating most of the play, yet we were playing as if we knew we would win.

I have no idea where Pioli thinks is going to lead us in the long run, but it's not looking good.

About some of the players:

Maignan - Great performance. Very secure and dominant in the air. Has to work on his passing.

Tomori - Top class defender. So glad we signed him. Never had a better CB since Thiago Silva.

Tonali - I hope I'm not the only one who thought he was MASSIVE today. Best game he's had since he's been a Milan player. Held the midfield completely on his own. MotM easily for me.

Bennacer - Bro, he only played a handful of minutes, but he looked like a beast. Is Pioli even evaluating well his players' conditions? Should have started no doubt.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 09:56 PM

Maignan showed so much qualities today. Really making the Donna decision look like an amazing one. Obviously one game is too little to judge him on, but he's insanely sharp on the ball, great reflexes and was good coming out for high balls. Excellent signing. And when looking at the other keepers in the league, I'd hazard to say that we still have the best number one in the league

Theo... Man he needs to wake up. Explosive one second, in a coma the next. Too many times he tried to do idiotic sh!t in dangerous areas. Always trying to play through a wall of players. When it comes off it looks amazing, but when it doesn't it's deadly for us.

Krunic and Tonali held down the double pivot as well as could be expected. There was a huge Kessie sized hole in the middle of the pitch for us and it was felt. Bakayoko is going to be coming in so hopefully the AFCON won't handicap us to the degree that I'm predicting it will. But to know we're haggling over a couple of million with him, when he'd this crucial for us makes me want to cry like a baby

Brahim. Really good imo. Obviously he brings different qualities compared to someone like Hakan who is more of a passer rather than a progressor. But he was aggressive, strong on the ball, had some really good plays and in the end scored the goal.

Leao. A very good game from him imo. He's working on his overall contribution which is good to see and some nice moments of real quality, once again, just missed that final ball

Alexis and Calabria, good and solid as per usual.

Giroud. Had so many moments where his quality shone through, was just missing that really good ball from his team mates to get his goal. But overall he's a great addition to the team and a great alternative to Ibra.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 23 2021, 10:02 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 23 2021, 09:52 PM) *
Bad game and lucky win. Sampdoria didn't deserve to lose.

This mentality thing to take things calmly and nonchalant is truly annoying. We were wining 1-0 and Sampdoria was dictating most of the play, yet we were playing as if we knew we would win.

I have no idea where Pioli thinks is going to lead us in the long run, but it's not looking good.

About some of the players:

Maignan - Great performance. Very secure and dominant in the air. Has to work on his passing.

Tomori - Top class defender. So glad we signed him. Never had a better CB since Thiago Silva.

Tonali - I hope I'm not the only one who thought he was MASSIVE today. Best game he's had since he's been a Milan player. Held the midfield completely on his own. MotM easily for me.

Bennacer - Bro, he only played a handful of minutes, but he looked like a beast. Is Pioli even evaluating well his players' conditions? Should have started no doubt.

Totally agree on Tonali, had some massive moments in the defensive phase as well. He's going to make that step up this season. I'm sure of it. We really do sometimes forget that he's just 21 years old.

Re Bennacer. They are obviously going to be extremely cautious with him given the issues he had last season and the fact that he missed a good chunk of pre-season. But yes, he looked great an Tonali transformed as well when he came on. It was like he was finally unshackled to drive forward. Hopefully we'll see them both starting next Sunday



I want to point out again that we were missing key players here and this was the first game of the season so fitness levels are going to waver. Yes, I wholeheartedly agree though that in-game management has to be much better. I do not understand why we were playing like rushed headless chickens instead of holding on to possession. Samp were getting desperate and would have made errors that would allow us to go through. Instead we kept losing the ball and inviting pressure. Obviously this isn't the first time we've seen such shenanigans. Last season we barely scraped through in this very same fixture as well.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 24 2021, 04:46 PM

On most aspects I can agree with you guys, but 2 main points defer.

1) You kept saying that Sampdoria will beat us and that they are a decent team. I all honesty, I've seen a relegation team play yesterday. They have no attacking concept, their coach does not seem to grasp some basics and most players look either out of shape or just past their prime. I think this team will have many difficulties scoring goals and will end up as a bottom team.

2) Leao was good? He started good, sure. But once again he became sluggish and not entirely connected with the rest of the team. Most of our troubles and buildup/counter attack problems are in connection with this.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 24 2021, 06:22 PM

I was the only one who said Sampdoria will win, simply because away they're always a tough side to play against, and they have a bunch of decent players. And honestly, I don't think they were that bad. They were chasing for the draw until the last minute.

I agree about Leao. He had a few decent moments in the first half, but that's about it. Once again a player we should have offloaded and failed to.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 24 2021, 07:03 PM

So, last night we played with a 3-man defence in the last minutes of the game. What do you guys think of this formation:

Maignan
Tomori - Kjaer - Romagnoli
Calabria - Kessie - Bennacer - Theo
Brahim
Giroud - Rebic


Personally, I'd be in favour of it. At least we'd have strong players in every position.

Posted by: William405 Aug 24 2021, 07:15 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 24 2021, 09:03 PM) *
So, last night we played with a 3-man defence in the last minutes of the game. What do you guys think of this formation:

Maignan
Tomori - Kjaer - Romagnoli
Calabria - Kessie - Bennacer - Theo
Brahim
Giroud - Rebic


Personally, I'd be in favour of it. At least we'd have strong players in every position.


I really like that. smile.gif

I don't think we have the required depth at the CB position maybe to be playing it week in week out. But, it's definitely a nice alternative! Where is Ibra in the formation? wink.gif

Posted by: William405 Aug 24 2021, 07:16 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 24 2021, 08:22 PM) *
I was the only one who said Sampdoria will win, simply because away they're always a tough side to play against, and they have a bunch of decent players. And honestly, I don't think they were that bad. They were chasing for the draw until the last minute.

I agree about Leao. He had a few decent moments in the first half, but that's about it. Once again a player we should have offloaded and failed to.


I agree, Sampdoria weren't have bad. Pipo, you're judging them as a top 4 team. The have very good players for where they are.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 24 2021, 07:26 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 24 2021, 07:15 PM) *
I really like that. smile.gif

I don't think we have the required depth at the CB position maybe to be playing it week in week out. But, it's definitely a nice alternative! Where is Ibra in the formation? wink.gif


Yeah, we'd need at least one decent CB backup that is not Kalulu or Gabbia.

PS: Han will definitely be against it. biggrin.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 26 2021, 09:26 AM

CL draw today at 18:00 FYI.

Posted by: William405 Aug 26 2021, 10:09 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 26 2021, 11:26 AM) *
CL draw today at 18:00 FYI.


Yepp

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 26 2021, 06:12 PM

Liverpool, Porto ATM

Best was C but lucky to avoid group A

Posted by: William405 Aug 26 2021, 06:16 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Aug 26 2021, 08:12 PM) *
Liverpool, Porto ATM

Best was C but lucky to avoid group A



Tough group.. can't be tougher than that..

What is group A? Man city psg?

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 26 2021, 06:20 PM

Whatever group, it's going to be tough for this squad.

Forza. MILAN!!

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 26 2021, 06:25 PM

Bruh, we might as well forfeit. How on earth are we supposed to cope with such a group? biggrin.gif

I just hope we don't get some bitter humiliation.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 26 2021, 06:45 PM

At least we avoided group A. This one it very hard though. As soon as Atalanta managed to get the bottom of the group halves, I knew we were in trouble. But well... it was always expected to go this way.

Btw. shouldn't we open up a CL thread as well?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 26 2021, 06:47 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 24 2021, 09:03 PM) *
So, last night we played with a 3-man defence in the last minutes of the game. What do you guys think of this formation:

Maignan
Tomori - Kjaer - Romagnoli
Calabria - Kessie - Bennacer - Theo
Brahim
Giroud - Rebic


Personally, I'd be in favour of it. At least we'd have strong players in every position.

No man, no. We don't have the personnel to pull this one out. Rebić is as inefficient as Leao with that formation. And a 3 man defense is something you train day and night before you implement. Just remember how Montella failed.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 27 2021, 11:08 PM

Inter won 1-3 against Verona with two goals from Correa.

They might have lost Lukaku upfront, but now they have so much options and versatility with Lautaro, Correa, Dzeko and Sanchez. And I read they're after a fifth striker as well.

Meanwhile we got 40 years old Zlatan who's more injured than fit, 35 years old Giroud who's scored a meagre 21 goals in his last 4 Premier League seasons, and some kid who's played a total of 23 games in the last 4 years due to injuries. Good to know.

On another note, Capanoglu was the worst on the pitch.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 28 2021, 03:57 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 27 2021, 11:08 PM) *
Inter won 1-3 against Verona with two goals from Correa.

They might have lost Lukaku upfront, but now they have so much options and versatility with Lautaro, Correa, Dzeko and Sanchez. And I read they're after a fifth striker as well.

Meanwhile we got 40 years old Zlatan who's more injured than fit, 35 years old Giroud who's scored a meagre 21 goals in his last 4 Premier League seasons, and some kid who's played a total of 23 games in the last 4 years due to injuries. Good to know.

On another note, Capanoglu was the worst on the pitch.

Inter lost 3 huge elements from last season but they still have a very good side imo. Probably level with Juve now that C. Ron is gone.

What I do think though is that they will miss that edge that Conte gave them over the course of the season and it will be felt. The top spots will be very tight this season.

It's very worrying for us as 2 spots will surely go to Inter and Juve.

We'll have to fight tooth and nail to get one of the remaining 2 spots. Roma are going to have a bigger say this season imo, and Atalanta will not go quietly into the night. That's why we have to be out of the gates as quick as we were last season. The great start gave us a cushion for when things started going sideways.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 28 2021, 03:59 PM

Btw, reading that Pioli could start Krunic again tomorrow...

If he does that I'm seriously going to start questioning his f@cking eye sight let alone his judgment.

He was waxing lyrical about him in the press conference. Either he's hyping him up because we want to sell or he's blind. The guy has no business starting games for us and when I think about the potentially precarious situation we have in the AM position with him being the direct alternative to Diaz, I get stomach pains...

Posted by: han2503 Aug 28 2021, 04:04 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 24 2021, 04:46 PM) *
On most aspects I can agree with you guys, but 2 main points defer.

1) You kept saying that Sampdoria will beat us and that they are a decent team. I all honesty, I've seen a relegation team play yesterday. They have no attacking concept, their coach does not seem to grasp some basics and most players look either out of shape or just past their prime. I think this team will have many difficulties scoring goals and will end up as a bottom team.

2) Leao was good? He started good, sure. But once again he became sluggish and not entirely connected with the rest of the team. Most of our troubles and buildup/counter attack problems are in connection with this.

I'll give you the point on Leao that he faded out of the game

Look I think when it comes to him we have to have patience because the management invested heavily in him so they clearly believe in him. If he has a good season, which I think he will, it's all the better for us as his price will increase.

I do think that he will make the step up. He just needs to focus more during the game

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 24 2021, 07:26 PM) *
Yeah, we'd need at least one decent CB backup that is not Kalulu or Gabbia.

PS: Han will definitely be against it. biggrin.gif

Uhhhh

Don't mention Ibra and Giroud starting in the same formation again pls!!

F@cking suicide mission!

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 28 2021, 04:47 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 28 2021, 03:59 PM) *
Btw, reading that Pioli could start Krunic again tomorrow...

If he does that I'm seriously going to start questioning his f@cking eye sight let alone his judgment.

He was waxing lyrical about him in the press conference. Either he's hyping him up because we want to sell or he's blind. The guy has no business starting games for us and when I think about the potentially precarious situation we have in the AM position with him being the direct alternative to Diaz, I get stomach pains...


Some sources have Krunic starting, some have Bennacer. I think Krunic will start only and if only Bennacer is still not fully fit, which didn't look like it against Sampdoria as he was vivid and full of energy.

As for Pioli spending good words on Krunic, he was answering a question by some journalist, who asked him "Krunic played well against Sampdoria, can he be the extra man Milan need this season?", which is an insanely stupid question to ask and I really want to pummel the idiot who asked it. Of course Pioli would respond saying Krunic is a reliable player yada yada. What else was he supposed to say? Talk smack about his own players?

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 01:38 PM

Juve lost yesterday... Against Empoli!


Talk about an opportunity to really compete this season! And we're forfeiting because we miss 2 quality attacking mids that would make us serious Scudetto challengers...

What a bitter taste in the mouth

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 02:12 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 29 2021, 03:38 PM) *
Juve lost yesterday... Against Empoli!


Talk about an opportunity to really compete this season! And we're forfeiting because we miss 2 quality attacking mids that would make us serious Scudetto challengers...

What a bitter taste in the mouth


We can compete. It's all about who we sign the next few days, how does he integrate, how long Ibra stays injury free...there are lots of things that can factor during the season.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 02:33 PM

Watched the whole match, Juve were appalling. Such a disorganised side, no ideas whatsoever. And now that they've lost Ronaldo who secured them 30 goals per season they're really going to struggle big time unless Allegri works some magic which I highly doubt.

Lazio have been impressive thus far. 9 goals in the first two games, saw the highlights vs Spezia and their combinations were fantastic. Maybe they'll turn out the big surprise this year with Sarri.

Atalanta have been completely underwhelming. 0-0 at home vs Bologna and last week they only won at the 93rd minute.

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 02:37 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 04:33 PM) *
Watched the whole match, Juve were appalling. Such a disorganised side, no ideas whatsoever. And now that they've lost Ronaldo who secured them 30 goals per season they're really going to struggle big time unless Allegri works some magic which I highly doubt.

Lazio have been impressive thus far. 9 goals in the first two games, saw the highlights vs Spezia and their combinations were fantastic. Maybe they'll turn out the big surprise this year with Sarri.

Atalanta have been completely underwhelming. 0-0 at home vs Bologna and last week they only won at the 93rd minute.


Yeah Lazio were pretty impressive. I think Sarri is a good fit, and they could outcompete Atalanta. We'll see how consistent they are though!

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 04:54 PM

Agree William, re lots of factors playing into it. But it's going to be very difficult this year. The issue with Serie A is that the bottom half are walkovers while the top half is very competitive. So you have to be inch perfect against the smaller sides while being able to win 60% of the big match ups imo.

And imo this squad is 2 quality players away from being able to compete with Inter, but sadly we're not going to make these moves happen

Top 4 is going to be a big fight imo

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 02:33 PM) *
Watched the whole match, Juve were appalling. Such a disorganised side, no ideas whatsoever. And now that they've lost Ronaldo who secured them 30 goals per season they're really going to struggle big time unless Allegri works some magic which I highly doubt.

Lazio have been impressive thus far. 9 goals in the first two games, saw the highlights vs Spezia and their combinations were fantastic. Maybe they'll turn out the big surprise this year with Sarri.

Atalanta have been completely underwhelming. 0-0 at home vs Bologna and last week they only won at the 93rd minute.

I agree re the Roman clubs. Lazio will be ups and downs imo. They don't have it in them to go the entire stretch as they have a pretty thin squad. If we had any sort of budget, this would have been the year to push for Milenkovic-Savic. He'd be a perfect Hakan replacement imo. But sadly we're acting like a mid-table club on the transfer market and would neven even attempt to go for a big player, which is disheartening.

Roma with Mourinho we'll have to see how they fair. But they will be better than they were last season for sure.

I think we'll start to see Atalanta slowly fade away. Gasperini has squeezed all he can out of that squad and with losing players each window, the house of cards won't hold up for much longer.


Allegri playing Danilo as a regista and McKennie as an AM with no recognisable CF in the squad is laughable, and reminded me of when he used to play Urby as an AM (PTSD episode incoming). He could really be exposed for the fraud he is this season

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 05:05 PM

Re Milinikovic-Savic: the guy is a CM, I don't see how he could have been Hakan's replacement. And he has a market value of 70M and a contract expiring in 2024. I have better chances of dating Margot Robbie than us signing him anytime soon.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 05:20 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 05:05 PM) *
Re Milinikovic-Savic: the guy is a CM, I don't see how he could have been Hakan's replacement. And he has a market value of 70M and a contract expiring in 2024. I have better chances of dating Margot Robbie than us signing him anytime soon.

I don't see any big teams coming in for him so that market value is very questionable

And he can play a more advanced position, he just doesn't do it at Lazio because of Luis Alberto

Anyway, it's moot as we'd never even attempt to go for a big signing. We're struggling to raise offers above 10m at this point rolleyes.gif

So you're right the chances would be the same as you landing Morgot (we're on a first name basis). biggrin.gif But I mentioned him because I was trying to make a point. That even after getting CL, we're still acting like a bunch of beggars and annoying other clubs. It just p!sses me off so much, and to see Maldini having to do it makes it even worse for me because he should be given complete trust by this management

Leonardo f@cked us over, but Paolo's work speaks for itself

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 07:00 PM

Official line-up same as last week. Krunic again. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 07:45 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 07:00 PM) *
Official line-up same as last week. Krunic again. rolleyes.gif

Pioli....

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 07:56 PM

Leao... I have no words...

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 07:56 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 09:56 PM) *
Leao... I have no words...


How is that pass from Giroud? smile.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 07:57 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 29 2021, 07:56 PM) *
How is that pass from Giroud? smile.gif


Good but Leao should f*ck off! I can't stand this guy. From the first touch tonight I knew he was gonna get on my nerves.

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 07:58 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 09:57 PM) *
Good but Leao should f*ck off! I can't stand this guy. From the first touch tonight I knew he was gonna get on my nerves.


He should have directly finished that. The defending was good.

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 07:59 PM

TONALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:00 PM

It's funny to watch Milan for free on youtube...

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:00 PM

It's funny to watch Milan for free on youtube...

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:03 PM

Oh no..Mike should be getting to that.

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:04 PM

*** goal lol, what the hell is this match.

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:12 PM

Excellent. Giroud.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 08:14 PM

3 goals in 24 minutes. Would have never guessed...

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 08:36 PM

Good first half. I think 4-1 is a bit excessive (free kick goal, lucky Brahim bounce, asinine hands of Strootman), but nevertheless we pushed and created, so I think it's deserved.

We need to keep the brainfart moments in defence to a bare minimum. Their goal was unforgivable.

PS: I love Tonali.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 08:37 PM

Too easy

Although we're a bit too wide open at the back imo. That goal from Cagliari happened because Tomori was running around in midfield and left the back exposed.


Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 08:38 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 08:36 PM) *
Good first half. I think 4-1 is a bit excessive (free kick goal, lucky Brahim bounce, asinine hands of Strootman), but nevertheless we pushed and created, so I think it's deserved.

We need to keep the brainfart moments in defence to a bare minimum. Their goal was unforgivable.

PS: I love Tonali.

Yes agreed re the goal we conceded. It was the same sh!t last week against Samp. Everyone all over the place. It's almost too frenetic at certain points. We just need to calm down a bit on and off the ball, especially in dangerous areas

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 08:41 PM

What I have noticed though is that although the intensity is a bit too all over the place at times rather than concentrated, this is probably the fittest the team's looked all year. Last season it was like we never were really able to get to peek physical shape, and all the games kept rolling in non stop. Then the injuries kept happening and we limped through the season.

Now, after a proper pre-season we look much fitter

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 08:43 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 29 2021, 08:37 PM) *
Too easy

Although we're a bit too wide open at the back imo. That goal from Cagliari happened because Tomori was running around in midfield and left the back exposed.


Yes, we're too wide open at the back. Every time Cagliari attack I feel like they might score.

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:46 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 10:43 PM) *
Yes, we're too wide open at the back. Every time Cagliari attack I feel like they might score.


True, I hope we find the right balance. Let's not forget our starting mids, Bennacer and Kessie are not playing. They are really responsible for organizing the team.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 08:47 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 08:43 PM) *
Yes, we're too wide open at the back. Every time Cagliari attack I feel like they might score.

Playing both Krunic and Tonali in front of defence is part of the reason there imo. Both want to move the ball forward and it's leaving the defence a bit exposed. The other part has to do with the fact that we're playing like a bunch of excited kids.

We need to control these types of games better imo. We saw it last week against Samp, we're seeing it again today. Very rushed, f@ckin about with the ball in dangerous areas and generally taking too many unnecessary risks.

Also, I know you got on Leao's case earlier but he's been good imo.

Same goes with Alexis. Love this guy. If only he can start scoring and assisting regularly he's be a quality player

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:47 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 10:36 PM) *
Good first half. I think 4-1 is a bit excessive (free kick goal, lucky Brahim bounce, asinine hands of Strootman), but nevertheless we pushed and created, so I think it's deserved.

We need to keep the brainfart moments in defence to a bare minimum. Their goal was unforgivable.

PS: I love Tonali.


Tonali is really something isn't he. Something seemed to have clicked in his brain. Last year, I think he was too drained mentally, he spoke about it in one interview. It was hard for him in a new team and also the loan situation and not knowing if it will be resolved.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 08:49 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 29 2021, 08:46 PM) *
True, I hope we find the right balance. Let's not forget our starting mids, Bennacer and Kessie are not playing. They are really responsible for organizing the team.

This

We miss the generals in front of the defence.

Tonali has been top notch and I can't complain about Krunic either as he hasn't done anything wrong. But both are generally CMs who like to advance the ball. And it is leaving us a bit exposed for sure

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:49 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 29 2021, 10:47 PM) *
Playing both Krunic and Tonali in front of defence is part of the reason there imo. Both want to move the ball forward and it's leaving the defence a bit exposed. The other part has to do with the fact that we're playing like a bunch of excited kids.

We need to control these types of games better imo. We saw it last week against Samp, we're seeing it again today. Very rushed, f@ckin about with the ball in dangerous areas and generally taking too many unnecessary risks.

Also, I know you got on Leao's case earlier but he's been good imo.

Same goes with Alexis. Love this guy. If only he can start scoring and assisting regularly he's be a quality player


The work-rate of Alexis is second to none.

I'm a bit puzzled about the defence too, last year it was our strongest asset. Like you said it has to do with the Tonali-Krunic duo. Bakayoko will solve that. wink.gif

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 08:51 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 29 2021, 08:47 PM) *
Tonali is really something isn't he. Something seemed to have clicked in his brain. Last year, I think he was too drained mentally, he spoke about it in one interview. It was hard for him in a new team and also the loan situation and not knowing if it will be resolved.

Agreed. Great first 2 games. I want to see more from him, but when Kessie and Benna are back they have to start ahead of him.

Makes me wish we can change to a 3-man midfield tbh, even though I favour the 4-2-3-1. It's just a shame someone will have to miss out. Bakayoko as well who was top notch when he was with us

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:57 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 29 2021, 10:51 PM) *
Agreed. Great first 2 games. I want to see more from him, but when Kessie and Benna are back they have to start ahead of him.

Makes me wish we can change to a 3-man midfield tbh, even though I favour the 4-2-3-1. It's just a shame someone will have to miss out. Bakayoko as well who was top notch when he was with us


That's depth. smile.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Aug 29 2021, 08:58 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Aug 29 2021, 11:00 PM) *
It's funny to watch Milan for free on youtube...


It is isn't it, goes to show TV rights are not even in demand, good for us though biggrin.gif


Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 08:59 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Aug 29 2021, 10:58 PM) *
It is isn't it, goes to show TV rights are not even in demand, good for us though biggrin.gif


Yes! biggrin.gif

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 09:04 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 29 2021, 10:41 PM) *
What I have noticed though is that although the intensity is a bit too all over the place at times rather than concentrated, this is probably the fittest the team's looked all year. Last season it was like we never were really able to get to peek physical shape, and all the games kept rolling in non stop. Then the injuries kept happening and we limped through the season.

Now, after a proper pre-season we look much fitter


Let's not forget it's our first time playing in the San Siro with fans since a long time. Players must be hyped up.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 09:44 PM

Second half of pure administration though we could have easily scored the 5th. I think we still need to work on our end product a lot. Sometimes we move the ball well but then f*ck everything up with the last couple of passes.

Very positive game overall. Giroud was good. I like his movements and touches, and he's shown great desire thus far. I remember in an interview he said he still feels like a 20 year old so that's a good thing.

Now NT break, next 3 games will be death. Lazio at home, Liverpool away and Juventus away.

Posted by: William405 Aug 29 2021, 09:46 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 11:44 PM) *
Second half of pure administration though we could have easily scored the 5th. I think we still need to work on our end product a lot. Sometimes we move the ball well but then f*ck everything up with the last couple of passes.

Very positive game overall. Giroud was good. I like his movements and touches, and he's shown great desire thus far. I remember in an interview he said he still feels like a 20 year old so that's a good thing.

Now NT break, next 3 games will be death. Lazio at home, Liverpool away and Juventus away.


Wow, the next three games will be tough, but also exciting. Forza Milan!

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 09:46 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 09:44 PM) *
Second half of pure administration though we could have easily scored the 5th. I think we still need to work on our end product a lot. Sometimes we move the ball well but then f*ck everything up with the last couple of passes.

Very positive game overall. Giroud was good. I like his movements and touches, and he's shown great desire thus far. I remember in an interview he said he still feels like a 20 year old so that's a good thing.

Now NT break, next 3 games will be death. Lazio at home, Liverpool away and Juventus away.

Don't have any expectations for that Liverpool game tbh. Just want the 3 points against Lazio and Juve. We should be able to do it imo. Especially with Kessie and Bennacer back; maybe Zlatan too.

How Pioli managed Zlatan and Oli G. will tell us a lot imo

Games are going to be coming in thick and fast after this break. Pioli needs to rotate well to keep everyone happy and in good condition

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 09:47 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Aug 29 2021, 09:46 PM) *
Don't have any expectations for that Liverpool game tbh. Just want the 3 points against Lazio and Juve. We should be able to do it imo. Especially with Kessie and Bennacer back


It's not about having expectations, it's about returning in the CL after 7 years and showing we're still AC Milan. Whether we win, draw or lose is another matter.

Posted by: han2503 Aug 29 2021, 09:51 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 09:47 PM) *
It's not about having expectations, it's about returning in the CL after 7 years and showing we're still AC Milan. Whether we win, draw or lose is another matter.

True, but I'd personally much prefer we concentrate on the two hugely important league games tbh. Liverpool at Anfield is going to be difficult. Obviously I want to see us put in a good and respectable display. I think in the games against Liverpool most especially we have to sit deep and just hit them on the breaks. They struggle against that type of setup as they don't come up against it too often in the EPL

Wouldn't be surprised if Pioli switched to a 3-4-3 or 4-5-1 setup

the worst thing we could do against them is play an open game or try to play a high press

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 10:11 PM

I've noticed that Brahim tends to sort of disappear in the second half. He starts great and with much intensity, but then by the hour mark he's sort of gone AWOL. Probably hasn't the best of stamina I assume.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 29 2021, 10:18 PM

By the way, looks like the second goal was assigned to Leao. Why? Brahim made the final touch. Like Pippo in Athens. Have the rules changed or something?

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Aug 30 2021, 05:42 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 29 2021, 11:18 PM) *
By the way, looks like the second goal was assigned to Leao. Why? Brahim made the final touch. Like Pippo in Athens. Have the rules changed or something?

Ununtentional deflection and initial shot was on target as per what i read. Although thought this was more for own goals

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 30 2021, 10:47 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Aug 30 2021, 12:11 AM) *
I've noticed that Brahim tends to sort of disappear in the second half. He starts great and with much intensity, but then by the hour mark he's sort of gone AWOL. Probably hasn't the best of stamina I assume.

That's one of the problems we have. Leao tends to disappear as well. Rebić seems completely off as well.

Posted by: X-Offender Aug 30 2021, 12:31 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Aug 30 2021, 10:47 AM) *
That's one of the problems we have. Leao tends to disappear as well. Rebić seems completely off as well.


Maybe also cos we dropped the tempo significantly in the second half.

I think Rebic's problem is psychological. He seems very tense. He should be more relaxed and have faith in his abilities.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Aug 31 2021, 02:45 PM

Sure is. Look what kind of meltdown he achieved with Croatia at the Euro. But he lost immense credit in my book.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 1 2021, 07:04 PM

Krunic got injured calf injury, unavailable for even bench for bosnia.

These international breaks and injures are always scary

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 2 2021, 01:37 PM

Fixtures until the NT break in October:

12 Sept - Milan-Lazio
15 Sept - Liverpool-Milan
19 Sept - Juventus-Milan
22 Sept - Milan-Venezia
25 Sept - Spezia-Milan
28 Sept - Milan-Atletico
3 Oct - Atalanta-Milan

Death.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 2 2021, 02:57 PM

Giroud is covid positive... No flipping break for us..



Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 2 2021, 03:13 PM

Better now then later.

Posted by: William405 Sep 2 2021, 03:25 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 2 2021, 05:13 PM) *
Better now then later.



Exactly.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 2 2021, 03:48 PM

Conti, Castillejo and Pellegri not included in the Champions League group stage list by Pioli.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 4 2021, 07:27 AM

Read that Tonali had a great game for u21s. Two assists and overall great display. I am looking forward to see him this season. Hopefully will make real progress this season

Posted by: han2503 Sep 4 2021, 09:25 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 2 2021, 03:13 PM) *
Better now then later.

True, but I hope we don't have similar luck as we did last season with Covid cases... I ready somewhere that our entire squad is vaccinated. Don't know if Giroud was yet or not but we need better luck with Covid and injuries this season. It could easily mean +/- 10 points if we have similar absences as we did last season. Although we do have better depth in midfield and defence this time around.

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 4 2021, 07:27 AM) *
Read that Tonali had a great game for u21s. Two assists and overall great display. I am looking forward to see him this season. Hopefully will make real progress this season

If we have to sell Kessie then he has to be ready. Unfortunately this is how we're going to have to operate for now. We cannot keep players who are demanding astronomical money so their replacement has to always be at the ready.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 5 2021, 12:26 PM

La Gazzetta is running this story that Pioli is amending the formation to acvomidate Tonali, Bennacer and Kessie at the same time, as three midfielders. With each alternating between defense and offense tasks.

Think if this is done, it's a way to ease in Adli into the formation when he returns.

Bakayoko and Krunic as the subs.

P.S. Bakayoko could be the Kessie alternative incase the later is sold/moves on for free.

Posted by: William405 Sep 5 2021, 01:42 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Sep 5 2021, 02:26 PM) *
La Gazzetta is running this story that Pioli is amending the formation to acvomidate Tonali, Bennacer and Kessie at the same time, as three midfielders. With each alternating between defense and offense tasks.

Think if this is done, it's a way to ease in Adli into the formation when he returns.

Bakayoko and Krunic as the subs.

P.S. Bakayoko could be the Kessie alternative incase the later is sold/moves on for free.


Interesting, would the formation be a 4-3-3? What would happen to Diaz? Where would he play?

Posted by: han2503 Sep 5 2021, 02:05 PM

can't see Pioli actually switching the system. Sure he's trying out different things but he's not going to deviate from something that clearly works for all his players. Just like he's not going to play 4-4-2 with Ibra and Giroud up front

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 5 2021, 02:22 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 5 2021, 02:05 PM) *
can't see Pioli actually switching the system. Sure he's trying out different things but he's not going to deviate from something that clearly works for all his players. Just like he's not going to play 4-4-2 with Ibra and Giroud up front


+1

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 5 2021, 04:33 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 5 2021, 04:42 PM) *
Interesting, would the formation be a 4-3-3? What would happen to Diaz? Where would he play?


Don't think Diaz is instrumental in the formation.

Think the goto tactic is his 4231, but the same could be modified from game to game, and within the modification he could have his 3 midfielders there. OR insert all three players in the 4231.

I find it rather interesting, especially given Adli coming in.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 6 2021, 09:28 AM

Isn't Adli still at Bordeaux?

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 6 2021, 10:51 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 6 2021, 09:28 AM) *
Isn't Adli still at Bordeaux?


Yes.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 7 2021, 05:28 PM

Well now that this is settled, I don't think Pioli is having Adli in mind when and if he changes our formation. I don't think anyone at Milan is thinking that far ahead.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 9 2021, 08:30 AM

The curva won't be present in Liverpool, as the UK authorities are enforcing strict measure to curtail spread of covid.

As such, the only Milan fans able to attend would be those who reside in the UK, or are on the UK's Green list to enter. (Amber listed countries need to quarantine for 2 weeks in the UK)

So sad. But then again, Italy played the Euro finals in Wembly with 1000 fans from Italy against a stadium with 68000 fans. (but Liverpool are not England and Milan not Italy).

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 10 2021, 06:34 PM

Serie A back tomorrow, Lazio will be a tough test ahead of the CL fixture with Liverpool.

One thing in concerned about is rotation and the freshness of debuting against Liverpool two days after the Lazio fixture.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 10 2021, 08:14 PM

Giroud tested negative to Covid and will return training with the team tomorrow.

Posted by: William405 Sep 11 2021, 02:08 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 10 2021, 10:14 PM) *
Giroud tested negative to Covid and will return training with the team tomorrow.


Yeah, he won't feature in the Lazio game though.

Posted by: William405 Sep 11 2021, 08:39 PM

Juventus lost against Napoli. Atalanta currently losing against Fiorentina.

This Lazio game will be very important for our momentum in the coming games.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 11 2021, 09:51 PM

Probable line-up: Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Romagnoli, Theo; Kessie, Tonali; Florenzi, Brahim, Leao; Rebic.

Ibra doesn't have the full 90 minutes, so it's probable he'll start from the bench. Bennacer, Kjaer and Alexis will rest due to their national team engagements.

Not too happy with Florenzi as RW, I hope this doesn't become a recurring thing for Pioli. He should be Calabria's back up and only play there if we need more defensive commitment.

Posted by: William405 Sep 11 2021, 11:31 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 11 2021, 11:51 PM) *
Probable line-up: Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Romagnoli, Theo; Kessie, Tonali; Florenzi, Brahim, Leao; Rebic.

Ibra doesn't have the full 90 minutes, so it's probable he'll start from the bench. Bennacer, Kjaer and Alexis will rest due to their national team engagements.

Not too happy with Florenzi as RW, I hope this doesn't become a recurring thing for Pioli. He should be Calabria's back up and only play there if we need more defensive commitment.


Not ideal...

Posted by: William405 Sep 11 2021, 11:31 PM

https://youtu.be/Q_0WzZBGdAs

In love with Giacinti 🥰🥰🥰

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 01:30 PM

Inter just drew away to samp 2-2

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 01:38 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 12 2021, 03:30 PM) *
Inter just drew away to samp 2-2



Yep smile.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 12 2021, 04:28 PM

After the first two weeks I feel Lazio have shown they're the most in form team at the moment. It's going to be very tough, I wouldn't exclude a loss. But here's to hoping. FORZA MILAN!

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 05:17 PM

I just hope Tonali comes back.. Although not looking good

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 12 2021, 05:41 PM

Leao's end product is absolutely terrible.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 05:43 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 12 2021, 06:41 PM) *
Leao's end product is absolutely terrible.

Its beyond terrible, its not even a product.

I doubt we will be able to continue woth this pressing as well next half

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 05:48 PM

We get credit for this as we pumped him up with our comments smile.gif

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 05:48 PM

**** them, dirty players

Leaooo

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 05:49 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 12 2021, 07:48 PM) *
We get credit for this as we pumped him up with our comments smile.gif



You guys focus too much about him.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 05:51 PM

That's a PK?

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 05:52 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 12 2021, 07:51 PM) *
That's a PK?


100 percent

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 05:54 PM

Wtf

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 05:54 PM

Oh man...Kessie

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 05:56 PM

I just hope we don't lose concentration in 2nd half. I cam sense a red for them despise the pk miss we still have good chance of a positive result

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 05:58 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 12 2021, 07:56 PM) *
I just hope we don't lose concentration in 2nd half. I cam sense a red for them despise the pk miss we still have good chance of a positive result


They have been super dirty.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 12 2021, 05:59 PM

I have absolutely no clue why Kessie is our penalty taker. I've always felt that he doesn't know how to take a penalty. He always gambles with his tactic a la Jorginho by shooting while looking at the GK, and most of his shots are appalling as a result.

The penalty taker should be someone who takes a look at the goal and then kicks with strength and decisiveness in bottom or upper corner. Theo and Rebic for example would be great penalty takers.

What a wasted opportunity. Look at Lazio now take home the game in the second half. FFS...

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 06:02 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 12 2021, 07:59 PM) *
I have absolutely no clue why Kessie is our penalty taker. I've always felt that he doesn't know how to take a penalty. He always gambles with his tactic a la Jorginho by shooting while looking at the GK, and most of his shots are appalling as a result.

The penalty taker should be someone who takes a look at the goal and then kicks with strength and decisiveness in bottom or upper corner. Theo and Rebic for example would be great penalty takers.

What a wasted opportunity. Look at Lazio now take home the game in the second half. FFS...


I had so much hopes up on this penalty.

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 06:08 PM

We need to asap get the renewal of Kessie done. He doesn't seem clear headed.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 06:32 PM

Ibraaaa

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 06:33 PM

Fantastic pass from Tonali

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 06:33 PM

So good play by rebic not only the goal but overall whole game

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 06:34 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 12 2021, 07:33 PM) *
Fantastic pass from Tonali

You know he is really turning it on and will be giving a lot of headaches to the coach on team selection

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 06:36 PM

Bakayoko terrible

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 12 2021, 06:37 PM

FFS Bakayoko is losing every single ball!!!

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 06:38 PM

Calabria with a Maldini like tackle wink.gif

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 06:38 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 12 2021, 08:37 PM) *
FFS Bakayoko is losing every single ball!!!



Terrible, now he is injured.

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 06:39 PM

Krunic is better.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 06:40 PM

He is going off...

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 06:42 PM

I will say it now, Calabria is a world class defender.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 06:50 PM

Are we playing 5 defenders or this fode bollo can play midfield?

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 06:59 PM

FT, great win.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 12 2021, 07:01 PM

Excellent game. Defensively we were brilliant keeping in mind that kjaer was not playing.

Rebic was great and its just the depth appears to be much better this season. Great game from theo and Tonali as well

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 12 2021, 07:10 PM

A solid performance, both defensive and offensive.

The midfield was amazing tonight, as was the wide players.

Bring on Liverpool! devil.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 12 2021, 07:15 PM

I really don't get our last 15 minutes. I know we were trying to kill the game, but we were basically inviting Lazio into our own half the entire time. One slip up, one good pass and we risk conceding. We should be keeping ball possession, not allowing it to Lazio. It's not like we were winning 5-0 or something.

That aside, really good game. Lazio are usually a very nasty side but we completely annulled them. They basically had no chances to score.

I think Pioli has done a top notch work with relation to defence. We're very solid, very compact and organised. Set aside the usual brain farts from Theo or someone else, we know how to defend.

What needs improvement is the attacking aspect. We simply waste too many good opportunities and too many counter-attacks. That final touch is very often incorrect.

Great match from Rebic, I'd start him on the left against Liverpool. Leao could be useful in the second half.

Brahim was the only one absent today. Completely anonymous game. I simply wonder what we'd do if we had a top class AM, and RW as well (although Alexis is not bad).

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 08:18 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 12 2021, 09:15 PM) *
I really don't get our last 15 minutes. I know we were trying to kill the game, but we were basically inviting Lazio into our own half the entire time. One slip up, one good pass and we risk conceding. We should be keeping ball possession, not allowing it to Lazio. It's not like we were winning 5-0 or something.

That aside, really good game. Lazio are usually a very nasty side but we completely annulled them. They basically had no chances to score.

I think Pioli has done a top notch work with relation to defence. We're very solid, very compact and organised. Set aside the usual brain farts from Theo or someone else, we know how to defend.

What needs improvement is the attacking aspect. We simply waste too many good opportunities and too many counter-attacks. That final touch is very often incorrect.

Great match from Rebic, I'd start him on the left against Liverpool. Leao could be useful in the second half.

Brahim was the only one absent today. Completely anonymous game. I simply wonder what we'd do if we had a top class AM, and RW as well (although Alexis is not bad).


Fully agreed there.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 12 2021, 08:54 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 12 2021, 04:28 PM) *
After the first two weeks I feel Lazio have shown they're the most in form team at the moment. It's going to be very tough, I wouldn't exclude a loss. But here's to hoping. FORZA MILAN!

Obviously I'm commenting on this in hind sight. But they beat 2 Serie B sides. I think the hype with Lazio is a bit too bloated and I was confident going into this tbh

I'm more interested to see what we do next week against Juve after coming back from Liverpool. Because this is the key here. How Pioli uses the excellent depth he's been afforded by the management. We might have dropped the ball in the attacking mid recruitment. But you have to admit that we addressed all the holes we were faced with last season in terms of squad depth.

And personally. Looking at our current midfield options I'm going to be bullish and say that Pioli will find a way to utilise either Tonali or Bennacer as a makeshift AM in difficult games. They have all th tools to be able to play that position imo.

Tonali has been seriously impressive. Bennacer was good when he came on as well.

Bakayoko looked a bit lost imo but it appears he got knocked on that ankle very quickly after he came on not to mention the yellow. I think he'll need some time to get into the rhythm with this Milan side seeing as it's almost completely different to the one he left 2 years ago.

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 12 2021, 07:01 PM) *
Excellent game. Defensively we were brilliant keeping in mind that kjaer was not playing.

Rebic was great and its just the depth appears to be much better this season. Great game from theo and Tonali as well

This. Pioli has a lot of options. The midfield imo is where we are the strongest. Especially once Baka starts to click with the team.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 12 2021, 07:15 PM) *
I really don't get our last 15 minutes. I know we were trying to kill the game, but we were basically inviting Lazio into our own half the entire time. One slip up, one good pass and we risk conceding. We should be keeping ball possession, not allowing it to Lazio. It's not like we were winning 5-0 or something.

That aside, really good game. Lazio are usually a very nasty side but we completely annulled them. They basically had no chances to score.

I think Pioli has done a top notch work with relation to defence. We're very solid, very compact and organised. Set aside the usual brain farts from Theo or someone else, we know how to defend.

What needs improvement is the attacking aspect. We simply waste too many good opportunities and too many counter-attacks. That final touch is very often incorrect.

Great match from Rebic, I'd start him on the left against Liverpool. Leao could be useful in the second half.

Brahim was the only one absent today. Completely anonymous game. I simply wonder what we'd do if we had a top class AM, and RW as well (although Alexis is not bad).

Rebic is a big game player, not to mention his chemistry with Theo is much better than Leao's. That being said. I've been impressed with how Leao has started the season. Much more committed to working both on and off the ball. I think as with Tonali, this is going to be breakout year for him

Against Liverpool I'd really like to see us explore other formation options for a more compact set-up which is capable of breaking on quick counters. I personally wouldn't play Diaz against Liverpool.

We need to be aggressive against them and Diaz, while capable of great moments even when having a quiet game as he was today, tends to struggle in physical match ups.

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 09:46 PM

Roma will be the surprise of the season IMO

Surely, not as good as us, we have a much better defence and midfield.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 12 2021, 09:57 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 12 2021, 09:46 PM) *
Roma will be the surprise of the season IMO

Surely, not as good as us, we have a much better defence and midfield.


Roma are very shaky defensively. They leave acres of spaces to their opponents. Sassuolo were always exposing them in the first half (didn't watch the second).

Posted by: William405 Sep 12 2021, 10:54 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 12 2021, 11:57 PM) *
Roma are very shaky defensively. They leave acres of spaces to their opponents. Sassuolo were always exposing them in the first half (didn't watch the second).



They did also expose them in the second half too. Sassuolo were unlucky and did score a late goal too, but it was called offside.

In surprise of the season, I mean they might finish 4 th place.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 13 2021, 12:12 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 12 2021, 08:54 PM) *
Against Liverpool I'd really like to see us explore other formation options for a more compact set-up which is capable of breaking on quick counters. I personally wouldn't play Diaz against Liverpool.

We need to be aggressive against them and Diaz, while capable of great moments even when having a quiet game as he was today, tends to struggle in physical match ups.


Yeah, but if you wanna break on counters you need Diaz. I think 4-2-3-1 is compact enough since everyone seems to understand their duties well. Even Leao was tracking back a lot last night.

I think we should go with the same formation. My only doubts are Tonali or Bennacer and Rebic or Leao.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 14 2021, 09:41 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 13 2021, 12:12 PM) *
Yeah, but if you wanna break on counters you need Diaz. I think 4-2-3-1 is compact enough since everyone seems to understand their duties well. Even Leao was tracking back a lot last night.

I think we should go with the same formation. My only doubts are Tonali or Bennacer and Rebic or Leao.

I'd personally choose Bennacer and Leao yo start at this point. We can always switch it around. Alexis on the right will also be hugely improtant

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 14 2021, 01:22 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 14 2021, 09:41 AM) *
I'd personally choose Bennacer and Leao yo start at this point. We can always switch it around. Alexis on the right will also be hugely improtant


Yeah, but Tonali is our most in form player right now (although he had intestinal problems last night and today apparently he didn't train, but his presence for tomorrow in not in doubt).

On the other hand, I rate Bennacer too much, probably more than anyone on this forum. I'd start him in every game. And Kessie is too important to be left on the bench for these kind of games.

But at least now we have choices, which is always a good thing and something we sorely missed last season. Even in attack, Giroud has recovered so Pioli can choose between him and Zlatan. Leao and Rebic is another 50/50. And we have to wait on Messias as well, which I'm hopeful will turn out to be a surprise.

Bottom line, if we don't have injuries, and if our players perform at their best, then we can put up a performance against anyone. Not saying we can beat Liverpool or we're better than them, but we're competitive enough for a decent challenge. And in the league I don't see any other team superior to us right now.

In other news, Bakayoko will return in October from his injury.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 14 2021, 01:34 PM

Zlatan will miss tomorrow's game due to some pain in the Achilles tendon.

F%$#K! realmad.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 15 2021, 05:43 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 12 2021, 01:30 PM) *
Inter just drew away to samp 2-2


Forgot to to reply to this.

I watched the game and it was another mediocre performance by Capanoglu after Verona in the second week. He did only one good thing, when he recovered the ball which initiated the counter for Inter's second goal (which looked like a foul nevertheless), but other than that he was crap. Many misplaced passes and little involvement in Inter's play overall. Typical Capanoglu performance that when the team is having a tough day he vanishes from the radar.

This was the second game in a row he got the lowest rating from newspapers. And I will say, I'm glad we got rid of him. Yes, his departure gave us a headache and in the end maybe we didn't sign a proper replacement, but I'll take Brahim over this kebbabaro traitor any day of the week.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 15 2021, 07:41 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 15 2021, 05:43 PM) *
Forgot to to reply to this.

I watched the game and it was another mediocre performance by Capanoglu after Verona in the second week. He did only one good thing, when he recovered the ball which initiated the counter for Inter's second goal (which looked like a foul nevertheless), but other than that he was crap. Many misplaced passes and little involvement in Inter's play overall. Typical Capanoglu performance that when the team is having a tough day he vanishes from the radar.

This was the second game in a row he got the lowest rating from newspapers. And I will say, I'm glad we got rid of him. Yes, his departure gave us a headache and in the end maybe we didn't sign a proper replacement, but I'll take Brahim over this kebbabaro traitor any day of the week.

Should have been called back. He barged into Damsgaard's back. It wasn't shoulder to shoulder

But yeah, Inter were average and lucky to get out of there with a point

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 18 2021, 12:11 PM

Calabria out injured vs Juve.

Great, looks like our injury plague has already started. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 18 2021, 01:02 PM

Notable absentees are Zlatan, Calabria and most likely Giroud.

This means we reply on Rebic and Leao for the attack, not sure if that is enough to penetrate Juve.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 18 2021, 01:39 PM

Giroud officially out as well due to low back pain.

rolleyes.gif

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 18 2021, 04:40 PM

Wow soo many injuries.. I was confident for this game but it will be difficult now.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 18 2021, 05:01 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 18 2021, 04:40 PM) *
Wow soo many injuries.. I was confident for this game but it will be difficult now.


In all honesty nothing changes for me, only Florenzi for Calabria. Otherwise it will be the same line-up that defeated Lazio last week, so we have to go in for the win.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 18 2021, 06:16 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 18 2021, 06:40 PM) *
Wow soo many injuries.. I was confident for this game but it will be difficult now.

Well, Zlatan... I don't think we'll see him play regularly anymore. Perhaps one or two last hurrah goals but nothing more. Giroud will be missed as a solid bench option.

Inter destroying Bologna. Not that Bologna is a good team, but anyway, they seem to be playing very well. One would never guess they've lost 2 key players and their scudetto winning coach. Gosh if they manage to win the second star, I'd be really pissed.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 18 2021, 06:55 PM

In all honesty Bologna were beyond terrible.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 19 2021, 08:02 AM

Maignan has a wrist problem and will not be playing tonight.

Milan are missing 6 players in total to injuries/fitness; Ibra, Giroud, Messias, Calabria, Bakayoko, and now Maignan.

Not too sure how this game will go anymore.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 12:50 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Sep 18 2021, 01:02 PM) *
Notable absentees are Zlatan, Calabria and most likely Giroud.

This means we reply on Rebic and Leao for the attack, not sure if that is enough to penetrate Juve.

Well Rebic will be up for it so the attack doesn't worry me so much. Maignan and Calabria being out is more worrying

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 18 2021, 05:01 PM) *
In all honesty nothing changes for me, only Florenzi for Calabria. Otherwise it will be the same line-up that defeated Lazio last week, so we have to go in for the win.

Agreed

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 18 2021, 06:16 PM) *
Well, Zlatan... I don't think we'll see him play regularly anymore. Perhaps one or two last hurrah goals but nothing more. Giroud will be missed as a solid bench option.

Inter destroying Bologna. Not that Bologna is a good team, but anyway, they seem to be playing very well. One would never guess they've lost 2 key players and their scudetto winning coach. Gosh if they manage to win the second star, I'd be really pissed.

Bologna, Genoa, Salarnitana, Venezia, etc. All these sides or going to be big whipping boys for the big teams. Inter were pretty awful against Samp who are a decent mid-table side. But this is part of the problem with this leaue, there is a huge gap between the top 10 sides in the league compared to the rest. It's why I think it's going to be very difficult this season to get top 4 because most of the top 6 sides will steamroll the rest of the league barring some exceptions against teams like Samp, Sassuolo, Udine, etc

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Sep 19 2021, 08:02 AM) *
Maignan has a wrist problem and will not be playing tonight.

Milan are missing 6 players in total to injuries/fitness; Ibra, Giroud, Messias, Calabria, Bakayoko, and now Maignan.

Not too sure how this game will go anymore.

FFS!!

I spent all summer harping on about the biggest investment we could make to the team would be an overhaul of the fitness department!!

We've barely started the season and already we have important players out. WTF is going on at Milanello?? Giroud spends a few weeks at Milanello and he's already injured when he was barely ever out at Chelsea. Bakayoko spends 2 minutes on the pitch, injured, Ibra, same.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 01:53 PM

Maignan is not out yet, most sources have him starting.

In all honesty I don't blame the fitness team that much this time around, mainly because most of the problems are not muscular in nature.

Only Calabria's problems may fall upon the fitness team. We're just unlucky.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 02:01 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 19 2021, 01:53 PM) *
Maignan is not out yet, most sources have him starting.

In all honesty I don't blame the fitness team that much this time around, mainly because most of the problems are not muscular in nature.
  • Maignan hurt his wrist while stopping Salah's penalty;
  • Krunic got injured while on NT duty;
  • Bakayoko was barely with us before his debut;
  • Messias was completely out of shape when we signed him;
  • Giroud has back pain;
  • Zlatan is an obvious case given his age.
Only Calabria's problems may fall upon the fitness team. We're just unlucky.

Last season we were unlucky, this season we're the boy who cried wolf.

And yes, most of these are just knocks, but I have no confidence that once we get to January/February, that the team won't simply collapse physically as they did last season which is what cost us the title imo


I'm still confident going into this Juve game, but just barely. Losing both Calabria and Maignan would be a huge blow. Let's hope you're right and Maignan starts because Tata is a liability

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 02:05 PM

There's also rumours of Tomori playing at RB because Florenzi is not in his best conditions. Which I believe. He's been awful thus far, even for the Azzurri. All these players that were bound to leave their clubs (Florenzi, Bakayoko, Messias, Pellegri) were completely out of shape when we signed them.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 02:11 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 19 2021, 02:05 PM) *
There's also rumours of Tomori playing at RB because Florenzi is not in his best conditions. Which I believe. He's been awful thus far, even for the Azzurri. All these players that were bound to leave their clubs (Florenzi, Bakayoko, Messias, Pellegri) were completely out of shape when we signed them.

Were they even training with their respective Clubs?

Taking Tomori out of the CB partnership is worrying as he's our safety net at the back with his pace.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 04:45 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 19 2021, 02:11 PM) *
Were they even training with their respective Clubs?


I know for a fact that Bakayoko was training by himself, because players not part of the project generally don't train with the rest of the squad. I assume it was the same for Messias and the rest.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 07:51 PM

Typical Theo brainfart. What's new...

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 07:59 PM

We look disjointed.

This Tomori on the right move has hurt us

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:05 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 19 2021, 07:59 PM) *
We look disjointed.

This Tomori on the right move has hurt us


Exactly what I was about to say. We look weird. Can't make our minds whether we're playing with a 3 or 4 man defence.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 19 2021, 08:05 PM

My tv subscription expired.. Seems like not missing much

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 08:05 PM

WTF are we doing???

Looking completely lost out there

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:05 PM

Romagnoli's passing is terrible.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 08:06 PM

And why play Romagnoli anyway?? After that f@cker of an agent of his said he's going to Juve of all teams??


Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 08:07 PM

Take Romagnoli off now!

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:11 PM

We're terrible.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 08:13 PM

You have to question Pioli's judgement once again here.

Why are we experimenting in this game FFS?? Why play Romagnoli after Raiola's comments??

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:16 PM

Saelemaekers has shown in these two games what a limited player he is.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:20 PM

Kjaer out. F*ck.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 08:21 PM

And now we've lost Kjaer as well...

Just great

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:25 PM

Brahim is starting to get on my nerves with his excessive possession.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 19 2021, 08:34 PM

We have nothing on the bench to improve the attack unfortunately

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:34 PM

Terrible, terrible first half. We are so static, so disoriented. Whereas Juve are very well organised, now they're just waiting.

Our attacking prowess is next to null. And the fact we have no options on the bench aside from Pellegri is very worrying. Can't see us not losing this one. It has defeat written all over it.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 08:35 PM

Not good enough...

Pioli has to try to change things

We miss a focal point in attack, we're getting overrun in midfield. Just seem out of it

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:39 PM

Hernandez is one of the most overrated players in Serie A. You can't change my mind. He gets lots of recognition for his bursts once in a blue moon, but other than that his contribution is pathetic. And he has massive, massive brainfart moments on a constant basis. Cost us the goal tonight with an incomprehensible pass.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 08:41 PM

Maybe we should try Pellegri and move Rebic to the right. We have nothing to lose here. It's not like Alexis is doing anything anyway

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:42 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 19 2021, 08:35 PM) *
Not good enough...

Pioli has to try to change things

We miss a focal point in attack, we're getting overrun in midfield. Just seem out of it


It's not just that we lack a focal point in attack, but our players are simply too static. Spaces are created by constantly moving, interchanging positions, making runs in the box, yet our players do none of that. They simply pass the ball around hoping for a miracle to happen, while Juve have completely sealed their area. Pathetic.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:42 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 19 2021, 08:41 PM) *
Maybe we should try Pellegri and move Rebic to the right. We have nothing to lose here. It's not like Alexis is doing anything anyway


Alexis is completely clueless.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 08:44 PM

Oh, forgot to mention Kessie. Another horrible performance. He's so slow and clueless when he has the ball. Probably already thinking of his next team.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 08:59 PM

Kalulu cannot cross to save his life!

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:02 PM

Why do we always have to face these numpties with half the team out anyway??!!

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:04 PM

Wtf is Pioli waiting for to make a change???

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 09:06 PM

Florenzi for Saelemaekers and Bennacer for Kessie. Florenzi is gonna be useless.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 19 2021, 09:08 PM

Florenzi is signed as a winger rather than fullback it seems.. Not a good sign

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 09:19 PM

ANTEEEEE!!!

Posted by: William405 Sep 19 2021, 09:19 PM

REBICCC

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:19 PM

REBIC!!!

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:20 PM

January Rebic strikes again!!!

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:20 PM

Thank you Locatelli! Nice marking

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Sep 19 2021, 09:20 PM

Can we win from here?

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:23 PM

QUOTE (CrazyMilanFan @ Sep 19 2021, 09:20 PM) *
Can we win from here?

I think we can and we should

We've been much better than them this second half. Just miss that killer pass in the final third

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:31 PM

F@ckin Sczidasfi man!

What a save

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 09:32 PM

Can't believe Kaulu didn't score there. Should be winning this.

Posted by: William405 Sep 19 2021, 09:34 PM

How is it only 3 minutes, the players spent their time rolling on the ground.

Posted by: William405 Sep 19 2021, 09:35 PM

What the **** is it with the Maldini substitutions

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:36 PM

Juve's tactics are dive and defend FFS and this ref is buying everything

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 09:36 PM

WTF! Why did Pioli sub Maldini in the last minute??? It completely killed our last chance. Are you f*cking kidding me???

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:37 PM

FT

2 points lost here, should have won it. We really miss the quality in the final 3rd.

Calabria was also a big miss

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 09:37 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 19 2021, 09:34 PM) *
How is it only 3 minutes, the players spent their time rolling on the ground.


Very strange. Add to that the very strange Maldini sub, it's almost like someone else decided it was gonna be a draw win the end. Very, very strange...

Posted by: William405 Sep 19 2021, 09:38 PM

Okay result all things considered.

But, I don't know about you guys, but I can't stand watching players like Kessie and Romagnoli in this Milan side, I just don't feel good about it.

Tonali/Diaz did much better in the second half, and Rebic all he could do.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:38 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 19 2021, 09:36 PM) *
WTF! Why did Pioli sub Maldini in the last minute??? It completely killed our last chance. Are you f*cking kidding me???

Nah, come on. We weren't going to score at that point

Juve are an embarrassment btw


Too bad for the first 45 minutes. It hindered our chance to win. Pioli recovered this a bit but we should have won here

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:43 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 19 2021, 09:38 PM) *
Okay result all things considered.

But, I don't know about you guys, but I can't stand watching players like Kessie and Romagnoli in this Milan side, I just don't feel good about it.

Tonali/Diaz did much better in the second half, and Rebic all he could do.

I agree about Kessie and Romagnoli

At least Romagnoli picked it up later on. Kessie is just not himself right now, and at this point I don't want to see him starting anymore if that contract is not signed

He can f@ck right off if he wants to leave for free.

The problem with the first half aside from a lack of concentration was that disjointed formation Pioli put out. Why he decided to play Tomori at RB is beyond me. Why oh why play the 2 slow CBs in the middle. Both Romagnoli and Kjaer play much better next to Tomori. We've known this for months now, so why change things up against Juve? We had the perfect opportunity to scalp them tonight and did not take it.

Theo's switching off is really starting to p!ss me off as well. He needs to stop riding the hype train and concentrate more. Another player that has drank the coolaid a bit too much over these last few months.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 09:46 PM

If we had a decent CF aside from Rebic we would have walked this in the second half. Leao is so inappropriate, Alexis is mediocre, Florenzi shouldn't even be there.

I liked our second half, more in terms of mentality than in terms of overall play. We squashed them in their own half, and should have won if their GK hadn't made the save of his life.

We need to recover our strikers, and Messias. Our attacking game is laughable.

Posted by: William405 Sep 19 2021, 09:47 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 19 2021, 11:43 PM) *
I agree about Kessie and Romagnoli

At least Romagnoli picked it up later on. Kessie is just not himself right now, and at this point I don't want to see him starting anymore if that contract is not signed

He can f@ck right off if he wants to leave for free.

The problem with the first half aside from a lack of concentration was that disjointed formation Pioli put out. Why he decided to play Tomori at RB is beyond me. Why oh why play the 2 slow CBs in the middle. Both Romagnoli and Kjaer play much better next to Tomori. We've known this for months now, so why change things up against Juve? We had the perfect opportunity to scalp them tonight and did not take it.

Theo's switching off is really starting to p!ss me off as well. He needs to stop riding the hype train and concentrate more. Another player that has drank the coolaid a bit too much over these last few months.


Agreed, the tomori experiment was not the good one. We all know Kalulu is dependable in the defensive phase. He should have been starting.

I don't know what it is about Theo, but it's like he's playing at 10 percent capacity. He used to burst with so much pace going forward.

And again with the injuries, we're in deep trouble...

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:47 PM

Aside from switching up the setup which was good. Pioli is seriously disappointing with his subs

Florenzi?? WTF for?? He was never going to change anything. Why not try out Pellegri? Kalulu was good, but his final ball is consistently disappointing.


Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 19 2021, 09:47 PM

All things considered injury semi-crisis, fatigue from Liverpool, and playing away from home at Juve... It was a good result.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 09:51 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 19 2021, 09:43 PM) *
I agree about Kessie and Romagnoli

At least Romagnoli picked it up later on. Kessie is just not himself right now, and at this point I don't want to see him starting anymore if that contract is not signed

He can f@ck right off if he wants to leave for free.

The problem with the first half aside from a lack of concentration was that disjointed formation Pioli put out. Why he decided to play Tomori at RB is beyond me. Why oh why play the 2 slow CBs in the middle. Both Romagnoli and Kjaer play much better next to Tomori. We've known this for months now, so why change things up against Juve? We had the perfect opportunity to scalp them tonight and did not take it.

Theo's switching off is really starting to p!ss me off as well. He needs to stop riding the hype train and concentrate more. Another player that has drank the coolaid a bit too much over these last few months.


Yes, agreed about Pioli's formation. It made no sense. It was awful, the team looked so clueless and disoriented. Why switch to a 3-man defence when we've never played so, in such a difficult game nonetheless? Stupid, stupid, stupid.

And his infatuation with Florenzi RW has got to stop!

We need to play Ballo-Toure and Bennacer in the place of Theo and Kessie against Venezia. These two mofos have to wake the f*ck up!

Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:52 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Sep 19 2021, 09:47 PM) *
All things considered injury semi-crisis, fatigue from Liverpool, and playing away from home at Juve... It was a good result.

But given the second half it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Not signing a proper attacking player who's a proper goal threat, whether that's a RW or an AM, is really going to hurt us. Especially with the injury situation not being sorted at all

Kjaer seemed to have pulled with a muscle issue. So that's 2 players now already with muscle problems. Giroud and Ibra both out at the same time is the dreaded scenario as well


Posted by: han2503 Sep 19 2021, 09:58 PM

WE have Venezia and Spezia in the league now before Atalanta. We have to make sure we get the 6 points in those games going into Atalanta.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 10:25 PM

I expect Kjaer to be out for a month. Tomori and Romagnoli will have to play all games.

I really hope we recover one between Giroud and Zlatan for the next game. And I can't wait to have Rebic as LW again. He's being wasted as CF cos nobody helps him.

Leao tonight was rubbish. Same, old Leao. Lowest mark from Mediaset (5) alongside Kessie.

Alexis is also disappointing me a lot. I thought this year he would improve, but his last couple of games have been terrible.

Once again super performances from Tonali and Tomori.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 19 2021, 11:17 PM

What worries me much is that bar Rebić, Calabria, Tonali, Maignan and Diaz (occasionally) we lack in-form players.

All our top players are out of form. Kessie is painful to watch. Bennacer is mostly horrible as well. Same goes for Hernandez and a bunch of other players.

Secondly, I really wouldn't stretch Ibra for Spezia and Venezia. Let's try this Pellegri guy and maybe Maldini as well (I don't think it was a conspiracy tbh, just that Pioli was satisfied with a draw like all other players seemed to be as well).

Thirdly, once more Milan does not have a plan B and shows little to none flexibility tactical-wise. It's either we play our game or we stop existing and wait for a fluke goal or to be eliminated. We also look disjointed and confused, completely lost from time to time. That makes me worry even more.

Not addressing the main problems of last season: bringing in a quality RW and a additional AM is hurting us already at season start. These will be our top proprieties in January I suppose then.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 11:28 PM

We need more people involved in the attacking midfield (the LW-AM-RW line). That's the key. Only Diaz is the one who's always inspired. Leao is just there jogging and occasionally doing a trick or two. He's very detached. The work Rebic does as LW is incomparable. And on the other side Saelemaekers/Florenzi are too mediocre. Heck, maybe we should give another chance to Castillejo at this point.

Not signing that Faivre kid in the last day really screwed us. I reckon he would have proven to be a very valid RW alternative. Hopefully Messias doesn't disappoint, whenever the hell he's going to be available. What did this guy do the entire summer to be so out of shape? Play video games? Jeez...

I want to see Bennacer-Tonali against Venezia, and Ballo-Toure for Theo. And maybe Pellegri as CF if Giroud or Zlatan are not available. Rebic on the left, please.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 19 2021, 11:33 PM

None of which will happen. Ballo-Toure is horrible and won't play for sure, only if Theo gets injured or super tired. Pioli won't start Benna-Tonali because he wants and muscle man and will always prefer one of Kessie, Bakayoko and Krunić. Rebić will once again start as CF.

Oh, and I'd really keep Ibra fresh for bigger fish to come.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 19 2021, 11:40 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 19 2021, 11:33 PM) *
None of which will happen. Ballo-Toure is horrible and won't play for sure, only if Theo gets injured or super tired. Pioli won't start Benna-Tonali because he wants and muscle man and will always prefer one of Kessie, Bakayoko and Krunić. Rebić will once again start as CF.

Oh, and I'd really keep Ibra fresh for bigger fish to come.


How do you know Ballo-Toure is horrible? He impressed me a lot in pre-season. Theo also has to rest.

And Bennacer-Tonali is very doable, especially against sides like Venezia or Spezia. Let's not forget that both are very aggressive players. In fact, as of right now I'd give as many minutes as possible to Bennacer so he can get back in form. Kessie can warm the bench.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 20 2021, 12:11 AM

Impressive stat: from 95 minutes of game time, only 48 minutes were effective play. The rest were all pauses and interruptions. Goes to show how little the intensity in Serie A is. I doubt in England it would be anything below 70.

Posted by: William405 Sep 20 2021, 06:22 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 20 2021, 02:11 AM) *
Impressive stat: from 95 minutes of game time, only 48 minutes were effective play. The rest were all pauses and interruptions. Goes to show how little the intensity in Serie A is. I doubt in England it would be anything below 70.


Yeah, I'm not surprised, the game was so frustrating to watch. To think the ref barely gave 5 minutes of extratime in total.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 20 2021, 02:36 PM

Looks like Kjaer's injury wasn't serious, so he'll be out for a few days. Probably gonna miss the next two games and return for Atletico I assume. Same for Calabria.

Zlatan has started training by himself again, whereas Giroud could return with the group tomorrow and might be called up for Venezia.

Messias will start in these days the final stage of his personalised training to regain full athletic fitness.

Source: Mediaset

Again, I am very perplexed as to why Messias is so out of shape. I can only assume he never really trained for the whole summer, which is mind-boggling.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 20 2021, 04:16 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 19 2021, 10:25 PM) *
I expect Kjaer to be out for a month. Tomori and Romagnoli will have to play all games.

I really hope we recover one between Giroud and Zlatan for the next game. And I can't wait to have Rebic as LW again. He's being wasted as CF cos nobody helps him.

Leao tonight was rubbish. Same, old Leao. Lowest mark from Mediaset (5) alongside Kessie.

Alexis is also disappointing me a lot. I thought this year he would improve, but his last couple of games have been terrible.

Once again super performances from Tonali and Tomori.

Alexis was good in the first games. Liverpool and Juve were both difficult games for him, but he's still my starting RW for now as there is no one better than him. Samu is not even an option and this Messias guy is imo a wasted signing as he's not going to do what Pioli needs from the RW.

The thing with Leao is that he's the only one who can really burn players with pace. Rebic isn't slow but he doesn't have the acceleration that Leao brings. And yes, he was mediocre yesterday, but he's been pretty good all season, even against Liverpool, the little he got on the ball, he showed quality imo, especially with that assist to Rebic.

With Rebic I just like the chemistry he has with Theo. I just don't know why we can't play one of them on the right and the other on the left... It isn't rocket science. Last season Pioli iced out Hauge because our left side is more stacked than our right side, but he's been scoring regularly for Eintracht while playing as a RW. There is no rule set in stone which says both Leao and Rebic have to play on the left.

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 19 2021, 11:33 PM) *
None of which will happen. Ballo-Toure is horrible and won't play for sure, only if Theo gets injured or super tired. Pioli won't start Benna-Tonali because he wants and muscle man and will always prefer one of Kessie, Bakayoko and Krunić. Rebić will once again start as CF.

Oh, and I'd really keep Ibra fresh for bigger fish to come.

Fillipo, you are too quick to judge. You also said Maignan was nothing special, but so far he's been as impressive as Donnarumma, if not more considering the work he does with the ball at his feet and how quick he is to release it into play.

Ballo-Toure looked good in pre-season and in the game against Cagliari. There is no reason why he cannot start against Venezia or Spezia. Let's see what he can do before we rush to judgement.

The least thing we need is running Theo into the ground and having him out long term.

And I agree that Pioli prefers a more physical profile next to a ball player in the double pivot, but Tonali is no slouch. He is a bit of a hybrid player in the sense that he can play a good ball but also impose himself physically. Bennacer is our best player in terms of someone who can turn and advance the ball forward, plus he's our best playmaker. And if Kessie is no signing that contract, then I don't want to see him on the pitch tbh

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 20 2021, 12:11 AM) *
Impressive stat: from 95 minutes of game time, only 48 minutes were effective play. The rest were all pauses and interruptions. Goes to show how little the intensity in Serie A is. I doubt in England it would be anything below 70.

This game in particular was bad yes, too much play-acting, players throwing themselves on the ground, bickering, just terrible nonsense throughout.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 20 2021, 02:36 PM) *
Looks like Kjaer's injury wasn't serious, so he'll be out for a few days. Probably gonna miss the next two games and return for Atletico I assume. Same for Calabria.

Zlatan has started training by himself again, whereas Giroud could return with the group tomorrow and might be called up for Venezia.

Messias will start in these days the final stage of his personalised training to regain full athletic fitness.

Source: Mediaset

Again, I am very perplexed as to why Messias is so out of shape. I can only assume he never really trained for the whole summer, which is mind-boggling.

Some decent news

This Messias situation gets even more facepalm worthy by the day. Why did we even bother with him?

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 20 2021, 05:29 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 20 2021, 04:16 PM) *
The thing with Leao is that he's the only one who can really burn players with pace. Rebic isn't slow but he doesn't have the acceleration that Leao brings. And yes, he was mediocre yesterday, but he's been pretty good all season, even against Liverpool, the little he got on the ball, he showed quality imo, especially with that assist to Rebic.


But let's be honest, even when he did well against Lazio and Liverpool, it was through flashes rather consistency. And if those flashes don't produce anything, like last night, then Leao's overall contribution becomes null.

I just don't like the guy, he looks very disjointed and detached from the rest of team. And even when he does burn the opponents like you say, in most cases he just kicks the ball forward and beats them via speed rather than technique.

I don't think he has that great of a technique anyway. At his age if he was any good he should be imposing himself throughout the entire match. Guys stinks of Dembele, Niang and similar players if you ask me. Never gonna become any good.

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 20 2021, 04:16 PM) *
This Messias situation gets even more facepalm worthy by the day. Why did we even bother with him?


Let's not jump to conclusions yet. I believe he will surprise us all. It's just this waiting and waiting that's really irking me. A professional football player shouldn't be out of shape when the season starts unless he's been out injured.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 20 2021, 09:18 PM

Unseen images of Messias recovering:


Posted by: han2503 Sep 21 2021, 09:58 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 20 2021, 05:29 PM) *
But let's be honest, even when he did well against Lazio and Liverpool, it was through flashes rather consistency. And if those flashes don't produce anything, like last night, then Leao's overall contribution becomes null.

I just don't like the guy, he looks very disjointed and detached from the rest of team. And even when he does burn the opponents like you say, in most cases he just kicks the ball forward and beats them via speed rather than technique.

I don't think he has that great of a technique anyway. At his age if he was any good he should be imposing himself throughout the entire match. Guys stinks of Dembele, Niang and similar players if you ask me. Never gonna become any good.

A few months ago I would have totally agreed with you but I do believe that we're seeing progress from him this season.

That's the thing with young players, one season you want to strangle them the next they make the leap forward.

The reason we're currently one of the best sides in the league is because a majority of the young players on the squad have made that leap under Pioli's guidance. Calabria, Bennacer, Theo, Kessie, Tonali, Alexis and Brahim have all shown big improvements ever since Pioli took over. Tonali in a completely different player to the one he was last season. Same with Brahim, he's made a huge leap imo. The only thing I'd want further correction on from him is his tendency to hold onto the ball a bit too much. Leao has made improvement compared to last season imo and I do value that turn of pace from him because it's a good outlet for us.

That being said, I love Rebic and what he brings, so if you'd want me to make a static, back to the wall decision, I'd go with Rebic atm

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 20 2021, 05:29 PM) *
Let's not jump to conclusions yet. I believe he will surprise us all. It's just this waiting and waiting that's really irking me. A professional football player shouldn't be out of shape when the season starts unless he's been out injured.

I just don't think he'll give us what we need on that right side.

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 20 2021, 09:18 PM) *
Unseen images of Messias recovering:


laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 21 2021, 11:43 AM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 21 2021, 09:58 AM) *
A few months ago I would have totally agreed with you but I do believe that we're seeing progress from him this season.

That's the thing with young players, one season you want to strangle them the next they make the leap forward.

The reason we're currently one of the best sides in the league is because a majority of the young players on the squad have made that leap under Pioli's guidance. Calabria, Bennacer, Theo, Kessie, Tonali, Alexis and Brahim have all shown big improvements ever since Pioli took over. Tonali in a completely different player to the one he was last season. Same with Brahim, he's made a huge leap imo. The only thing I'd want further correction on from him is his tendency to hold onto the ball a bit too much. Leao has made improvement compared to last season imo and I do value that turn of pace from him because it's a good outlet for us.

That being said, I love Rebic and what he brings, so if you'd want me to make a static, back to the wall decision, I'd go with Rebic atm


We could and should try Rebic as RW like you said before, especially against sides that like to park the bus.

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 21 2021, 09:58 AM) *
I just don't think he'll give us what we need on that right side.


But isn't what we're lacking on that right side a player who can dribble past opponents, score goals and provide assists? Because that's what type of player Messias is. Set aside this getting back in shape "incident", he's always been very fit. Like I mentioned in a previous post, he played 36 games with Crotone last season and only in 2 of them he didn't play the full 90 minutes.

He has a very decent work rate and stamina, plus he's only 30. It's not like he's 35 or something. I think he can provide what Pioli asks of his wingers.

But obviously the pitch will speak for itself, so we'll just have to wait and see. The guy could very well prove to be a dud.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 21 2021, 07:47 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 21 2021, 11:43 AM) *
We could and should try Rebic as RW like you said before, especially against sides that like to park the bus.



But isn't what we're lacking on that right side a player who can dribble past opponents, score goals and provide assists? Because that's what type of player Messias is. Set aside this getting back in shape "incident", he's always been very fit. Like I mentioned in a previous post, he played 36 games with Crotone last season and only in 2 of them he didn't play the full 90 minutes.

He has a very decent work rate and stamina, plus he's only 30. It's not like he's 35 or something. I think he can provide what Pioli asks of his wingers.

But obviously the pitch will speak for itself, so we'll just have to wait and see. The guy could very well prove to be a dud.

Agreed re Rebic. Leao used to play on the right in the 19/20 season. Don't know why that seems to be impossible now...


Re Messias, I'm just not a fan of the move at all and think it was made simply because we couldn't get anyone else. His fitness probably comes from the fact that he hasn't been running his body into the ground since he was 16 as is the case with most of the players today. I don't understand the issue with his conditioning though. He was not a player that was out of the project with Crotone. As you pointed out, he was one of their most used players. So I would assume that he was training with the rest of the Crotone team before he joined us

Posted by: han2503 Sep 21 2021, 07:49 PM

Fiorentina-Inter and Sassuolo-Atalanta tonight. Some important matches

Hopefully some dropped points. We absolutely have to take advantage of these next 2 games coming up

Posted by: William405 Sep 21 2021, 08:36 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 21 2021, 09:49 PM) *
Fiorentina-Inter and Sassuolo-Atalanta tonight. Some important matches

Hopefully some dropped points. We absolutely have to take advantage of these next 2 games coming up


Inter losing 1-0

Atalanta winning 2-1 against Sassuolo

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 21 2021, 08:48 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 21 2021, 07:47 PM) *
Re Messias, I'm just not a fan of the move at all and think it was made simply because we couldn't get anyone else. His fitness probably comes from the fact that he hasn't been running his body into the ground since he was 16 as is the case with most of the players today. I don't understand the issue with his conditioning though. He was not a player that was out of the project with Crotone. As you pointed out, he was one of their most used players. So I would assume that he was training with the rest of the Crotone team before he joined us


No, that has nothing to do with it. This is matter of preparation. He either wasn't training at all with Crotone because he was going to be sold and thus not part of their project, or he just didn't put much effort. As La Gazzetta wrote a few days ago, "the Brazilian attacking midfielder is still behind in condition as he is doing his athletic training almost from scratch".

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 21 2021, 08:49 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 21 2021, 08:36 PM) *
Inter losing 1-0

Atalanta winning 2-1 against Sassuolo


Fiorentina started very strong and could have scored another, but then Inter started slowly to emerge. I can see them drawing this.

Posted by: William405 Sep 21 2021, 09:01 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 21 2021, 10:49 PM) *
Fiorentina started very strong and could have scored another, but then Inter started slowly to emerge. I can see them drawing this.

And inter score...

Posted by: han2503 Sep 21 2021, 09:15 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 21 2021, 08:48 PM) *
No, that has nothing to do with it. This is matter of preparation. He either wasn't training at all with Crotone because he was going to be sold and thus not part of their project, or he just didn't put much effort. As La Gazzetta wrote a few days ago, "the Brazilian attacking midfielder is still behind in condition as he is doing his athletic training almost from scratch".

No I meant him having a pretty good injury record (rarely gets injured)

Posted by: han2503 Sep 21 2021, 09:15 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 21 2021, 09:01 PM) *
And inter score...

1-2 dry.gif dry.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 21 2021, 09:51 PM

Inter are really good.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 11:37 AM

Probable line-up: Maignan; Kalulu, Gabbia, Romagnoli, Theo Hernandez; Tonali, Bennacer; Florenzi, Diaz, Leao; Rebic.

Again with this Florenzi on the wing! He?s becoming the next Krunic for Pioli. Guy adds absolutely nothing to our game, he even looks out of shape. Just play Rebic there and Pellegri in attack FFS!

Posted by: han2503 Sep 22 2021, 03:36 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Sep 21 2021, 09:51 PM) *
Inter are really good.

Well, they are the champions...

Thought they were really struggling in the 1st half though. Fiorentina's fitness level really dropped off in the 2nd half which allowed them back in.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 22 2021, 03:38 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 22 2021, 11:37 AM) *
Probable line-up: Maignan; Kalulu, Gabbia, Romagnoli, Theo Hernandez; Tonali, Bennacer; Florenzi, Diaz, Leao; Rebic.

Again with this Florenzi on the wing! He?s becoming the next Krunic for Pioli. Guy adds absolutely nothing to our game, he even looks out of shape. Just play Rebic there and Pellegri in attack FFS!

Wow. Gabbia... Our depth basically got eaten up within a few weeks


I can't watch this tonight, But I'm hoping we can get it done and dusted in the first half. Then we'll probably see guys like Pellegri and even Samu get some minutes.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 04:03 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 22 2021, 03:38 PM) *
Wow. Gabbia... Our depth basically got eaten up within a few weeks


I can't watch this tonight, But I'm hoping we can get it done and dusted in the first half. Then we'll probably see guys like Pellegri and even Samu get some minutes.


In all honesty Gabbia-Romagnoli should be more than enough to handle a team like Venezia. Tomori needs a rest and this is the perfect game to do so. I would also rest Theo.

PS: Giroud wasn't called up, by the way. Here's to hoping he can get a few minutes against Spezia so then he can start against Atletico next week.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 22 2021, 05:47 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 22 2021, 04:03 PM) *
In all honesty Gabbia-Romagnoli should be more than enough to handle a team like Venezia. Tomori needs a rest and this is the perfect game to do so. I would also rest Theo.

PS: Giroud wasn't called up, by the way. Here's to hoping he can get a few minutes against Spezia so then he can start against Atletico next week.

Yes, he still has some lower back pain

These are the 2 games we can do without him and Ibra (even though they would have most likely feasted). So I'd rather not risk it, Rebic is finally playing well as a CF so we can do for now

And yeah, I agree re Theo. But with the changes in the centre, I can understand why Pioli wouldn't change him as well. Our entire backline would be changed if he doesn't play

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 06:40 PM

Juventus are losing against Spezia 2-1.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 06:52 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 22 2021, 05:47 PM) *
Yes, he still has some lower back pain

These are the 2 games we can do without him and Ibra (even though they would have most likely feasted). So I'd rather not risk it, Rebic is finally playing well as a CF so we can do for now

And yeah, I agree re Theo. But with the changes in the centre, I can understand why Pioli wouldn't change him as well. Our entire backline would be changed if he doesn't play


Well, lo and behold, Ballo-Tour? is starting.

QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 22 2021, 06:40 PM) *
Juventus are losing against Spezia 2-1.


Unbelievable if they don't win this. Currently at 2 points in 5 games. Fun fact: Juventus are the only side from the 5 main leagues that have conceded in 19 consecutive league games, ever.

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 07:20 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 22 2021, 08:52 PM) *
Well, lo and behold, Ballo-Tour? is starting.



Unbelievable if they don't win this. Currently at 2 points in 5 games. Fun fact: Juventus are the only side from the 5 main leagues that have conceded in 19 consecutive league games, ever.


Everytime I say a team is losing, they turn it around. I should just shut up.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 08:07 PM

Florenzi is useless.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 08:18 PM

We're so sterile. 30 min and 0 shots on goal.

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 08:20 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 22 2021, 10:07 PM) *
Florenzi is useless.


Indeed.

We have great intensity. But, lacking the final ball.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 08:35 PM

So little created. We should be walking this. It doesn't help that these mofos have parked their bus, but it's no justification.

The difference between us and Inter is that Inter have amazing end product, whereas we are severely lacking in that regard.

Hopefully we can turn this in the second half cos otherwise it would be embarrassing.

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 08:58 PM

Diaz not cutting it for me...

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 09:06 PM

QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 22 2021, 08:58 PM) *
Diaz not cutting it for me...


Agreed. He's just not good enough.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 09:13 PM

Finally.

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 09:14 PM

Diazzz!!!

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 09:15 PM

Beautiful series of passes from Tonali/Bennacer/Theo leading to the goal

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 09:17 PM

What the **** does Romagnoli do in the attack so often.

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 09:23 PM

That dribbling Saelmakers... very nice

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 09:29 PM

Saelmakers... excellent

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 09:29 PM

Finally, a goal from theo!

Posted by: William405 Sep 22 2021, 09:32 PM

So nice to see and hear the fans.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 09:51 PM

Bruh, the f*ck did Alexis smoke tonight? He was on fire. blink.gif

We really came out in the second half, especially after the triple change. Theo showed character.

I think we should keep Tonali-Bennacer as the starting pair in the double pivot. So much more dynamism and pace as opposed to when Kessie plays there.

Leao was also really good with his dribblings, but his end product is still horrible. The guy has no clue how to pass and shoot.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 22 2021, 09:51 PM

I see we had a difficult time breaking them down

That being said, we ca all complain, but we were forced into heavy rotation today, so the fact that we got the W and the clean sheet as well is still very good

Inter have not had any injury issues if I am not mistaken, so the situations are not comparable

Posted by: han2503 Sep 22 2021, 09:55 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 22 2021, 09:51 PM) *
Bruh, the f*ck did Alexis smoke tonight? He was on fire. blink.gif

We really came out in the second half, especially after the triple change. Theo showed character.

I think we should keep Tonali-Bennacer as the starting pair in the double pivot. So much more dynamism and pace as opposed to when Kessie plays there.

Leao was also really good with his dribblings, but his end product is still horrible. The guy has no clue how to pass and shoot.

Kessie when he's on is a force though. you can play Benna and Tonali is games like this, but against bigger teams Kessie is still the first choice for me, no matter how p!ssed off I am about his contract. Having both Tonali and Bennacer finally performing is just a great luxury. Kessie last season was unplayable and not having him in the big games would be a big problem

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 09:56 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 22 2021, 09:51 PM) *
I see we had a difficult time breaking them down

That being said, we ca all complain, but we were forced into heavy rotation today, so the fact that we got the W and the clean sheet as well is still very good

Inter have not had any injury issues if I am not mistaken, so the situations are not comparable


They parked the bus (possession 71%-29% in the end, so go figure), but we barely created any chances in the first half. And after the first 15-20 minutes in the second I honestly thought we weren't going to win. But the moment we scored (with a great combo Bennacer-Theo-Diaz) Venezia completely crumbled mentally, and we pretty much walked over them for the remainder of the game.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 22 2021, 10:00 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 22 2021, 09:56 PM) *
They parked the bus (possession 71%-29% in the end, so go figure), but we barely created any chances in the first half. And after the first 15-20 minutes in the second I honestly thought we weren't going to win. But the moment we scored (with a great combo Bennacer-Theo-Diaz) Venezia completely crumbled mentally, and we pretty much walked over them for the remainder of the game.

Sometimes these games are more difficult than against teams like Lazio for example, because their main goal is to basically stop you from playing

I would venture to guess that a couple of years ago we would not only have drawn this, but probably lost due to sheer frustration and panic to try to score. (Benevento a few years back screams to mind). I'm happy to see that the team is confident in their abilities.

How were the subs today? Guys like B. Toure, Gabbia, Kalulu? It's important that they all get game time and are ready to step in when needed. Having quality like Theo coming off the bench though is always great

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2021, 10:03 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Sep 22 2021, 10:00 PM) *
How were the subs today? Guys like B. Toure, Gabbia, Kalulu? It's important that they all get game time and are ready to step in when needed. Having quality like Theo coming off the bench though is always great


Ballo-Toure was average, nothing to write home about but no worse than Theo's latest performances. Gabbia was fine, didn't have very tough opponents. Kalulu was great. This kid is developing into something very interesting.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 22 2021, 10:04 PM

Btw, I don't understand why we're playing Florenzi at RW. I thought he came in to be a sub for Calabria... Doesn't make sense to use him like this. I'd actually prefer an actual RW there, even if that is Samu

Posted by: han2503 Sep 22 2021, 10:05 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 22 2021, 10:03 PM) *
Ballo-Toure was average, nothing to write home about but no worse than Theo's latest performances. Gabbia was fine, didn't have very tough opponents. Kalulu was great. This kid is developing into something very interesting.

Was he good in the attacking phase? Because defensively I think he has great potential but once he crosses that half way line he doesn't know what to do

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