Giampaolo needs to stop f*ck around and play the best of the best we have. This is not pre-season anymore.

Bennacer, Kessie and Paqueta in midfield must be a constant from now on. Same with Leao.

I really hope we sign Correa otherwise we're screwed.

Didn't you hear Ricky Massara? I don't think we'll be signing Correa.

I don't believe anything until the end of the window.

The thing is, we made already two steps backward. As I said earlier, opposition is much stronger. Whereas we have a management and coach who still hasn't figured out what Borini should be used or not used for, what Suso and Hakan can or cannot play, etc.

tbh we actually did better than I expected. We didn't lose by more than one goal.

This team is already fighting not to be a bottom 10 team. In fact, it may even be seeking avoiding being bottom 5. It's that bad.

It has a manager versed in mediocrity, a squad with no planning and no structure, thoroughly average players, and a desire to play those already average players in completely ill-fitting positions.

This is what dims my heart re: Milan. I can tolerate a bad team as long as it tries. I just can't tolerate one that plays bad, lacks morale, has no obvious system and is guided by someone utterly out of his depth.

Oh, and another thing - I knew it would be a duff season when I saw our new shirt - every recent season we have had the thin stripes, the horrible shirt, it reflects a horrible team or bad season. 11/12 (the summer which saw the exodus), 13/14 (8th), 16 (7th) and now this one. Especially the 2011 one. The start of the end.

Though you do make good points, I think it's a little too early to be jumping to conclusions. Today's line-up was a dead give-away that things might go south for us, and they did.

I think all the players we've signed were necessary. We got a couple of back-ups in Duarte and Krunic to replace the players that left, two very good signings in Hernandez and Bennacer that will help us improve the weaknesses in those areas, and a promising youngster that can play anywhere in attack.

Granted, it's not enough, we need at least someone proven and of quality upfront. Also, wanted to point out that Strinic rescinded his contract with us a couple of day ago, so he's no longer a Milan player.

Isn't he the one Han pegged as the new Maldini for us? Someone decided he was the ghost of Baresi and I can't remember who.

Yes, terrible.

We didn't do good. Giamp needs to be practical, and he needs to do it quickly. Why didn't we keep Gattuso again?

Too busy moaning about everything else in the match. In his marginal defence, he was indeed struck in the face, if not particularly violently and not meriting of that reaction, but, yes, I rate his ability highly and I nevertheless lost a great deal of respect for him at that incident.

He actually quit did he not?

PS how was that optimistic smile of yours after 10 minutes (!)

I disagree on the necessity part. I think only Bennacer was necessary. All other signings are pretty much unimportant. Duarte was also necessary, or at least a CB. But had we renegotiated a new deal with Zapata, and also keep in mind that Rodriguez is well suited to play CB (I actually think he would be better then LB). So splashing up money for Duarte was not a priority. Hernandez is good because Rodriguez causes problems, but he also wasn't/isn't a priority. IMO we gave much money for a injury prone youngster with no Serie A experience. Krunić I believe is completely unimportant.

And even if we say the signings have been necessary, I still think we could have handled them with more care and make shrewder decision on who to keep and who to sell and for what prize. We used to moan around how Galliani wasn't able to sell his cuts. Well.. But you honestly think that (even beside the point that Rodriguez is getting worse and worse) we needed a leftback, a young midfielder and a very young striker to take a shot at 4th spot? Because this is the goal, right? Or are we trying to secure survival and avoid relegation?

Last season we were 1 point shy of getting to the CL. So things were easy. We knew we needed a more tactically astute coach like Giampaolo and made the move. But then Maldini and Boban got completely lost. Tell me, do you consider us any stronger with does depth players and talents? I think minus Zapata, Bakayoko and Cutrone we're in fact much weaker.

We created a big mess with letting the coach implement his own system of play while all the same not providing the necessary (quality) players. I hear Giampaolo is now suggesting (post-game conference) to drop his system in favor of a plan that plays on the strengths of the players. That went south quickly.

I think it was mutual. Milan wanted someone new and Ringo just wanted not to create any trouble so he left.

Haha..gone quickly. I just thought it was a tactical mess. All of the players looked lost out there with this new system.

At least he realized quickly that it was never going to work. Good indicator. The problem is we bought players for a different system, and we didn't get the left-winger we should have bought. And, Correa is far from being that.

Hell yes on the left back! That was a HUGE priority. We cannot continue with Rodriguez. The guy is utter rubbish, which he diligently proved again yesterday.



Oh, so he injured his ankle and suddenly he's injury prone? That can happen to anyone.

Hernandez was a necessary signing. The kid is plenty talented and he showed that in his the first half against Bayern before leaving injured. He might not have Serie A experience but he has La Liga experience, which is a far more superior league.



I think with Hernandez, Bennacer and Leao we're stronger. Not sure how Leao will turn out in the end, but I never rated Cutrone. Perhaps spending 30M on him was a stretch, so I agree that we could have spent a little more on someone else.

https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calci...6-201902a.shtml

Mediaset already suggesting that we're switching back to 4-3-3 and that Boban is flying to Madrid to close for Correa.

Speaking of which, the guy's primary position is on the wing (no SS and no AM), so if we sign him we could easily play him and Suso on the wings and Piatek as CF.

Oh okay perfect then! Having Correa will def. help if he plays as a winger.

Oh look, Lukaku is starting for Inter despite being with the team for only two weeks. Take note, Maestro Giampaolo.

It really was a big error on his part. I mean, Borini in midfield, come on. Kessie has always been in the team..

I feel like we're repeating the same thing over and over. My biggest fear is that we have signed an incompetent coach.

Leftbacks won't win us the 4th spot. Look at Lazio and Atalanta. Are Cataldi, Jordan Lukaku, Conti, Spinazzola, etc. really good options? No. But when you operate with a limited budget and have a big agenda you address the key areas: midfield and attack.

I understand your frustration with Rodriguez and share it. But I don't think it's an essential move and paying 30M for yet another shot in the dark is excessive under these circumstances.


Wasn't he also injured prior to signing for us?


To be quite honest I think Cutrone is better then Piatek. The guy hasn't scored a goal, what - 6 months now? And the limitations he has... Cutrone was also limited but he had that Inzaghiesque intelligence. This one... not so sure.

Naah man, non of our signings make any real difference nor do they get us any closer to the 4th spot. And now with Atalanta and Fiorentina emerging as threats, I can see us finish 8th-10th once more.

30M? We spent 20M for him, a very reasonable price for a fullback. Inter spent 22M for Lazaro.

And I disagree that fullbacks aren't important. Essential, perhaps not, but a competitive teams need to have competent fullbacks.


No.



Like I said, I don't rate Cutrone at all, but Piatek has been so abysmal as of late, so I get it. I think we're all hoping this is just a phase and he returns to the player we all admired when he first joined us.

Too much hoping and wishing and too little planning and preparing.

Hernandez was injured before, not for long (a month or so). And yes, fullbacks are important but right now that's not a priority. I read we're after Demiral again. Are we insane or what? We're ready to splash 35M for the guy because Rugani will stay? Hope this is some paper BS.

Also, Giampaolo switching back the system would be yet another mistake IMO. First, this would mean the whole preparation period was a sheer waste of time [yet another sign of how Milan poorly planned this season]. Secondly, this would mean that Giampaolo hasn't quite any idea left and now tries to turn back on an old insufficient system with the everlasting problem - no quality left winger. Is that Correa? Perhaps...

I share your concerns.

But I think that, with Correa seemingly a done deal at this point (new rumours coming from Spain that he's not training with the rest of the squad), on paper we have a solid line-up for 4th spot.



Now this is just my opinion. I understand if you feel skeptical.

As for Demiral, don't know what to make of it. Does this mean Caldara is still a long way before returning? Is this Duarte kid not good enough? Boh...

It's almost endearing that it's taken till now for this to become apparent to you. I wish I'd had even your level of hope up till now.

And scored.

Let's face it, we've brought in someone who was out of his depth from before he even walked in Milanello.

For the sake of it, I hope we switch to 4-3-3. I've said from day 1 that 4-3-1-2 is outdated and nobody uses it.

In this modern era of football, wings is everything. Be it 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, even 3-5-2, you just can't play without wings, unless you have a world class midfield and world class fullbacks.

I can assure you, I had never had any thoughts, negative or positive re Strinic before we got him.

Anyway, regarding this squad in general. We are playing a system that lives or dies by 3 fundamental rules imo, which are:
- Top fullbacks that can bomb up and down the pitch and create the width that this very narrow system lacks
- A top trequartista that is basically the focal point of the entire team
- A proper SS that can get involved in the buildup and bring Piatek into the game

And in each case, not only do we lack in those areas but they are currently our weakest ones

The fullbacks are a complete mess. Rodriguez spends more time running sideways and towards our own goal than bombing forward. Calabria had a nightmare of a game, but he's generally better so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now.

Suso is just not an AM and never will be. He's too slow and too reliant on his singular attacking move of going wide and crossing

And as for an SS, Castillejo sure as hell is not the answer, and it was a mistake to start him over Leao or even Silva. At least a natural forward can help hold up the ball to try and play in the mids or his attacking partner, Samu just kept getting bullied around all game long. He's never going to be useful in a crowded area of the pitch

Overall, the decisions made are what truly stuck the knife into us. Giampaolo made some really terrible decisions that 100% of the fans could see backfiring from a mile away before a single ball was kicked

Borini should not be starting any game. He's a rotation player and is only to be used as such FFS. How many coaches do we have to go through that always seem to value him for some reason or another when he's one of the most limited players to have played for us, and to add insult to injury and play him in midfield...

Hakan at regista... I mean WTF was he thinking, has Hakan ever even played this position?


The mistakes were endless, and Giampaolo better learn quick or he won't last till Christmas at this rate

Ahh, what's there to say. Probably at Sampdoria Borini would be a given starter, and that's the logic the poor guy knows.

So true. One thing to bear in mind, Theo will probably replace Rodriguez. I think he will good in attack. Calabria should perform better. Don't forget we have Conti too.

Suso can work as AM in theory..but I think it is a big risk too.

And for the SS, yes for sure someone other than Cast...

Conti seems to be... not good enough.

Another one of Mirabelli's genius moves.

Out of all the players he brought in that summer, not a single one turned out to be good.

Musacchio - average
Conti - mediocre
Rodriguez - rubbish
Biglia - mediocre
Kessie - average
Calhanoglu - rubbish
Silva - rubbish
Borini - rubbish
Kalinic - rubbish

Way to waste 200M.

Indeed.

Formation according to Sky. Good, let's see what this Bennacer has to offer. I seems we're switching formation after the day 1 debacle.

Musacchio - who?
Conti - unfair, was doing ok then basically got a career-ending injury
Rod - good left foot and cross, cr*p everything else.
Biglia - less than mediocre
Kessie - had potential but just not up to it
Hakan - yup
Silva - worse than rubbish
Borini - worse than Silva
Kalinic - worse than aids.

Bonucci - MINCEMINCEMINCE

Harsh on Musacchio. I think of all those players, he’s been the most consistent one.

Andre Silva to start instead of Piatek, and Calhanocrap instead of Paqueta, according to Mediaset. Also Castillejo as well.

Giampaolo has lost it.

Samu starting again...

Oh my

Goal! Hakan.

Playing okay so far. Not great but getting the job done

I'm actually liking the attack more with Silva...

Paqueta instead of Samu would work better but overall it's much more fluid this week

Could, not score that second goal for love or money. But that's 3pts on the board, that's all that matters at this point

But we play goddamn awful against two relegation candidates. All negative aspects from last season are amplified plus Giampaolo experimenting with Samu doesn't help either. This is a complete and utter mess.

I give Giampaolo 2 months. He'll be gone by December. Who should we call next? Ambrosini? Shevchenko? Kaladze?

Piatek is rusty and one-dimensional, at least Silva has some intelligence in this utterly stupid bunch of players we have available.

So, we played bad?

Agreed about Samu, but I think there were some positive signs today compared to the crapfest we saw last Sunday.

In the end Piatek was unlucky not to score, especially that one right on the line.

If no one else comes in this window, which is looking more and more likely, I'd like to see Paqueta behind the strikers. He's such a quick thinker and he's strong as well. As soon as he moved up the pitch from the midfield position you could instantly see a change in how he played. He's too shackled on that left side.

Hakan was also much better today than last week, which isn't saying much, I know considering the nightmare of a game he had last Sunday, but I was happy overall with how he played.

We can whine and whine, but it seems like these will be the players we'll have for this season, so I'm hoping Giampaolo can get the best out of them and play all of them in the positions they excel in. I'm giving him he benefit of the doubt for now, he needs to get to know all the players well, especially those who were on NT duty this summer, but if he can't get his bearings by the end of September, then yes, he'll probably be gone by xmas.

Allegri was in the stands, what do you think about him returning? I was never a fan but he's a functional coach if nothing else.


I don't think we're really playing to his strengths to be honest. But yeah, Silva provides a lot more movement, he's rusty too, but he can drift to the wings, go to midfield and still be comfortable, not to mention that he can be quick once he gets going.

I feel like Suso is our most creative player and he's gifted but he's limited as well, and right now, I feel like we're playing to accommodate him and that's not going to be sustainable, because as talented as he is, he is equally limited in the way he plays


Not really, we had good spells and bad spells, nothing like the Udine game. There's a lot of room for improvement though, and if this is the squad we end up with come next Monday, Giampaolo needs to start utilising all his best players to the best of their abilities, or we won't be going anywhere this season aside from mid-table

Looks like Bennacer played an excellent game.

Yes, really liked him, clean passes, quick on his feet, doesn't dawdle on the ball, always looks for the forward pass and covers space well

The midfield still looks very disjointed as a unit but both he and Kessie played well today

Yes, Bennacer certainly looked good. Agreed.

I would say we played better then against Udinese, but mind that Brescia is essentially a Serie B team. That being said, I don't think we're up to anything this season. The comments Giampaolo is giving make me realize he's a typical Italian hack alla Ventura. Surprise switches and shock picks to shake things up, much complicated stategizing, etc but virtually everything suited for a small club mentality.

Eeek!

Hope he's not as bad as Ventura, but yes, his picks are head scratchers.

I'm trying to give him as much benefit of the doubt as I can. He's still getting to know this team, so I expect some wacky choices for now. But starting Samu is getting old fast, especially when you have Paqueta and Leao on the bench. Leao, if nothing else, is definitely a big presence in the attack and is very quick, while Paqueta is smarter and more creative. There's no excuse to playing Samu over them, especially in positions that are not wide

So, I didn't watch the game last night, but I watched the highlights. We created a lot, should have scored another two IMO.