I'm not sure if dislike is the right word. it's true, sometime I may lose it for a second and say not very nice things about Carlo, but that's just the heat of the moment. the reason I want him gone is that I think he's time is up. simple as that! in the past couple of seasons his Milan has been way too inconsistent to be considered a contender in any tournament. I won't be fooled by a 2nd place finish. I will remember finishing 5th. I will remember how Arsenal dumped us out of the CL. I will remember how Lazio did the same to us in the Coppa. I will remember how we were all but out of the title race in February. I will remember what Bremen did to us. I will remember how badly we struggle against Serie A's weakest sides. etc. etc. etc.

It doesn't take an Einstein to understand this cycle has come to an end. Milan needs to be overhauled. the coach and 4-5 others (of the XI) need to go otherwise it'll be the same story again next season.

I don't belive in cyclic time concepts but I understand you. Just that for now no one's acceptable as his successor.

Rijkaard is a suitable replacement. He is a proven champion, an ex player and has good rapport with the club.

To me, he's under a big question mark, but, yes, he's a fair solution.

I don't think Carlo is the only one on earth who can coach Milan at the moment. he's far from that... but maybe if we overhaul the squad and replace the weak links in the team with young and decent ones, Carlo can still give something to this team.

nah ... he will stay, after all 8 yrs = 8 trophies. Not too shabby eh

Like i've said before, Carlo needs to go...We need to have a poll or something...Everytime we say does this player suit Carlo...How many good players have we lost because of Carlo..I mean in terms of ruined players and players he doesn't or didn't play...Everything doesn't have to be Carlo's way b/c Carlo's ways has sucked for 4 years now n beyond and it doesn't look as if its getting better...How or why do we need to get rid of a good player b/c of Carlo and then leave the Garbage to play for us..(Gourcuff)..Bad i tell u.....Players should suit Carlo, Carlo should suit the players...How would a coach play a good player twice (Sheva)...of recent he jus started to integrate him...Confirmed Sheva had been playing bad but it wasn't as bad as Seedorf who kept playing over ronnie...Guys, from d buttom of ma heart CARLO'S TIME IS UP!!!

I'd point more fingers at management for bringing in players the coach doesn't want and not bringing in players of the type the coach does want. For example, Ronaldinho - that was Berlusconi's plan, not the coach's. Also, Ancelotti wanted a big center forward 3 years ago and we only got one this year (Borriello) and even then he was injured, which is really pretty much beyond the coach's control.

And I'd point a few fingers at Carlo for accepting any decision the board makes (even if they're against his wishes) without any objections

I'd say our management just fears another Zaccheroni effect,...when they signed players like Helveg, Bierhoff, Sala, etc. only because he wanted them.

Very excited to see Di Gennaro, Palsochi, and Abate back to Milan next season (if what Galliani say is true, big IF)

Guys Gourcuff has really improved...I mean he's improved heavily...His confidence has increased a lot....He's broke into france first 11...His crosses are accurate, he can score, he dribbles..He's been really really good this season...Prob Ligue 1's best player this season...He deserves another season here at milan...When he was here b4 he was loaned to Bordeaux, he wasn't as confident as now...Now he reads the game really well...He played well against Chelsea and against so many other teams..He at least deserves to be called back..I wish he returns...How do we know how he'll do wen or if he comes back...We are judging him based on his performances b4 he was loaned out..(i hear pple say, his mentality isn't strong for milan...that was the past)..Now he's matured a lot...He deserves another chance...Plus some of our midfielders would be gone so there would be space...He can even play in Pirlo's position..He looks stronger than Pirlo...nowadays Pirlo is readable n slow...He's not strong n is slow...Gourcuff would provide more options...He can play in Pirlo's position or even seedorf...He can take freekicks also...Beckham should be gone by next year...Gourcuff plays like Iniesta and we could use that kind of player in our team...I just don't understand how we'll want to lose a player of this improved Calibre...If he doesn't do well wen he returns then we can judge him...Sheva didn't do good in Chelsea n its the same thing he did at Milan when he returned and that's why we judge him now...!!! For Gourcuff he's done really well over just one year and can get better in Milan!!! He can defend too!!! i hope we get him back..Milan should do everything they can to get him back!!

I've been thinking about this a lot. I think Yoann would be best for us in a 4-2-3-1 formation, playing on the right. Still not convinced about him defensively though, to put him in the 4-3-1-2.

Couple of things of note on milannews.it this morning.

* One piece hypothesizes the sale by Roma of Mexes to Milan, noting the possiblity of maybe including either Borriello or Abate as part of the deal (this story is repeated on Mediaset).
* Palermo's Simon Kjaer was interviewed by the leading Danish daily and said he dreamt of moving to a big club in Europe but hopes that it's one with good air connections to Denmark as his wife will be spending part of the year there (note -- there're nonstop flights between Milan and Copenhagen).
* Gourcuff's father said that any decisions about his future would be made after the season is over.
* Ancelotti supposedly really likes Dzeko
* Hertha Berlin supposedly are interested in Senderos
* Shevchenko may return to Dynamo Kiev, but there may be interest from Zenit St. Petersburg.

i know that Milan wants to give a chance to Borriello,They thought he deserves one more chance,Probably this is why Milan is going for Dzeko instead of Adebayor,they will thinking about signing an alternative to Borriello as they dont want to take any risks.

i think that Gourcuff's return depents on Ancelotti's departure,if he leaves,im sure Gourcuff will come to Milan,otherwise it seems very unlikely.

Paloschi,Di Gennaro and Abate,Paloschi needs to stay at Parma one more year,same goes for Di Gennaro as well.Abate can return and can be good alternative.

i think that Milan should sign both Maxwell and Daniel Agger,considering they are not much expensive.we really should go for Hernanes or Rakitic to solve our midfield problems or maybe both of them.

i'd happy with a mercato like this,Marchetti,Agger,one more CB,Maxwell,Hernanes,Keirrison,Abate,Dzeko and Gourcuff.

Welcome back palo!

Isn't that too many players?

Thanks mate.

i think not.

Abbiati/Marchetti
Antonini/Zambrotta/Mattioni
Thiago Silva/Nesta
Agger/New CB.
Maxwell/Antonini
Gattuso/Flamini
Pirlo/Hernanes
Gourcuff/Abate
Kaka/Keirrision
Borriello/Dzeko
Pato.

We'll have very competitive team 4 sure.

I don't see Ambrosini in your list, paloschi43. Or Pippo or Ronaldinho. Are you assuming these players will not be at Milan next year?

All i'm saying and believe is that Abate and Gourcuff must return to be given a chance.....Borriello or Abate wouldn't and shouldn't be sold to Roma...If that's the case, we can go for Agger and leave our two talents alone!!

Same goes for Marek,Seedorf,Ronaldinho,Ambrosini,Shevchenko,Bonera,Senderos,Dida,Kalac,Kaladze e.t.c

i forgot to add Mariga to my list.

if we cant make this revolution this summer,next year wont be different from this year,minor changes wont solve our problems.we will give up so early in scudetto race like the last 3-4 years.we will see more Arsenal and Werders as well.

+1 Agger/Kjaer/Zapata/CB
+1 CF (Dzeko?)

+1 Abate, Paloschi/Di Gennaro
+1 Gourcuff (maybe)

I don't really see Milan making any more moves than that.

-1 Emerson
-1 Favalli
-1 Senderos

We might pick up a Maxwell type player, which would be useful. Need another rb/lb (take your pick). Course, if Albertazzi is actually allowed to play rather than occupy a spot on the bench, that'd take care of one of 'em -- he plays LB/CB.

Both Paloschi and Di Gennaro needs to mature more and they should play with regularity,They wont have this chance next season at Milan,so i think they will not come next year,maybe the year after.

we should at least add Hernanes and Maxwell to them,otherwise we'll have so much problems in LB and midfield.

if you sign one CB and Dzeko and add some youngsters,then you expect Milan to fight for scudetto until the end,we'll probably give up on scudetto early like the last 3 years.we have to solve every problem.

First GK problem,then left back then CB's,then midfield,then team defence,then continuity.unless we solve this problem,we just lie to ourselves for scudetto.

So, people are mentioning Keirrison, Dzeko, and Hernanes a lot. Anyone know if any of them have EU passports? Far as I know we're already using one of next year's two non-eu spots for Thiago Silva.

What ever happened to Goran Pandev?

Pandev scored a lovely goal for Lazio in Saturday's derby. He seems happy enough there, far as I know.

For the CB spots obviously a lot depends on whether Nesta will return or not. But in my view we should not take a risk there. With God tired with the level of football humans are capable of producing and retiring we need at least one great CB. We have no one worth to be a starter for a club like Milan currently. Maybe Silva will be proved to be one but right now his name too is under a question-mark.


I'd love to see Albertazzi play with the senior team. Imagine a back four that includes both Albertazzi and Darmian.

Naah,..I don't know what people see in Edin Dzeko. He's an in-form striker, like Vedad Ibisevic. Why not then pick Grafite who's been excellent for the past 3 years almost constantly or Petric who's in his second great season??

Fishdoll wouldn't mind Petric. Even if his ears don't flop.

another 30 year old player.... that isnt rebuilding

Sorry, Petric is still 28, Grafite 30, yes, but I don't think we need to re-build our attack, we have two top youngsters at our disposal, the only thing we need is a good striker, no matter how old.

we have 1 top youngster, paloschi hasnt proven anything ... we could definitely go for someone to help us there. anyways i doesnt have to be somone under 20, 23-26 years old would be perfect.

we dont need another 30 year old to add to list of player that will be gone in a couple of seasons.

Anyway, Edin Dzeko isn't the solution in my opinion.

Both Paloschi and Pato are quality, and Paloschi proved many things up till now. Maybe not the same impact, and sure not the same level, consistency and maturity then Pato, but Palo's career is in a stable positive development phase which predicts a great future.

I'm undecided on Paloschi -- love the player and he's developing very well indeed at Parma (where he seems to be a real crowd favorite). It might not be a bad idea to let him stay there one more year - or perhaps loan him to Cagliari for a year for Marchetti. Cagliari are going to need a striker next year with Acquafresca due to return to the cugini. That said, I'd not complain if he were to return to Milan and see some time so he could continue his development.

Paloschi is nowhere near Pato at this moment. We cannot gamble on him and we don't even know if he will be with us next season. I'd rather we signed a 26 or so year old.

Anyway, my opinion is we need a top quality striker, no matter how old.

We all agree on that, I'm just saying I'd prefer a 26 year old to a 30 year old.

there we go

Carlo count: 9.

paloschi43. you're posts are exactly 100% on point. This is the simple truth. I have stated these exact sentiments before, only to be met with "i'm being disrespectful to the old guard", "I don't appreciate Ambro", "I've forgotten how great Seedorf/Inzaghi was", "There is no such thing as performance cycles.."

Seedorf playing in England would be a damn joke. Players like mascherano and essien would eat him alive today. Maybe not 5 years ago, but to win in this modern game (WHICH IS DIFFERENT from even 2 years ago when we won Europe) you require strength, speed, and skill. Gattuso is losing his speed by the season. Ambro simply commits fouls, makes bad passes, can't dribble, and scores an occasional header.

Today we are weaker and slower than any EPL power, and our skill, which we banked on to beat them, is diminishing. Inzaghi is the goal poacher of the past, and while absolutely superb in Serie A, by no means should be our number 1 striker any more.

Let's take sentiments out of this. EPL powers are flying high, and destroying everyone they encounter. Meanwhile when Kaka is out of the team we can't even beat Werder Bremen. Enough with this stale "We are Il Grande Milan" and actually scare some of our opposition, something we haven't done for a few years now and earn that reputation again.

^^^ That team would be ultra competitive with a little bit of continuity. If the team you listed was actually our team next year, we would scare other teams. We may start slow, but by the end of the campaign, we would be watching something special.

Going to respectfully disagree with some of what you say, vnata. First off, I don't think the English model is one to follow for anything - style of play, style of management, etc, all the way down to ticket cost and the skyrocketing debts that many clubs have. As for them destroying everything in their wake -- er. Where does Porto come into this equasion? How about Man City?

I'm also going to disagree with Gattuso's assessment -- if you remember, he was arguably the team's best performer this season until his injury. He was poor last year but things were very different early this year. As for Ambrosini, no. I don't think you appreciate him. It's a judgment call though; I think he's better than Flamini, who to my eyes is the one who gives away far too many useless fouls.

As for Kaka being in or out of the team, I know I'm goign to be hammered for it, but he has been poor this year. In how many games has he actually made the difference and scored the match winner this season? How many games has he been poor?

I do agree about Inzaghi. He shouldn't be our #1 striker - he's a great impact player and he's a good alternative to Pato who is and should be the team's #1 striker. Pippo on the bench? Sure. And he himself has come out and said he doesn't have a problem with playing less.

What do I think should happen next year, then?

Milan need help in defense -- pick the CB from the current list which includes (at last count) Agger, Kjaer, Mexes, etc. It'd be better if we could get two CBs. I think we also need a left back because, let's face it, Janku just isn't cutting it any more. It'd be nice to see Albertazzi get a run as he does have the talent, but he makes Inzaghi look like the Incredible Hulk, he's so stick thin.

In goal, if we could pick up someone young and promising like Cagliari's Marchetti or Samp's Fiorillo, I'd go for it. It's not the priority that other positions are IMO.

In midfield, I'd bring back Abate. Gourcuff I've got my doubts over but I wouldn't pull out my hair if he were to return (I just don't think he's so good as many here seem to believe). I also think Milan need to get a Pirlo replacement to train up. My pick would be to steal Cigarini from Atalanta but I'm not dead set on him. If there WERE a pure #10 playing somewhere I'd go for him too but honestly off the top of my head I can't think of one.

The striker situation is a little more complicated. Pato's a definite keep, obviously. I'd keep Pippo too, not just for sentiment's sake. I think he can contribute but not as an automatic first choice. Borriello should be given a fair chance, which he's hardly had this year, but there should be another acquisition -- my ideal pick would be Giuseppe Rossi but there are a lot of good players. Paloschi has a lot of potential and I wouldn't mind his return but I'm half thinking another year on loan might not be the worst thing for him.

So who would I show the door to?

Well, Il Capitano is retiring and I hope he enjoys what he chooses to do - he's one of the best to have played the game.

Favalli, perhaps a 1 year extension - he's been more solid than a lot of the other guys. Kaladze I'd sell if there's an offer. Senderos should not be bought. I'd also thank Seedorf for his services and see if Ajax or another dutch club wanted him (maybe as part of a deal for Urby Emanuelson?). Prolly I'll get hammered for this too, but I'd take an offer for Ronaldinho too. Shevchenko? It's sad to see but he did it to himself. Perhaps he should go to Dinamo Kiev.

(fishdoll sorries for the mini novel)

I agree with Tennie, except for the Senderos bit. I think we should wait on it, till we know for sure if we're going to get another CB. Otherwise, we'd find ourselves shortstaffed again. With his injury problems behind, and a little bit of continuity, I think Senderos is looking good again. I'd probably prefer a loan extension, something I think Wenger wouldn't have a problem with.

Kaladze, I wouldn't mind selling, but if we are keeping him, it must be coz Favalli isn't extending.

The problem with Milan, is there is no correct gradation in quality in the squad. What Sacchi meant by balance.

So if our first XI is all A+ players, ideally the bench should consist of A- and probably a few B-level players. We have an A+ first XI, and then all B to B- level players. Especially in defence and the forward line. I would say only the DM area is well covered for Milan.

Nice post Tennie...u usually don't post like this...but yea u said a lot of right things here...I don't know about Ambro being better than Flamini.....Giuseppi Rossi would very well be a nice Addition but would he help us in Attack....If we get him with Dzeko, its a plus...I just want milan to become the best team they were some years ago...Plus, i want them to become the best team with the players i want...like Abate, gourcuff, silva, kaka, santacroce, Dzeko and so on.......

Oh its definite that we'll get a new defender!!! and we don't Need Senderos, he's very very slow...And we need to push up our game upper towards the midfield not our Penalty box cuz i realise that we drop back to the extent of our penalty box...Senderos should go back...

No..I understand, what I mean is just one new player at defence is not enough.

Our entire defence needs to be refreshed. We need a new LB. Preferably someone young and fast. An understudy RB for Zambrotta. Someone young and showing potential.

But let's assume:

If we buy Mexes/Agger and also get Maxwell. Then yes,our defensive line would be:

RB: Zambrotta, (Antonini/Bonera)
CB: Nesta, Mexes/Agger, Kaladze, Bonera, Favalli
LB: Maxwell, Janku, (Zambrotta/Antonini/Favalli)


This would be fine, provided we're also integrating Darmian and maybe Albertazzi in. Otherwise even this lineup lacks depth.

If our brand new CB gets injured, and Nesta can't put his injury worries behind him, we're back to square one.

U forgot Thiago Silva!!!

Good point.

Assuming he's quality, I think our CB problem is covered. Even then, we need one of Favalli and Senderos.

We still need a fullback though. Antonini hasn't got a lot of play time, but when he was, he hasn't wowed. I know he's been played out of position but then so has Santon.

Tennie, I in no means am advocating English football. But what we have witnessed over these last few years is an evolution of the game that is being played there. There's no doubt that not long ago the style of play in the EPL was comparable to watching pinball. It was tiresome watching long ball upon long ball hoisted from the back. That coupled with minimal midfield play and lack of creativity made the English league disgusting to watch for the lover of the beautiful game. Players there made up for lack of skill by being brutish and physical. The truly skillful players were either in Spain, and primarily Italy.

Today is different. The Premier League money has resulted in the English game being infused with Latin flavor. Now you have the skill of the latin game, the power and directness of the english game (and the emerging African talent), and world class pace. The game is being played at a higher pace. Defenders don't have time to just sit on the ball and pick their pass at leisure when you have strikers like Adebayor, Torres, Drogba running at you constantly cutting space down. Teams like Liverpool and Chelsea cut down space as effectively as the Italian Serie a defenses used to. The game that is played there is the game of the future. Only a few players on our team could play this game. This is why for all the pretty football that Barca played, in the past few years they were completely stymied by English opposition. Last year against united, and the year before they were smacked 2-0 by the scousers in Camp Nou. They didn't have the strength on the ball to counter the incessant closing down by English teams. The work rate required of players these days has gone up. Other leagues must adapt to this in order to beat the English teams. I'm not saying they can't do it, but this is the direction the game is going in. Just like how tennis has been revolutionized by the WIlliams sisters (power), and Basketball by African americans (power, speed, athleticism). The sport of football today is quickly becoming dominated by players who play quickly. I'm not saying you have to be big, because Robinho is small, but still effective because of the pace at which he reads the game. this is in start contrast to a Seedorf or Tiago who take time on the ball.

You point out Porto and Man City. First off, United has not lost yet. I hope they do, but there's no saying they're done QUITE yet.. Porto stunned United in leg 1, why? because they played quickly. They wasted no time playing the ball around the back. The one time they did Rooney snuck in and stole a goal. They played with pace, constantly going forward, and putting pressure on the weakened, Ferdinand-less United backline. They didn't waste time in the defensive midfield and back 4 like Inter did. They played physically. Inter tried this slower approach, and what happened? Inter were kept in their half for about 80% of the two legs. Juve attacked Chelsea differently than Inter attacked United, and even then they were always coming up second in 50-50 balls. Why? Chelsea were just bigger and meaner, and bossed them off the ball. Juve played well by all means against Chelsea, but anyone watching that tie, while it was admittedly close, knows that Chelsea looked the more likely of the two teams to advance. and what happened when Juve play a high line trying to push up the field? Drogba outpaced Mellberg in a 50 yard sprint and sealed the tie.

And Man City? I dislike them, but hate them all you want a few smart signings in Defense, and an impact striker and you have 5 English powers.

Let's not get into the standards of the pitches, and how much better they are there than they are in Italy.

Anyways, enough about that. I don't mean to sound like an advocate for EPL, cuz i am not in this forum cuz i'm an EPL fan. I want the Serie A to rise again. And in order for it to do so, it must adapt. And in turn, we must.

As far as milan goes. Gattuso is fundamental. He's our hands down starter and i'm not suggesting at all he shouldn't be. I didn't forget his great start to this season. As far as Ambro goes, we disagree, his days of contributing on a consistently high level are over. Flamini is simply more capable, and i can't agree with playing him for his previous reputation when there's a better player losing his prime years on the bench as one enters the twilight.

When we beat United in the CL semis of 07, we had strength, speed, and skill. We took the kind of game they like to play right to them. Nesta helps of course. But Seedorf played well, direct, and positively. No one on our team took long on the ball. we moved it quickly and precisely. We simply aren't doing that any more. Whether that's on Carlo or certain players is debatable.

THe rest of what you say, I agree with. Kaka has been off form this year, and seemingly can't stay healthy for very long. It's a bit concerning. Additionally, i like the GK names you listed. I agree with you assessment on the Defense, and point out that i've backed off of Favalli. He's been quality (for playing lower end Serie A teams). I in no way crucify you for wanting Dinho gone, and I want him gone for the same reason I want Seedorf gone, he plays too slowly. If he can show in these last games he's capable of picking the pace at which he plays up, then it may be worth keeping him. Based off of performances we've seen thus far, show him the door. Emanuelson would be a dream. A pirlo understudy would be wise too. I don't think we have to look outside of Italy to find one..

Now, sentimentally - Seedorf is a f**kin legend. Ambro is a titan and a warrior. Shev will always be in my heart. I'm only trying to be realistic, and take into consideration who we're up against in the quest for being the best in the world.

(I, like fishdoll, want to apology for the novel)

The best post Milanfan has ever seen so far IMO. nothing will beat the sheer amount of truth and realism that this post possesses. bravo, vnata. bravo!

EDIT: except one little thing... I can't see Man City as the EPL's fifth power.