[Bluesummers]

If were lucky we'll draw this game, I can't see us winning. We need our Ibra and robbie back (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Naah, I don't fall for it; we are Milan and we should win. Just like Arsenal did against Udinese, even with that team. 4 games without a win would be devastating.

[Bluesummers]

Naah, I don't fall for it; we are Milan and we should win. Just like Arsenal did against Udinese, even with that team. 4 games without a win would be devastating.

Whose gonna score? or better yet, whose gonna create the chances to score?

[Fillipo Simone]

Whose gonna score? or better yet, whose gonna create the chances to score?

Cassano already has 2 assists. Aquilani is also capable. We have El Shaaraway as well.

[Bluesummers]

Cassano already has 2 assists. Aquilani is also capable. We have El Shaaraway as well.

I doubt it, Udinese play a similar style to Napoli.

We'll have a similar game as before unless we decide to change tactics and sit back.

[X-Offender]

I doubt it, Udinese play a similar style to Napoli.

We'll have a similar game as before unless we decide to change tactics and sit back.

And? We could have easily defeated Napoli if we wanted to. The players just didn't care about the game. We have plenty of players to create and score, from Aquilani to Cassano and Pato. I hope Allegri has given them a good talk, I want to see a change of attitude tomorrow evening.

[Fillipo Simone]

Yeah, right - sitting back against Udine? That's to much - Milan ain't that poor; Napoli was an off game and in many chases we made mistakes. Putting Zambrotta on the left and resting Nesta will make us more solid in defense. That's an important difference.

[acid911]

No, I'm 100% with Blue on this one, it's going to the same case again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) It's pretty much unwise (or should I say idiotic) to do the same thing and expect a different results. Yes, there is an element of player motivationa, but right tactics can take care of that much smoother than giving the squad an aderlanie rush of sorts.

We are either going to play the game at our pace, or let Udinese play it at their terms. They are not Lecce or Cesana (even though we are well aware what these small sides can do), that we start playing cowboy with. We'll need a watergtight defense or a disastrous draw is the best we can manage. Nobody remember the 4-4? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) For a solid defense we need a midfield that can absort the pressure, not get run over.

Simply put we don't have the player due to injury (and what we do have are not cut for it) to go in and strangle Udinese in their half. Sure everyone can create, but what if that's the plan? What if Udinese want our creative players in their half so they can defend and counter? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) This game is very important, definitely the most important game thus far in our season. We gave Napoli the advantage last week, if we lose 2-3 points today, then this is going to give the other contenders a mouthwatering advantage - 1 point out of 9 is just not on. Same goes for 2 out of 9.

PS. By sitting back we don't mean play like a second teir club. I'm just saying play like a champion. An arrogant champion when it draws or loses does not look nearly as bad as a stupid champion. FACT.

[drucurl]

Lola @ the n00b parade in here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) We're winning for sure. The only thing in doubt is the margin (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[X-Offender]

No, I'm 100% with Blue on this one, it's going to the same case again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) It's pretty much unwise (or should I say idiotic) to do the same thing and expect a different results. Yes, there is an element of player motivationa, but right tactics can take care of that much smoother than giving the squad an aderlanie rush of sorts.

We are either going to play the game at our pace, or let Udinese play it at their terms. They are not Lecce or Cesana (even though we are well aware what these small sides can do), that we start playing cowboy with. We'll need a watergtight defense or a disastrous draw is the best we can manage. Nobody remember the 4-4? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) For a solid defense we need a midfield that can absort the pressure, not get run over.

Simply put we don't have the player due to injury (and what we do have are not cut for it) to go in and strangle Udinese in their half. Sure everyone can create, but what if that's the plan? What if Udinese want our creative players in their half so they can defend and counter? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) This game is very important, definitely the most important game thus far in our season. We gave Napoli the advantage last week, if we lose 2-3 points today, then this is going to give the other contenders a mouthwatering advantage - 1 point out of 9 is just not on. Same goes for 2 out of 9.

PS. By sitting back we don't mean play like a second teir club. I'm just saying play like a champion. An arrogant champion when it draws or loses does not look nearly as bad as a stupid champion. FACT.

The only player we don't have from our best possible midfield combination is Boateng, who is very important to us, but that doesn't mean we can't play a compact game with our current players. Personally, I think Van Bommel, Nocerino and Aquilani should always be starters. They are far better than Ambrosini, Gattuso and Seedorf in what they do nowadays. Again, I stress the concepts of mentality, concentration and determination. We must exhibit the mentality of a top club, by approaching the game with full concentration and the determination to win it. We have a far better team than Udinese, and even with our injuries, we can impose our game on theirs and prevail in the process. That's how a top club always behaves. We don't need to restrict our playing style because of them, it must be the opposite. However, if we act all calm and laid back like we did against Napoli, no matter the tactics or the individualities, we will always lose.

[acid911]

Lola @ the n00b parade in here We're winning for sure. The only thing in doubt is the margin

Quoted. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) For the record.

The only player we don't have from our best possible midfield combination is Boateng, who is very important to us, but that doesn't mean we can't play a compact game with our current players. Personally, I think Van Bommel, Nocerino and Aquilani should always be starters. They are far better than Ambrosini, Gattuso and Seedorf in what they do nowadays. Again, I stress the concepts of mentality, concentration and determination. We must exhibit the mentality of a top club, by approaching the game with full concentration and the determination to win it. We have a far better team than Udinese, and even with our injuries, we can impose our game on theirs and prevail in the process. That's how a top club always behaves. We don't need to restrict our playing style because of them, it must be the opposite. However, if we act all calm and laid back like we did against Napoli, no matter the tactics or the individualities, we will always lose.

Yeah, this I agree with most of the post, particularly the two points above. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Now, never did I once say we go calm and laid back. That's a sure fire way to get a pie in your face, even if you are Barcelona or Manchester United. Every player has to be at his peak, active and hustling. All three departments: defense, midfield and attack.

The only thing that changes is how to play the game, at your terms or theirs. I did maintain, even in the Napoli match, that player-for-player (bar Seedorf and Anotinin/Bonera) we still were better than Napoli and should not have lost their like we did. Same is the case with Udinese. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) But if we try something and it's not working, it's time we switch modes and gears during the match - not wait for the full show. Because Udinese will not hold back, they have been there on the fringes for the years, they are the high-mid-table club, and it's opportunities like these that they relish.

[Fillipo Simone]

The only player we don't have from our best possible midfield combination is Boateng, who is very important to us, but that doesn't mean we can't play a compact game with our current players. Personally, I think Van Bommel, Nocerino and Aquilani should always be starters. They are far better than Ambrosini, Gattuso and Seedorf in what they do nowadays. Again, I stress the concepts of mentality, concentration and determination. We must exhibit the mentality of a top club, by approaching the game with full concentration and the determination to win it. We have a far better team than Udinese, and even with our injuries, we can impose our game on theirs and prevail in the process. That's how a top club always behaves. We don't need to restrict our playing style because of them, it must be the opposite. However, if we act all calm and laid back like we did against Napoli, no matter the tactics or the individualities, we will always lose.

+1

Well, to almost everything.

[KillerMax]

We have no reference point in the middle of the park. No one there feels like a "top" player to carry this team and show them the way. Maybe Boateng, but he lacks the characteristics. The whole team is nervous. Robinho and Zlatan will make a huge difference IMO.

I can't believe some of the people who are being so harsh! We are missing Boateng, Zlatan and Robinho at the moment. Three key players and along with Silva, somewhat pillars of our success last year. And this is not toward the end of the season when the team has already gelled and is high on confidence.

But I believe the frustration comes more from having a relatively average squad compared to other big teams. How many 33+ year olds do we have only in midfield? It's frightening.

[han2503]

And? We could have easily defeated Napoli if we wanted to. The players just didn't care about the game. We have plenty of players to create and score, from Aquilani to Cassano and Pato. I hope Allegri has given them a good talk, I want to see a change of attitude tomorrow evening.

Agreed

Yeah, right - sitting back against Udine? That's to much - Milan ain't that poor; Napoli was an off game and in many chases we made mistakes. Putting Zambrotta on the left and resting Nesta will make us more solid in defense. That's an important difference.

Yep, Nesta has been struggling a bit, he's not going to be able to keep playing every 3 days. Hopefully Mexes will be available soon and that problem will be solved

The only player we don't have from our best possible midfield combination is Boateng, who is very important to us, but that doesn't mean we can't play a compact game with our current players. Personally, I think Van Bommel, Nocerino and Aquilani should always be starters. They are far better than Ambrosini, Gattuso and Seedorf in what they do nowadays. Again, I stress the concepts of mentality, concentration and determination. We must exhibit the mentality of a top club, by approaching the game with full concentration and the determination to win it. We have a far better team than Udinese, and even with our injuries, we can impose our game on theirs and prevail in the process. That's how a top club always behaves. We don't need to restrict our playing style because of them, it must be the opposite. However, if we act all calm and laid back like we did against Napoli, no matter the tactics or the individualities, we will always lose.

Exactly. The 11 chosen is irrelevant, we'd still have a better first 11 out there then Napoli, Udine, etc. Even without all those players, there shouldn't be an excuse because we should have been able to at least win one of the 2 Serie A games we've played.

The attitude shown in the Napoli game is inexcusable. As for sitting back against Udine, no way!! Last season we never set back, we attacked and when we lost the ball we instantly pressed to win it back and not let the team counter us at will like they were doing at the beginning of last season and like they're doing now. If we set up to camp in there half aimlessly passing around until we lose the ball stupidly and let them hit us on the counter every few minutes then we will lose like we lost the Napoli game. Playing smart and with a good attitude is key, resorting to pusing Urby in there because he can run fast won't help anything. We need to have a smart game plan, execute it, without giving the opposing team chances to counter us

[han2503]

Just want to add, that I think this is the time we give the Faroe a chance, this could be a golden opportunity for him to step up. Seedorf cannot play again today, he's just down for the count atm, he's not fit enough and he can't handle another 90 minutes so personally I'd like to see us go for something like this

Abate--Thiago--Yepes--Zambro
Nocerino--VB--Aquilani
El Shaarawy
Pato--Cassano

I think that's best line-up Allegri can put in given the circumstances.