Last summer we lost 3 important personnel - Carlo Ancelotti, Paolo Maldini, and Kaka. Now, regardless of what their performances individually for us had become like, they were certainly iconic figureheads.

Losing all 3 in a single fell swoop was probably more upheaval than any other of the elite clubs had to tolerate, and to that end I certainly bear circumstances in mind when I look overall at the season.

I divide it into 4 segments:

The dire start.

Leo takes over, with mostly Carlo's team, fails to get Fabiano or Dzeko, ends up with Huntelaar, and for the first 2 months of the season midtable mediocrity blights us and we look like a team who could actually end up in the relegation zone. Our novice boss looks like he doesn't know what he's doing, and cannot find any systems which work.

The run.

Despite all of the above, we've managed to get into the top ten, and suddenly a cracking character-ridden win over Roma sets us on a fantastic unbeaten run where, for around 10 matches, we look absolutely imperious and scale the heights in Europe by getting to the last 16 against the odds plus looking like real challengers to Inter.

The fall back crutch.

A 2-0 reverse at the Siro to Palermo halts the run, and from the middle of December we start to look less than imperious, showing a slide into vulnerability but while managing to grab results when we really need them. We don't look fantastic, but we're reasonably solid - the run is over but we've not gone back to the way we were.

The decline.

From about late January till now it's been a fragile Milan - still managing to get the occasional great result such as beating Fiorentina, we've all too often drawn or lost, and certainly loosened our grip on second place and that brief flirting with winning the league we had. A 2-1 defeat to Sampdoria was the final nail in the coffin of any lingering hopes, with injuries and suspensions not helping in recent months culminating in 4-0 at Old Trafford and a genuine lack of belief in the team hasn't helped matters.

Now:

Leo has done not bad for a novice season, given he has no experience and inherited a flaky squad which underwent almost no surgery when he took over.

Given only one new signing in Huntelaar who hasn't quite delivered, Leo has had his hands tied behind his back and has struggled gamely with poor resources. He doesn't have a Messi, Xavi or Rooney.

That said he DOES and HAS had Nesta, Pato and Ronaldinho who are certainly capable, and while he found a system which worked last year, he has been unable to successfully try anything else since that run ceased.

The squad is in dire need of surgery, and the question is open as to whether Leo is the right man to be trusted with any funds we might get.

There are also a number of players who really need trimmed from the wage bill, and some who are certainly good enough to keep.

It's been a topsy turvy season for Milan, by no means as bad as it might have been. But it's a bit worrying to be happy that it could have been worse rather than angry that it wasn't a lot lot better. Is that what Milan have become these days?

We're a team with a very, very average squad with a few stand out individuals. We aren't a club that spends big and we lost important players in the summer.

From where we've been in the past, this is not good enough. But for what we are in reality? We've overacheived this season, we're not even CL material in my opinion. Juventus massively underacheiving helped us big time.

The coach is usually not the one trusted with transfer funds, no matter who he is. He can voice a preference but that's no guarantee the player or one even remotely like him will show up in the next five years. The transfer decisions will be made by Galliani/Braida/Berlu (to an extent).

The squad badly needs depth - some players need to go, others need to come in. I suspect next year is going to be another painful year. If I could pick types of players we need, I'd say we need 1 cb, 1 fullback, a box to box mid, and possibly another striker.

And I don't think Leonardo will be coaching here next year. The media in Italy has pretty much universally already written a postmortem on his year of coaching - the assumption is that he's going to return to Brazil to do something with the NT there in the run up to the 2014 world cup, which takes place there.

Leo won't be coaching Milan next year, that is almost but certain. Whether they bring in Galli and Tassoti or some other figure matters little to me. What really matters is that the property settles a considerable amount of money to spend in the next signing campaign.

It is of vital importance that we get rid of all the junk in the trunk; Dida, Roma, Onyewu, Kaladze, Favalli, Oddo, Zambrotta, Jankulovski, Seedorf and Inzaghi should be shown the exit door.

Who should we sign? Two centerbacks (Bonucci and Astori), two fullbacks (Rafinha and Aogo), two midfielders (Goulon and Hernanes) and a vice-Pato. Also, if we manage to sell Dinho to ManC or Flamengo for a substantial sum, we could re-invest those money to sign Balotelli.

I know this has a minimal coefficient of occurring, but when you look at it, this whole operation shouldn't cost the club more than 35m, which, in my opinion, is not a scandalous sum even for our standards. You just have to convince that **** of Berlusconi to open the wallet.

Nice.

For as awful as we have looked at times, and it has been awful, especially today, this is exactly what I was thinking. We could use more, but what we really need is just 4 solid players, in these positions - a dependable CB to backup Nesta/Silva, a FB, an attacking mid (perhaps not even a box to box one), and a capable backup striker/forward to the Pato/Borriello/Dinho front line. With those 4 things filled, and not even by world-class players, I think the squad can be competitive at least for the Scudetto again.

For as awful as we have looked at times, and it has been awful, especially today, this is exactly what I was thinking. We could use more, but what we really need is just 4 solid players, in these positions - a dependable CB to backup Nesta/Silva, a FB, an attacking mid (perhaps not even a box to box one), and a capable backup striker/forward to the Pato/Borriello/Dinho front line. With those 4 things filled, and not even by world-class players, I think the squad can be competitive at least for the Scudetto again.

Pato has only played a handful of games in 2010 and Nesta has been out for some time now. that makes a lot of difference to this team.

Seeing as we're discussing what players we need, I'd say it's easier to discuss which ones we should keep.

Nesta: His best days are sadly behind him. Injuries have curtailed him, and at his age, recovery time is taking much longer than it used to. Even his form at quite a few times this season has been poor, and dare I say it but he's not what he was. *undecided*

Silva: Tricky start to the season but grew into the role. Got age on his side, and has ability on the ball. Robust at the back and good enough to play for Milan. *keep*

Pirlo: Showed a glimpse of his old form during our run - capable of dictating matches but doesn't do it anywhere near often enough. Has maybe lost the knack for the killer pass and tends to keep it simpler nowadays. *keep*

Seedorf: Consistency is something he struggles for but is probably the biggest 'killer assist/goal' player we have - can make a real impact off the bench, but rarely lasts 90 minutes. Pure class but getting older. *keep*

Ronaldinho: Can't beat men like he used to, and focuses on trying to prise defences open with clever passes - responsible for many a goal this season and a valuable asset when on his game. *keep*

Pato: Had the world at his feet but struggling to get consistency thanks to too many injuries. Has so much potential and could become a truly world class striker, but questions remain over what kind of forward he really is and if he can get a smooth run in the team. *keep*

Inzaghi: Occasionally gets a vital goal but ageing badly now and playing no more than a bit part role as a late sub. *undecided*

Huntelaar: Has shown the ability to score crucial goals more than once, and clearly does have a scent of the net, but hasn't fitted in to the system employed by Leo and hasn't really made the overall impact we hoped. Might benefit from a partner. *undecided*

Gattuso: Best days are well gone - doesn't harry and hassle like he did, and looks distinctly unhappy. *leave*

Ambrosini: Best season of his career till he ran out of steam - put slightly less pressure on him and you have one of the best DM's around. *keep*

Flamini: Grew as the season went on and showed his worth. He's capable of being more than just a squad player and should be ahead of Gattuso every time. *keep*

Borriello: A scorer of great goals but not a great scorer of goals - selfish, solo striker who works best on his own and has probably had the best season of his career, but doesn't look like he'll get to the 20 goal mark. He's good at times, but not great. *undecided*

Dida: Shown plenty of reasons as to why he was so highly regarded once upon a time, but still has a tendency to make a hash now and again. But then, doesn't every keeper? Still the best we have, by some distance, but maybe not the future - a very good squad player. *keep*

I'll stop there - not making an exhaustive list but those are probably our main players these days.

It makes less difference than you think. We've played atrociously with them in the team, and well with them out.

Consistency seems to be missing, along with belief, regardless of who is actually playing.

I'd have Nesta and Borriello in the 'keep' category, otherwise I'm in agreement with that list.

I would also add Antonini to the 'keep' list, whether he's pencilled in as a starter or as a sub.

I must disagree on some points with you, Danny.

First of all, without Nesta and Pato this team loses 50% of its capabilities. Nesta played about 30 games this season, and apart a few poor performances like against Inter or Manchester United, he's been rock solid and an undisputable leader in defense. Moreover, with him on the pitch, Thiago Silva's performance increases considerably as well. As for Pato, I think it's clear as crystal to everyone how his absence has affected our attacking maneuver. He's our best player after all.

Another point I don't agree on is your thoughts on Dida, Seedorf and Borriello. It's true Dida has saved our butt many times this season, but it's also true he's an inconsistent goalkeeper. He makes blunders every now and then and the defense doesn't feel safe with him on goal. I'd rather have an average and secure goalie like Abbiati then someone who could sink your match anytime.

Same argument for Seedorf. He's inconsistent. He could play an amazing game against the best team in the world and then play some other 7-8 where he only walks and irritates everyone, players and fans. Besides, he's 34 years old for Pete's sake. I want him out as soon as possible!

And Borriello? Borriello has been splended this year. He fights like a lion and scores a lot. Unless we're able to sign someone of a higher calibre like Dzeko, he should and will be our main striker.

I read the other day that Ronaldinho has made a grand total of 65 assists this season (before last night's match). Only 14 of those were converted into goals.

If you think about how Borriello was the prime receiver for all those passes, then no, I don't think Borriello is the man we're looking for. He could have great success in other teams, seeing as he does great solo work. But for Milan, we need someone who can score the chances we make for him.

I'm with X-Offender on the Borriello issue. He's been very good, I think, better than a lot of people here want to give him credit for.

Linkman, can you provide statistics on who Ronaldinho's passes were actually to?

Here's the article: http://www.lega-calcio.it/it/Sala-stampa/A...33-66CD3DD0B1D3

Maybe as low as one quarter of those passes went to Borri, but it doesn't matter... Most of his goals have come from individual plays rather than assists. I don't think he's bad, just that he doesn't fit our style.

I managed to calculate Ronaldinho's assist distribution in Serie A and according to my calculations, he's offered 8 assists to Pato, 4 to Borriello, 2 to Huntelaar and 1 to Inzaghi. Obviously, I'm referring to assists that were transformed into goals.

That pretty much tells you how dependant Ronaldinho is from Pato and how much our attack suffers his loss.

*rubs hands with glee*



Nesta is not the force he used to be, no matter how much you want to pretend he is. He's still a very good defender, but not only is his form patchier nowadays, but he is injured far too much.

As for Pato, he scores goals and no longer beats men. That's a lot of his attacking threat reduced. He's not the mazy dribbler he looked like being after his first season, but he is important. And I did say keep him.



Then why would you rather have Abbiati? Can you actually, btw, give me some stats as to how many matches or points Dida has cost us directly from his mistakes?



I know he's inconsistent, and I point out he's an impact player - probably our most crucially effective player - he might not be a spring chicken but he's world class and always will be important.



Splendid is laying it on a bit thick. He's been very good at times, and quite absymal at others. He's generally done well in the role he's been asked to play and given his limitations he's been better than he was last season, that's for sure.

A lot of your disagreements seem to be you just expressing your point of view under the guise of disagreeing with me, because a fair portion of what you say agrees with what I say.

At times I've said he's won me over completely. Then he's been completely average.

His problem is symptomatic of the entire club - inconsistent. At times I have been in awe of his goals, at others he's just been a frustrating figure.

Well, we may have different points of view, but to me Nesta is still the best defender in the world when he plays on a constant basis. Surely, he's not the Nesta he used to be 5-6 years ago, but that's mainly because people age and with age their skills are bound to drop. Nonetheless, I think he still has it in him and if he manages to play about 25-30 games per season, like this season, we should consider ourselves lucky.



Perhaps he's lost a bit of his one-to-one agility, but the kid's only 20 years old. He has great margins of improvement and like you also said, he's important, very important to us.



Oh come on, defending Dida is way over-the-top mate. Do I really have to remind you all of the blunders and gaffes he's made during the last few years with us? Abbiati is a very good goalie, he rarely makes mistakes and offers security to the backline. That's all what a goalkeepr must possess. Either way, Dida's contract ends this season and it won't be renewed, that's 110% certain.



He is 34 years old! He plays in a position where he should defend and attack at the same time i.e. he must RUN! Does he ever do that? Rarely, only on big occasions. He's more damaging than useful and the soon we get rid of him, the better it is.



Well, to each his own. I'm more than happy with what Borriello has done this season. But like I said, if we were to sign a better player, Dzeko for example, surely I'd prefer him over Bori.

I'm no Dida fan, but this can work both ways. Dida probably spends more time thinking about that joke of a defense in front of him than he does on his goalkeeping duties. I think Dida's had a pretty decent season, he hasn't made mistakes with the frequency he has done in the past. That said, I don't care between him and Abbiati, they're no better/worse than each other.

If he's not the Nesta he was, how can you say he's the best in the world. The Nesta he was WAS the best in the world, but alas nowadays there are dozens of defenders out there who would consider themselves ahead of him in that pecking order. He's good, when on form, very good, but I'd argue Silva is currently one of those better than him.



Abbiati is average. You said that yourself. Now you're saying he's very good. Which is it? Either way I'd say he's below average and for some curious reason his gaffes do not get highlighted in any way - Dida's do, mainly because his have been so high profile.

Neither goalie is ideal, and I'd rather have a new one entirely, but Dida is definitely the best we have.



Ronaldinho rarely runs yet was arguably our most effective player this season in an attacking position. Seedorf plays in varying positions around midfield, in a creative sense - defending is not his job just like it isn't Ronaldinho's.



I would say Bori has exceeded my expectations this season, given how absolute mince he has been for us in the past, and I've praised him for this. But he's got limitations and sums up the problems Milan as a whole have.

Well, alright, maybe he's not the best in the world, but he's still a top class defender and if we managed to win 10 games out of 12 a few months ago was mostly because of his contribution (both in scoring goals and defending), and with Thiago they form an exceptional defensive duo.



Average, very good, take what you like. What counts is that Abbiati is better than Dida. Last season he was exceptional and the few games he played this year were convincing enough for my consideration. And he doesn't make childish errors.



But Seedorf is a midfielder. And in the system Leonardo opts, the 4-2-1-3, he has the duty to support the attacking trio and aid the defensive duo behind him. You can't expect the sole Pirlo and Ambrosini to fend off the opponent's attacks. When I say get rid of him, I also mean to find a substitute for him, and Hernanes could be a valid choice. He's young, he's versatile, he has good creative and defending skills, since his original position is that in front of the defense. Seedorf is an old, tired and demotivated fart. We can't rely on him anymore like we used to in the past.

Unfortunately all of the above depends on form and injury free - 2 things which, in the first place, were my case regarding him.



I'll let you decide which one it is as you clearly can't make up your own mind.



Uh huh. Can you back this up?



He does make errors actually. Like I said, they just don't get the same exposure. And what in God's name does it mean to call them 'childish' errors - more than criticising Dida, you're slurring his character as if he's somehow immature.



Disagree. That's not the system Leo adopts.



Seedorf has single handedly won us matches this season. He was the difference against Marseille, he was the difference V Bologna, he kept us in the Man Utd tie.

To call him what you just has is sheer nonsense, misguided and totally unfair.

You're slurring Milan players in ways I really wouldn't normally expect to see on this forum.

I don't need to back it up. His performances do.



Then let's have it, what system does Leo play?



But what about the rest of season? I already said that he can be the best midfielder in the world when he wants to, but most of the time he's just a tired old turtle dragging on field, because neither his age nor his motivations allow him to be consistent.



The truth is bitter though, isn't it? Danny, it seems to me you're still tied emotionally to Dida and Seedorf for what they've given us in the last 7-8 years. You have to realize people get old and things can't stay the same forever. Don't get stuck in the past like that **** of Galliani. It's time we let go of the past and sign new, fresh and prospective players, otherwise we'll be stuck in this situation forever.

The keywords in this post are "last year." Dida has more than held his own against the Abbiati gravy train this season.

Abbiati just can't manage to play a full season with this club to save his life. He's never been world class with Milan and to say he's better than Dida is just laughable.


Yadda, yadda, yadda. It's not as if Abi was anything special during the last few years either.

Why is defending Dida so over the top?

Abbiati has made the same mistakes Dida has.

Except Dida actually makes impressive, game-winning saves from time to time while Abbiati at his best is just... ok.

Wow, this forum must be some Dida worship shrine.

Dida has been a mockery since he got hit by that flare in the Eurodebry. His howlers have been terrific and his unsecurity is almost laughable. The only thing that's kept his diginity intact are those incredible saves that he makes every now and then, like against Chievo or some other time.

And this is not just my opinion. I live in Milan. I've been to San Siro many times. Believe me, everyone I've met hates his guts. I personally don't, and I'm grateful to all he's done for us in the golden years. But he's not a reliable goalie anymore.

It's pretty much the opposite. You can probably count on one hand how many people think Dida is good. In fact I can't really think of any major mistakes he's made this season.

X-Off, since you live in Milan: where other than the shop on Via Arco (which I understand is under renovation) is a good place to get Sweet Years stuff?

Isn't Bobo Vieri part of that line?

Yup. Maldini is the other half.

It'd be nice, but as Kurt said, nothing could be further from the truth.

Sorry, I can't help you there. I actually didn't know what Sweet Years was until I Googled it now.

Bah. My person wants another t-shirt and while the backpacks and stuff are around in other shops, those she's only ever seen at the Via Arco place.

Another question: when you go to the San Siro, which section do you usually sit in?

I usually sit in the second ring of the orange section. I've been once in the second ring of the red section and once in Curva Nord, when we played against Marseilles. We had the Marseilles fans above us and you could hear them more than the whole stadium.

Hah. You sure could - I was in 1 orange ring for that game, toward the Curva Nord end. It was awfully chilly that day, and the messy play didn't help my mood much. I was a grumpy fish afterward and made my person get me more whisky. Course, you could also hear and see the OM fans in town all day.

I think the players in our current squad are good enough to be here. Maybe not start, but they all can be very useful when we are looking for depth. However, the main problem is the wage bill. They all cost so damn muchhhh to keep here that it ends up hurting us more than it should.


These players are all over 30:

dida=4m
nesta=5m
inzaghi=4m
abbiati=2m
kaladze=4m
oddo=3m
zambrotta=4m
favalli=1m
roma=500k
seedorf=4m
gattuso=2.5m
pirlo=5m
ambrosini=3m
storari=1m
jankulovski=2m


15 players= 45m


That is simply too much. They are all excellent players and I would keep the 90% of them but at 1m a season and so on, not the wages they are getting. These sorts of wages other clubs pay to players in their prime, not veterans.


we clean this mess up and we will have alot more potential in the transfer market. But renewing these oldies contracts with high wages is a huge mistake and Galliani likes to keep making that mistake.

This statement will be proven completely wrong the moment Pato dribbles past someone.

Well sooner he starts doing that again regularly, the sooner I'll happily hold my hands up.

Correct.

Lovely. Yet ANOTHER post obsessing over the players' salaries. Take a holiday for a day or two.

I love how If dida wasn't on that list, you would have never said a word

I love how you neglect to provide a source for the wages you're so sure are accurate.

I love how I have posted them several times and you have seen them sourced and yet you still hackle me about it Furthermore, you have posted them yourselves as well

Not true. I'm ready to stick rusty sewing needles in my eyes if I see ANOTHER freakin' post about how much ANY of the Milan players make.


Touche.