First of all, Abate was played more then "just a little." Secondly, he was crap, pure crap. He ain't no defender, so he cannot be blamed. Why not try Pippo do the DM? Would he suck? Surely. That's how it goes.

Dzeko vs. Ibra

Physically/Technically speaking: Dzeko can do everything that Ibra does. He's tall, broad shoulders, great control, great header, cannon shot. Therefore, both make for great center forwards. But what makes Dzeko different, is that while he can play CF, he's faster and willing to run (maintaining a higher work rate on pitch). The difference I'm talking about is similar to the difference between Torres v. Berbatov. One runs and helps the team, the other needs the team to help him. Ibra is like the latter.

Edge: Dzeko.

Mentality: Edin is less arrogant on/off the pitch. (I'm not saying we don't have any arrogant players, except coming to think of it prior to signing Boateng the closest we have would be Seedorf, who isn't even arrogant, just opinionated). By this i mean, rather than stand completely still and try some unnecessary, flamboyant skill to control a ball, Dzeko plays with a little less nonsense. While Ibra's outrageous control comes off god-like at times, it's also completely frustrating at other (sometimes crucial) times. Dzeko would rather keep it simple, make the subtle but efficient touches. Everything Ibra does must be complicated, and this quality is annoying. That's why I'd take a guy like Diego Milito in my team over Ibra any day - He may be less, naturally technically gifted, but he plays with simplicity, team work, and efficiency, and therefore he's a more dangerous player.

Character: Dzeko rewarded Wolfsburg for investing in him by STAYING, and signing a contract extension to play another year at Armin Veh's request. He COULD have come to us, but said he'll do it (this) summer and respect his team. He also protected them by signing that contract extension, to ENSURE that they'll get paid fairly for his services and he wouldn't leave on a free. That's loyalty. Only now that Wolfsburg have undergone changes in the technical and upper management positions is Edin getting upset, because Wolfsburg won't honor the agreement that previous coaches had with him. That's fair. He's allowed to get upset. He kept his promise to the club, the club didn't keep their promise to him. He's said he wants to be a Milanista since a child, and has gone on to reject every offer (from any big team) just so we can lodge our bid for him.

Ibra on the other hand couldn't care less about the team he plays for. He couldn't care less for the fans that cheer for him. He'd swap Juve for Inter, and then Inter for Milan (one year removed) and wouldn't bat an eye. He's a money/glory-hungry mercenary. If he came to Milan, it'd be only because it's convenient FOR HIM, not because he loves AC Milan..

Edge: Dzeko.

Winner: Dzeko, Dzeko, Dzeko.

With that said: Dzeko's not gonna be released until next summer, at which point he'd be ours. If we could treat Ibra like he treats everyone else, by signing him on a loan, and sending him back no matter how well he does cuz next season Dzeko is our real objective and Ibra was just a stop-gap, i'd be over the moon. In that case, I'd say take Ibra on loan immediately. BUT, if us getting Ibra excludes Dzeko from Milan, then f*******k off Ibra.

Winner: Dzeko, Dzeko, Dzeko.

With that said: Dzeko's not gonna be released until next summer, at which point he'd be ours. If we could treat Ibra like he treats everyone else, by signing him on a loan, and sending him back no matter how well he does cuz next season Dzeko is our real objective and Ibra was just a stop-gap, i'd be over the moon. In that case, I'd say take Ibra on loan immediately. BUT, if us getting Ibra excludes Dzeko from Milan, then f*******k off Ibra.

No one doubts Dzeko is the superior player. I just dont see why would assume "he would be ours" next summer.

Yes, he made some comments last year... he also made comments recently about how happy he would be to go to Juve! If he has another big year every major club will be hot on him - and most of them are already. He's been mentioned with Man City a ton this summer. Also, what happens if Dzeko gets hurt? Or doesn't perform? You would really want to forgo a year of Ibra (who is 90% of Dzeko anyway) because of the chance it could mess up the possibility of us landing Dzeko next year? Huh?

I'll take Ibra now - essentially at a discount, too - over the chance we can get Dzeko next year.

Personally, I think Dzeko ends up at Man City next year. I would be disgusted if Milan passed on Ibra this year and that happened. With Ibra the team has a real shot at the Scudetto and can be very dangerous in Europe... and this could be our last shot with Ronaldinho, too.

And to be honest, when Ibra was all set to be headed our way after Juve was relegated, I was genuinely excited to have him. But he showed there, that whoever he played for didn't matter. He wanted to be on the best team, and he wanted to get paid. He's no leader. On the other hand, Dzeko just captained Woflsburg against Bayern yesterday. Stark Contrast.

How many times does Dzeko need to say "I'm flattered, but want to wait and see." Maybe I'm seeing this with rose-tints, but "waiting to see" means "MILAN, MAKE A BID FOR ME." The guy repeats his devotion to us over and over. Sure, he creates a stink when Wolfsburg turns down Juve's advances, because he's pissed theyre not even letting him consider it. But do you think if Milan and Juve both were after him, he'd pick them over us?

Ajax

* Eredivisie: 2002, 2004
* KNVB Cup: 2002
* Johan Cruijff Shield: 2003

Internazionale

* Serie A: 2007, 2008, 2009
* Supercoppa Italiana: 2006, 2008

Barcelona

* Supercopa de España: 2009, 2010
* UEFA Super Cup: 2009
* FIFA Club World Cup: 2009
* La Liga: 2010

Dzeko is 24, Ibra is 29. They both cost the same. One would give his all for the shirt, the other would put the SECOND a hint of anything wasn't going his way. Think about age: When pato is 24, Ibra will be 33. Dzeko would be 28. Dzeko and Pato would be playing with eachother for a greater portion of their best years than Ibra and Pato would.

(etc...)

Ibra the d-bag, or Dzeko the devout milanista.

Edin Dzeko says he is "infuriated" by Wolfsburg's refusal to negotiate with Juventus

"Dieter Hoeness told me that the agreements made last season are no longer valid, because they were made by coach Armin Veh and manager Frank Aehlig. I want to play for an important club and the Wolfsburg directors know that.

"I have clearly stated that Juventus represent the best option for me. My contract clause of €40 million should not have been an obstacle to my sale, it was introduced last summer to look after the club.

Who cares if he's a leader? Look at the teams he's been on - they've done pretty damn well.

Did his "lack of leadership" hold back any of the teams that won these honors?:



No! In fact, he was a crucial part in all those teams.


You're making the same argument - We all agree Dzeko is better!

They're not the same cost, though. That's pretty clear at this point. Wolfsburg has made it known a billion times they absolutely will not sell Dzeko this close season. Its not going to happen. The price next summer is going to be very high, IMO. I'd really like Dzeko. I'd also really like Messi, Ribery, Neymar & Wayne Rooney. They aren't available. Ibra is - cheaply - and can really help this team. I just can't pass that up on the hopes we work something out next year. A whole lot changes in a year. If I had asked anyone in August 2009 where Ribery would be now they probably would have said Madrid (or maybe some Chelsea answers). Die Bayern made the CL finals and Ribery signed an extension. He might also end up in jail. A WHOLE lot changes in a year.



What a Milanista! (from August 12th):


Dzeko:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id...901&cc=5901

He loves Milan so much that less than two weeks ago he told the press "Juventus represent the best option for me." Its not like this kid grew up in Milan - he's from Sarajevo. Milan was just the first huge club to show interest in him.

I don't know what you've built up about Dzeko in your head, but he's a big time footballer and probably isn't all that different from Ibra. Next summer I expect to hear how he's always loved Man City or Real, etc... This stuff means nothing anymore to me, because they all say it all the time.

I think Dzeko is a fantastic player. Love to have him come to Milan. I don't think its happening any time soon.

I would prefer Ibra on a loan as opposed to buying him... but if we can buy him at a discount that's fine too. I don't think you can pass him up. He could be the difference between making the knockout stages or not... maybe even finishing in top 4/Europe or not if things break poorly. That's a whole lot to potentially give up on the hopes we can work out something with Dzeko next summer - especially when other big clubs are lurking. If Dzeko really is such a Milanista that he demands to come here next summer I'm sure we'll be able to find a landing spot for Ibra. Hell, maybe we can loan him back to Juve. Do you know what else might attract Dzeko next summer? If we don't suck this year. Missing out on Europe is a way to 100% guarantee Dzeko won't want to come here.

I'm definitely for landing Ibra on loan.

I'm also really happy about the direction Milan are going this transfer market. Getting Boateng on loan is a masterstroke. I think of this as a test drive. He's one of the better box to box midfielders, and getting him on loan is the best way to check how well a player of that type fits in our system. If he's successful, we could buy him, or maybe even buy a much better box-to-box knowing that this type of player suits our system.

Dzeko on loan is not gonna happen. Purchasing him is a huge risk. The kind of monetary risk we can't and shouldn't indulge in. What if he turns out like Diego or KJH. We're screwed. I'll take Dzeko for when we actually have a strong base on which to stand on..and once the team stabilises. To buy him now, is to put a lot of undue pressure on him to succeed immediately and that's not going to happen. Every one of our purchases who turned out to be huge stars have done so when they came in during moments of stability.

Eg. Sheva, Kaka, even Pato (we were not playing too well...but the team was stable)

Right now, the team is changing, the coach is different, the strategy is different. We need strong talented experienced professionals who can handle specialised jobs without a protective umbrella over them.

Exactly. While we stand to gain a lot, we also stand to lose a lot more. It's good to see we're planning for the future by building from the back.

Centre back looks good, and goal.com is running a story saying we're negotiating with Bochetti. This is told by his agent.

That's a monster defence being created. Post Nesta we're looking at:

T.Silva>Papa>Bocchetti>Bonera>youth team player just for the CB position.

Fullbacks are a lot harder to find these days. We might have to wait a while. Maybe we'll splash the cash on Criscito..who knows. Or De Vito will be good enough.

Our mid-field doesn't have to be rebuilt for another 2-3 years...we just need additions.

Personally, I'm not in favour of a Pirlo alternative. That's a waste of time. Without Pirlo, we need to look at an entirely different formation.

Also we do have a pirlo replacement coming, fossati He'll make it into the team next year i'm sure.

You're making the same argument - We all agree Dzeko is better!

d'arc, we can turn that one on its head -- how can we be sure Ibrahimovic won't flop at Milan? He didn't exactly light up the Bernabeu.

I think people are perhaps a little too optimistic in thinking that Barcelona will be willing to pay part of his wages or that they'll accept a super cut rate deal. And if serious $$$ is involved, I think Dzeko is a better bet.

In other news, tuttomercatoweb is reporting tuttosport in saying that Milan and the gobbi are working on a trade -- Kaladze for Grosso.

d'arc, we can turn that one on its head -- how can we be sure Ibrahimovic won't flop at Milan? He didn't exactly light up the Bernabeu.

I think people are perhaps a little too optimistic in thinking that Barcelona will be willing to pay part of his wages or that they'll accept a super cut rate deal. And if serious $$$ is involved, I think Dzeko is a better bet.

They can keep Grosso. We'll give them Kaladze for free

I wrote it before Milan make mistake when we could snipe Dzeko last year for 20 Mil €, we even sign pre agreement with him... How many time i have to say that Edin loves Milan, one time he even say that he would play for free... Juventus interest was week and really he wasn't much into it, he didn't want to go to club that don't play CL, for your information Juventus made aggrement with Wolfsburg but it was Edin and his manager that turn down the deal.
Next year im 100% that he will play eather Bayern Munich or Milan...

This story is coming over and over and never happening.

Didn't Edin say that he will play only for Milan and wont go to other club. So this means that Bayern Munich is out, right ?

People say many things, but eventually they have to move on with their lives right? I mean let's face it, Milan will not splash out 30-40 million euros for a single buy. So he has to find other alternatives to move forward in his career despite what he said.

I don't.

Dzeko could be better than Ibrahimovic IN the future IF he succeeds.

I'm not going to argue for something that none of you will agree with, so maybe this is personal choice. I find Ibrahimovic one of the best strikers who ever lived.

Ibrahimovic is smarter than Dzeko, is taller and better header, has more powerful shot, plays with both legs, physically better, better finisher, MUCH better assitant, faster, great leader and a lot of other things too. I'm not saying this based on my FM2010 team, but based on the games of both players.
We all know that maybe Ibra isn't the biggest Milan fan, but he rejected a BIG contract from City just to join Milan, that means something. Dzeko showed is pure love, not only for Milan but for Juventus too.

Like Jack said, we can not risk to take someone who can easily flop, we need someone full of experience and with great abilities.

Ibrahimovic has already reached and passed his top. Dzeko clearly has not. Why the hell would we spend 40 million on a 28 yo that doesnt even like Milan.

"The treaty is officially open for Ibra. Wednesday meet the president of Barcelona Rosell. It will be a difficult negotiation, we have not talked about the economic "



Well talk about it!!


After all the talk about cutting wages and limit transfer kitty how on earth can they pull this off?

I think at this point Barca are willing to loan him just to get his wage bill off their shoulders, they're not in that good of a financial position themselves either if I recall...

We'll see, I'm still very skeptical, if Barca do agree to a loan with option to buy, we still have a huge hurdle to climb considering his contract and wage. The Dinho deal happened because the player was willing to make a huge cut from what he was earning at Barca, I don't think Ibra will be all that willing to lower his wage. And neither will his money hungry agent who gets a percentage cut out of that wage.

I think it's too complicated a deal to happen considering where our management stand on the financial front

Milan to sign Benzema if Ibra move collapses? - link

Unlikely, since even now Mourinho is keen to add another striker.

The Swede won three Serie A titles during his time at Inter and two at Juve, although the 2005 and 2006 Scudetti won in Turin were revoked as a result of the Calciopoli match-fixing case that resulted in Juve's demotion to the second tier of Italian football.

Given that he also won the second of two Eredivisie titles with Ajax in 2004, his impressive record means that the last time a club featuring Ibrahimovic did not finish top of the table was Ajax in 2003.

Pellegatti: There is an agreement between Milan and Ibrahimovic - link

30 million...no freakin way. I wouldn't pay anything more than 22-25. Maybe a wage equal to R80s. IF we must buy him..and can't loan him.

Ibrahimovic will be enough man .