[Zed.D]

So that's where the transfer money went...(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

ٌDid Inter pay anything at all!? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

YO wat up ya'll i jus gat a question..I know tis a totally unrelated topic.. But in Messi and Pato, who's better?

Right now? Messi. we haven't seen anything from Pato. I mean he is yet to play against some real defenders and show what he got. right now Messi is at his best, but I say when Pato reaches his best and gains some experience, he will become a more complete player. I mean he has great technique and he got the instinct for goal, he is very capable in aerial play (Messi is not at all) - he is 10cm taller than Messi, he has (or will have in some years thanks to MilanLab) a better physique (Messi looks a little fragile), etc. he has his advantages. let's hope he turns out to be what we're expecting.

[Jack Sparrow]

ٌDid Inter pay anything at all!? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Nope, they had to pay for Adriano's psych rehab and Mancini's hair salonist! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Tennie]

Just an FYI, that's not the only criticism of Kaka in recent days. It's the only DIRECT one after his 'If things don't get better, I might leave' comment but Chrisitan Panucci (who is ex-Milan and played for us during the 94 CL winning season) and Turtle both basically called Kaka out for his comments. Panucci's stuff should be on Channel 4. Turtle's is in a long interview on espn soccernet.

[Jack Sparrow]

Milan manager and former Brazilian World Cup winner Leonardo talked about the Rossoneri's probable opponents in the Club World Cup semi-finals, Urawa Red Diamonds.

While everyone seems to be taking for granted that AC Milan-Boca Juniors will be the final of the Club World Cup in Japan, few people know that, before the final, there will be a semi-final against a club from another continent, most probably Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan.

Milan manager Leonardo, who has had experience in Japanese football as a player, claims the J-League champions-elect are not a team to be underestimated.

"We must be careful of Urawa Red Diamonds, they will be playing at home and they'll have a lot of enthusiasm," he said.

"I know them well because I've played in the Japanese league for two years so I can tell you they are the strongest team in the nation. They have ten international Japanese players in the squad, so we'll have to keep an eye on them.

"We all know that Milan and Boca are stronger, and both won't want to miss this chance to win an important trophy, but in football, especially in these brief tournaments, surprises are always around the corner," Leonardo concluded.

Exactly what I've been thinking. If we under estimate them we will lose. On a good day, these guys are as strong as Celtic.

[Rossoneri7]

Exactly what I've been thinking. If we under estimate them we will lose. On a good day, these guys are as strong as Celtic.

I have this gut feeling that the team are really taking this seriously ... I mean Serie A and CL will always be here, but this tournament would mark this very team's dominance in this period. So I doubt they're underestimating the opposition

[dst]

Urawa ga suki desu nee

[Jack Sparrow]

^^^^
Yeah...sure I know exactly what you mean!! Initial D definitely rocks! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

This post has been edited by Jack Sparrow: Nov 24 2007, 09:01 PM

[Jack Sparrow]

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has praised the older members of the Milan team, following yesterday’s win over Celtic.


The Rossoneri ensured top spot in Champions League Group D with a 1-0 win at San Siro.

The 34-year-old Filippo Inzaghi scored the winner to become the top scorer of all time in UEFA competition.

SuperPippo swept the ball home from close range after a cut-back from the 37-year-old Cafu, who was probably Milan’s best player on the night.

“I have been at this club for 21 years at international level and that time has taught me something – the veterans don’t feel the pressure,” explained Galliani.

“Cafu has played more games than Pele. The fact he hasn’t taken part in every match means he has been ready for the top level ties. Favalli is a professor, he really knows how to place a pass. I love these players.”

Galliani was pleased that Milan didn’t just settle for the point they needed to finish top.

“I am happy that we knocked back that cliché of Italian teams who quite happily play for a draw,” smiled the Vice-President.

“We created many scoring opportunities and won deservedly. It is a good thing that honours the sport. We did our duty and nobody can complain.”

I knew there was something about Favalinho. I'm sure he'll turn out to be a great coach. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

There's also an article on Inzaghi
Inzaghi Article

Once again, the comments at the bottom piss me off. You even have two 'milan fans' arguing over whether Sheva or Inzaghi is better!!! Geez...would you rather have your arms or your legs? For heaven's sake, you'd think people know a little more football, than to compare Pippo and Sheva. They've even thrown in RvN into it. Typical Madrid fans. They find one article on a player, and they'll come up with a comment saying how a player on their team is better. And then they'll wind up saying the Rossoneri fans are snobs. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) Pot calling the kettle black I'd say!!

World Cup-winning former Italy national boss Marcello Lippi has re-iterated that he will return to management next season

The Viareggio-born tactician has been out of the game since stepping down as coach of Azzurri following last summer’s World Cup success in Germany.

Despite numerous offers to return to the bench, including an ambitious bid from Premiership minnows Birmingham City just a few weeks ago, Lippi has so far rejected all overtures.

A few days ago the 59-year-old declared that he would take charge of a team for the 2008/09 campaign.

“Next year I will return to the bench. That is 100 per cent,” Lippi stated.

The Paul Newman look-alike has now re-iterated this stance in an interview with
Primocanale.

“I want to get back to work,” Lippi confirmed. “I will only return at the start of a season because if you pick up a side half-way through it shows that they have problems.”

Lippi is one of the most successful coaches of the modern era having won five Italian championships during two spells at Juventus.

With the Bianconeri he also won a Champions League title, an Intercontinental Cup, a Coppa Italia, and a European Supercup.

He also finished as a runner-up in the Champions League on three occasions in 1997, 1998 and 2003, as well as losing a Uefa Cup final in 1995.

Which club would have him? Besides Madrid and Birmingham of course. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) If Inter don't win the CL this season, will they fire Mancini? And how many of us here prefer Lippi to Mourinho? Just asking. I know we'd all lie down in traffic for Carletto! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)


I saved funniest for last

Juventus are lining up a bid for unsettled Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, according to Tuttosport.

The Ukrainian star signed for the Blues last summer after a hugely successful seven-year spell with AC Milan.

However Shevchenko has badly failed to live up to the standard he set himself in Italy, and has been a pale shadow of the once great player.

He has scored just five league goals since arriving at the club, with only one of those coming this season.

Since Avram Grant took over as Chelsea manager, Shevchenko has barely featured, and many expect the 31-year-old to be transferred in January.

Tuttosport is claiming that Juventus want to take Sheva on a six-month loan deal in January, with the option of making the move permanent in the summer.

The Bianconeri still have a non-EU place available in their squad, and Chelsea would help pay the forward’s astronomical wages.

Shevchenko is still highly-rated in Italy and both Milan and Inter have also been linked with the player recently.

However Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani has now ruled his club out of the running by saying that their non-EU spot in the squad will be taken by Brazilian wonderkid Alexandre Pato.

“We cannot take him, as we only have one place for a non-EU player and that will go to Alexandre Pato in January,” he said.

“He is the one who wanted to leave and we didn’t sell him willingly. He knew what it was like here, but when you change clubs it is all starting from scratch. Transfers are always dangerous.”

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Somewhere, an Israeli psychologist is shedding tears. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[misha]

^^^ (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Nope. I didn't wanted his move back in the first place. This is all BS rumors just like last year. And Tuttosport is dreaming (what would you expect from a Juve's tabloid).

“I have been at this club for 21 years at international level and that time has taught me something – the veterans don’t feel the pressure,” explained Galliani.

They don't 'feel' motivation in the league either. It works both ways.

[Jack Sparrow]

They don't 'feel' motivation in the league either. It works both ways.

It's XMas. Of course we'll need Ebenezer Scrooge. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

And that matter about the coach? You didn't answer it yet misha!

[misha]

And that matter about the coach? You didn't answer it yet misha!

Who would I want to replace Carlo next season? Maybe Prandelli or Spalletti

Lippi won't go to Inter after the fiasko he had there. But Juve is always a good option for him. Carlo will take the NT after Donadoni who can take either Fiorentina or Roma. Did that completes the puzzle for you?

[Jack Sparrow]

Except why would Prandelli or Spalleti leave?

They've been given a Wengeresque opportunity to build a team as they like. Without any pressure.

It looks more and more likely that the Portuguese might come here. If Carletto leaves.

[misha]

Except why would Prandelli or Spalleti leave?

They've been given a Wengeresque opportunity to build a team as they like. Without any pressure.

The chance of taking Milan is too big to waive for any coach. It can be an once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm sure both of them would jump on it.

Mourinho is a very good coach but I don't want Milan to play like a machine.

This post has been edited by mishale: Dec 6 2007, 07:35 AM

[Jack Sparrow]

Haven't been to this thread for a while...

Milan defender Dario Simic is set to remain with his current team after coach Carlo Ancelotti and general manager Adriano Galliani blocked the transfer of the player who was heading towards Fulham.


Dario Simic will remain with the Rossoneri as Ancelotti pushed for this option rather than to sell him to Fulham as it was predicted in the transfer rumours of the last few weeks.

The Croatian defender was a target of coach Roy Hodgson and everything seemed to point out towards a smooth negotiation that would lead him to England in the Premier League.

However, Ancelotti has opted to hold on to the player who is currently considered as a reserve of Kakha Kaladze and Alessandro Nesta, but considering Paolo Maldini is not in the best physical condition, the Rossoneri have decided to keep him as a precaution.

This will surely not please the player who was hoping to move elsewhere in order to have more playing time, but the 32-year-old defender will now have to sit on the bench for the remainder of the season.

Is it gonna be bye-bye first team Kaladze?? If it's just to bench him...I'm pissed...I'd rather we'd have let the poor soul leave, and promoted Darmian or someone. We did it for strikers didn't we (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Massimo Moratti has hit back at claims in the Italian media that Inter are the “new Juve” due to the number of controversial incidents involving the Nerazzurri this season.


Inter have been accused by a number of sources of being favoured by referees in the peninsula since Calciopoli, and the debate reached boiling point after they received a dubious late penalty against Parma nine days ago, which helped them turn a 2-1 defeat into a 3-2 win. 

The Nerazzurri have even been labelled by some as the “new Juve”, referring to the way that Juventus supposedly were favoured by officials during the pre-Calciopoli Luciano Moggi era. 

Inter have been particularly angered by these claims and even issued a ‘silenzio stampa’, a press silence last week, in protest at what they perceive as biased media reporting. 

President Massimo Moratti has now had his say on the matter and he has made it perfectly clearly that Inter should in no way be compared to the Juventus under Moggi. 

“Inter are not the new Juve,” Moratti stated. 

“Our position is totally different. I feel the same as I did before. There is not much difference from the past.” 

Quite what Moratti means by this is unclear, especially considering the fact that he was a heavy critic of officials during the pre-Calciopoli era. 

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has called for foreign referees to be brought in to officiate, citing that the current referees in Serie A are just not up to the task. Moratti disagrees and says that they should stay. 

“They [the referees] always try to do the best possible,” the oil tycoon said.  “Frankly I do not think it a good idea to go fishing abroad.” 

Of course not, whatever Milan say, Inter have to oppose. This is like the Indian Parliament. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Milan star Ronaldo has revealed that he would love to see fellow compatriot Ronaldinho join the club, but has admitted that it will be a difficult transfer to complete.


Ronaldinho is currently having a miserable season on-and-off the pitch in Barcelona, and he seems very likely to leave at the end of the season. 

There are only a handful of clubs in world football who realistically could afford to sign the 27-year-old, with reports suggesting that it will be a straight fight between Milan, Inter and Premierships-powerhouses Chelsea. 

The Rossoneri seemed to be the frontrunners before Christmas, with President Silvio Berlusconi, a long-time admirer of the player, hinting on a number of occasions about a possible move. 

However, following their new multi-million-pound sponsorship deal with Nike, the same sponsor of Ronaldinho, Inter have fast emerged as favourites. 

Ronaldo however is still holding on to hope that his ex-Selecao team-mate will be hooking up with him at San Siro. 

"Could he come to Milan? It would be beautiful,” said Ronaldo.

“However I know it will be a difficult operation." 

Even if Ronaldinho does join, there is no guarantee Roanldo will still be at the club, as he has still not signed a new contract with the club, which runs out in June. 

He isn't coming, is he... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Italian sports daily 'Corriere dello sport' reported that during the night Atletico Madrid made important steps forward in trying to sign Tiago Mendes from Juventus, despite sporting director Alessio Secco yesterday declaring that the player will remain in Turin.

Tiago's future at Juventus remains a mystery as apparently Atletico Madrid have accelerated their negotiations in order to sign the midfielder during this transfer window.

If this transfer goes through, the Bianconeri will try to sign an Italian midfielder in order to make the squad as competitive as possible.

For this reason, Ranieri has indicated two possible targets: Luca Cigarini (21-years-old, Parma) and Sergio Volpi (33-years-old, Sampdoria).

For the former player, Parma are asking 20m Euros and that might be too expensive for the Old Lady's budget. Juventus could try to part exchange a player to decrease the expense, but that would require time and the transfer window will close in a couple of days.

Therefore, it would be easier for the Bianconeri to go for the Sampdoria player who would not cost much and would be willing to be a reserve of Mohammed Sissoko and Cristiano Zanetti.

Isn't Cigarini a Pirlo-type. Amazing, now the whole world wants Pirlo type players...

José Mourinho is considering whether to step into the breach at Valencia after being made an offer to replace the beleaguered Ronald Koeman, according to a report.


The Portuguese boss was approached by Los Ché before they appointed their current coach, but he turned down the offer as he hoped for a bigger club to make their move.

Koeman joined Valencia in early November and has won just one league game and caused major upheaval at the club that has now seen the fans turn against him.

According to The Sun, Mourinho has now been approached and if he accepts the role then the Dutchman will be sacked this week in order to make way.

While the former Chelsea boss was rumoured to fancy a return to English football and was linked to both Liverpool and Newcastle United, he has yet to say anything publicly.

Valencia's offer to help rescue them this season may be tempting, but Mourinho is believed to be holding out for one of Europe's major clubs to offer him a post.

AC Milan are the favourites with Carlo Ancelotti expected to step down in the summer, so Valencia may only be able to keep the outspoken trainer until then.

In Spain, Valencia have publicly given Koeman their backing, but defeat in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening against Atlético de Madrid would see the pressure increase dramatically.

I would like this actually...I want to see Madrid beaten...I have nothing against their team...but if anything I hate their fans...obnoxious c*nts with their nauseous feelings of entitlement. blech!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Oh and here's something...I'd like to add...a good read.. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Sir Alex Ferguson reckons Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are the best players to play for Manchester United since his arrival as manager on November 6th, 1986. Gil Gillespie begs to differ.


Now, if the longest serving boss in the Premier League had been talking about the club's greatest servants since his reign began in 1986, then Scholes and Giggs would have to be right up there, along with Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Brian McClair and Dennis Irwin.

But, in truth, not many observers would put Giggsy and Scholesy at number one and two in a top ten of players who have served under Alex Ferguson. Compiling such a list is no easy task.

First, there are the players that don't quite make it into the top ten. There is no room on this particular hall of fame for the following United legends:

Gary Neville, because he is a great professional but by no means a great player, decent enough defensively but very average going forward.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who spent 11 patient years at the club and was a useful little striker but never a world class one.

Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister, who were, again, great servants, but journeymen defenders on a global scale.

Jaap Stam, who despite being the finest centre-back in the Premier League at the time was booted out by Fergie after three years.

Imagine if Nesta had played at Man U (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Rio Ferdinand, doesn't make the cut because of his lapses in concentration that occur in every other game he plays in. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Paul McGrath, although he is the greatest Irish defender of all time and did indeed look like Nelson Mandela's son.

And neither do Paul Ince, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Butt, Nemanja Vidic or the excellent Carlos Tevez. But the most glaring omission, and the one that's certain to receive the most criticism, is Wayne Rooney.

Since his arrival on the Premier League stage, there is no doubt that Rooney has been a revelation. He is that most uncommon of English players - a technically-gifted second striker who is able to mesmerise and destroy in equal measures.

He is still the only current member of the England football team who regularly uses the outside of his foot. But he doesn't make this list of United greats because he hasn't quite proved himself worthy of inclusion yet.

The finest English talent since Gazza hasn't lived up to his potential. In fact, there is a genuine fear that he might even be going backwards as a player. His first touch, these days, is often heavy and sometimes even sloppy. He himself admits that he has lost the ability he used to have to go past defenders. And, against the classiest of opponents - AC Milan in last season's Champions League, for example - he can be nothing short of missing in action.

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) I've been saying this for sometime now, he's more inconsistent than Gila

So here, in order of greatness, are the best ten players to ever play under Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United.

1. Eric Cantona
Not for nothing is he referred to as King Eric. The Rimbaud-quoting French genius who, in the words of Roy Keane, "glided into the arena as if he owned the f******* place," (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) has to be number one. Cantona's influence on the club he joined from Leeds in 1992 is almost immeasurable. He changed the way they trained, changed the way they played, even the way they re-fuelled. As George Best, the greatest player to ever pull on a Reds shirt, once said; "I'd give all the champagne I've ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford."

2. Roy Keane
Like Cantona, Keane is a true maverick. And, like Cantona, he was not your average footballer. Intelligent, supremely focussed, slightly unhinged and a leader of men who was capable of grabbing a game, and his team-mates, by the scruff of the neck and literally forcing events to go his way. Who will ever forget his stellar performance in dragging a down-and-almost-out United side back from two goals down against Juventus in the Champions League semi-final of 1999 in Turin?   

3. Peter Schmeichel
Not so much a goalkeeper as a screaming, Rudolph-nosed, superhuman with the smothering capabilities of thousand goose-feathered pillows. He wore an XXXL shirt size. No other keeper, before of since, has been so commanding in his own area: his organisational skills and distribution saw him transcend the status of shot-stopper. In 2001 Schmeichel won a Reuters poll with more than 200,000 participants who voted him as the best goalkeeper of all time. The Old Trafford faithful reckon he was worth 12 points a season at least.

4. Bryan Robson
Before Roy Keane, there was Bryan Robson. Captain Marvel led his team out onto the pitch for 12 years, making him the longest-serving skipper in Man United's history. Back in the 1980's, people used to call United a 'one-man team'. Robson was that man. A ferocious tackler with a habit of making perfectly-timed runs into the box, he was always at the centre of Ferguson's plans, everyone else rotating around his aggressive, match-winning aura. The epitome of the all-action modern midfielder.

5. Paul Scholes
Despite growing up as an Oldham Athletic supporter, Paul Scholes has spent his entire career at Old Trafford. This small, quiet, asthmatic is apparently the only one of the long-serving United players never to receive the hair-dryer treatment from Alex Ferguson. His intelligent, simple passing and ferocious long-distance shooting have made him one of the first names on the team sheet for more than a decade. If he'd improved his tackling, he'd be rated as one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe.

6. Ruud van Nistelrooy
Or Rutgerus Johannes Martinius van Nistelrooy, to give him his full name. If Alex Ferguson's reign at Man United has been short of one thing, it has been world class centre-forwards. Cole, Yorke, Solskjær, Saha - none of them were world class. This Dutch Greg Rudeski look-a-like definitely was. In 150 appearances for United he scored an astonishing 95 goals. And, as is always the case with six-yard box predators, most of them were more about being in the right place at the right time than aesthetic delight. He continues to prove his worth at Real Madrid.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo
It's difficult to remember any other player who has had such an all-conquering influence on the Premier League as Cristiano Renaldo has had this season with Manchester United. He has scored 25 goals in 25 games so far and has, at times, been almost unstoppable. Dispensing with the more ridiculous side of his dribbling, the Portuguese winger has been by far the most outstanding performer in the league and has led some people to ask, 'what would Man United do without him?'

8. David Beckham
With his move to Real Madrid, his sojourn in Los Angles and all the tabloid activity that's surrounded his every breath, it's easy to forget how important David Beckham was at Man United.  Twice runner-up in the FIFA World Player of the Year awards, Beckham dodged his lack of pace and ability to go past players by becoming the most deadly crosser of the ball in the world.Always gave 100%, sometimes even more, but probably should have used some the time he spent on marketing himself to make himself a better footballer.

So true, Becks was underrated by pundits, and overrated by the press

9. Ryan Giggs
Possibly the last of the genuine left-wingers in the game, Giggs has played 636 games for just one club and has been one of the key components in the lighting quick attacking philosophy that has defined Man United for the last ten years. Why is he so low down on this list? Because the occasional incredible display and the odd breath-taking goal have disguised the fact that he doesn't always perform to the level he's credited for.

10. Mark Hughes
Blessed with incredible upper body strength and deadly shooting ability, Hughes was an unusual blend of work-horse and spectacular goal-scorer. The Welshman's talent for holding the ball up was second to none, as was his capacity for unleashing gymnastic volley's that would almost break the net as they fizzed past the goalkeeper's outstretched hand. 'Sparky' scored 164 times in 453 games for Man United and is currently doing a pretty good impression of being Britain's best young manager with Blackburn Rovers.

^^^
Send Gila over to Hughes for a short vacation

I think he's been a bit demeaning of Giggs and Scholes, I don't think their contribution to United can be measured by just their skills as a player alone.

Anyway I was just wondering, if any of u guys could come up with something similar for Milan?

Not just names, like a shopping list, but explanations as well. I'll need a couple of days, I'm hung up over work.