View Full Version : AC Milan
ThaReaper01
15-09-2010, 20:24
You gotta take the end of the URL (HaE4d3nAL0g) and stick it between youtube tag things.
HaE4d3nAL0g
You gotta take the end of the URL (HaE4d3nAL0g) and stick it between youtube tag things.
HaE4d3nAL0g
:unsure: :lol:
Good job that Strasser's a pussy, if he did that to me I'd smash his long nose in, I do agree though how mental he is. Probably too much a character to settle in well at Barca.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic became embroiled in a heated exchange with Arigo Saachi on Wednesday night.
The Swedish striker was being interviewed after his brace helped AC Milan to a 2-0 victory over Auxerre in their opening UEFA Champions League encounter.
He flipped after being told that Mediaset Premium studio guest Saachi, a legendary former coach of Milan, had joked that he would not have scored his first goal if he did not have such big feet.
Ibrahimovic took that comment to be another sly dig, having previously been subject to perceived abuse from Saachi, and he launched an angry rebuke at the stunned 64-year-old.
"Saachi needs to learn how to shut up," said the languid frontman, who joined Milan from Barcelona during the summer transfer window.
"He also seems jealous because he's talking too much, he needs to talk less about me on TV and in the newspapers.
"If he wants something he can come and see me about it. If you don't like the way I play, don't come and watch me."
Opinion
An on-air argument then broke out between the pair, during which Ibrahimovic continued to vent his spleen at Saachi.
"He also said things about me when I was at Barcelona," said the Swede.
"I believe I can express my opinion in a polite and correct way, I don't believe I've offended you," said Sacchi.
"When someone talks too much, they talk too much, you're one of those people. If you don't like the way I play, don't come and watch me," said Ibrahimovic.
"Let me explain," added Sacchi.
"You don't need to explain anything to me," responded Ibrahimovic.
"You need to learn some manners, son," concluded Sacchi.
I'm seriously loving Ibra atm :lol:
Billy Minof
17-09-2010, 11:00
I'm seriously loving Ibra atm :lol:
lol, me too, he takes no shit. :D
He does need to learn some manners.
Billy Minof
17-09-2010, 12:09
He does need to learn some manners.
He is entitled to defend himself.
uA - 1905
17-09-2010, 14:39
I think Zlatan is a high class cunt and the fact that he looks like a young Neil Warnock isn't doing him any favors.
He is entitled to defend himself.
There are better ways of doing it.
Wrong time, bad choice of words. I watched the encounter, and it was embarrassing. Specially after they told him that Sachi was being complimentary, but he kept going.
He is hardly defending himself, the comments were about as lighthearted and benign as they could be. Also, that article Joel posted is terrible, can they not run a spell check or, you know, just remember how to spell Sacchi consistently?
The man is a character, perhaps lacking character but at least when he was a cancer at Juve and Inter it was amusing. I actually like Milan, Barca and Ajax.
Ibra is definitely a villain, but he makes things hype around football. Seriously, they are not many footballers left with characters these days. We need one or two "rotten eggs" around.
Yea, but there's a difference between what Ibra said, and how he said it, and saying something like this:
'Oh, so now that i am a Milan player you say nice things about me? Why thank you so much. Not a few months ago you said Barcelona made a mistake signing me, no? And what about all the times you've said i suck cocks and dicks? Right.'
Something like this, or a lot wittier, we would all enjoy, but Zlatan isn't good enough for that. He's just a rich punk with a black belt in Taekwondo, and an attitude problem.
I would definitely not say this to his face btw.
You're just upset that you guys looked fucking stupid for the deal you made with Milan for him.
Ibra is more charismatic than your whole team put together. Well excluding Pique, he has some charisma.
There was that time you beat Madrid 6-2 in Madrid and when the team bus got back to Barcelona, Pique stepped out and just started singing to the fans. That was awesome.
But the rest of your players are drones. DRONES I SAY.
http://i36.tinypic.com/2w5reom.gif
:lol:
Seriously though, I don't hate Barca.
I know 99% of my post on Barca are negative. And I did kind of create the "Barca Haters United" group on here back in spring. And maybe I created a new La Liga thread just to laugh at their loss last weekend.
But I do not hate Barca.
Billy Minof
17-09-2010, 22:15
:lol:
Seriously though, I don't hate Barca.
I know 99% of my post on Barca are negative. And I did kind of create the "Barca Haters United" group on here back in spring. And maybe I created a new La Liga thread just to laugh at their loss last weekend.
But I do not hate Barca.
I hate em. Not really though, I dont hate anyone, I just dislike them because I follow Real Madrid and say things more than anything else to try and get peoples reactions and people posting about Football and get peoples views on La Liga more than anything out of interest.
I would enjoy Ibra at Madrid though. :ninja:
dan101rayzor
18-09-2010, 02:17
No Way!
Marco Provera wants Kaka at Inter!
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/88/spain/2010/09/17/2123182/i-would-like-to-see-real-madrid-ace-kaka-playing-for-inter-marco-
Original?
03-10-2010, 00:23
Unbelievable strike from Pirlo tonight, good job for Parma that Mirante was on form else it could have been 3 or 4.
david_bueno
12-10-2010, 16:47
You're just upset that you guys looked fucking stupid for the deal you made with Milan for him.
Ibra is more charismatic than your whole team put together. Well excluding Pique, he has some charisma.
There was that time you beat Madrid 6-2 in Madrid and when the team bus got back to Barcelona, Pique stepped out and just started singing to the fans. That was awesome.
But the rest of your players are drones. DRONES I SAY.
Could not agree more!
CDDRodrigo
20-02-2011, 16:14
Since Sweey retired, this thread's been extremely quiet.
But we can say assured that this Milan is better than last year's.
Since Sweey retired, this thread's been extremely quiet.
But we can say assured that this Milan is better than last year's.
Not against teams playing with real width though, not enough cover for the full backs - who both look suspect defensively.
Ultimate777
20-02-2011, 16:40
All I know is that gattuso's a legend.
Meyyappan
08-05-2011, 09:16
Well champions again after 6 seasons,congrauts.
Cannon ball
15-05-2011, 18:41
c6DYafHmcR0
Ibra strikes again! :laugh:
Dragonfly
15-05-2011, 20:56
:laugh:
I hope we win the Emirates Cup and Song does a James Brown impersonation.
Moyesavelian
15-05-2011, 23:18
c6DYafHmcR0
Ibra strikes again! :laugh:
What a bellend ,the guy is not right in the head.
Tbf Cassano is just as bad! That's probably just how those two greet eachother.
:laugh: To think, only recently, someone at Milan was peddling how Ibra "Was grown up now, he has a family and has changed his ways". Like fuck!
Wow. What a difference Robinho makes in the squad. Nice win over palermo.
Cannon ball
09-11-2011, 22:56
Oh Zlatan...
Ibra threatened to beat Pep up
Former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed he would beat up coach Pep Guardiola if he did not get a move to AC Milan, according to the Spanish club's corporate vice-president Carles Vilarrubi.
Ibrahimovic, who has a black belt in tae-kwon-do, had an unhappy year at the Nou Camp after joining from Inter Milan in a swap deal with Samuel Eto'o and, in his recent autobiography, has claimed that he was 'bullied' by Guardiola.
The tension was so great that Vilarrubi claims he threatened physical violence upon his manager as he tried to engineer a move away from the club on loan.
"He threatened to beat Guardiola in public," Vilarrubi told radio station RAC1, "He said 'if you do not let me go I will paste him in front of the press'".
Ibrahimovic's book, 'I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic', has caused a storm with his controversial comments about his former team-mates and employers. And the Swede also took aim at World Player of the Year Lionel Messi for forcing him out of his favoured position.
''It was a childhood dream and I was walking on air,'' wrote Ibrahimovic. ''It started well but then Messi started to talk. He wanted to play in the middle, not on the wing, so the system changed from 4-3-3 to 4-5-1. I was sacrificed and no longer had the freedom on the pitch I need to succeed.
''So I asked for a meeting with Guardiola - for a discussion, not an argument. I said I was being used in the wrong way and that they shouldn't have bought me if they wanted another type of player.
''I told him what a friend had said to me - "you bought a Ferrari but drive it like a Fiat". The chat seemed to go well but then Guardiola started to freeze me out. I would walk into a room; he would leave. He would greet everyone by saying hello, but would ignore me.
''I had done a lot to adapt - the Barca players were like schoolboys, following the coach blindly, whereas I was used to asking "why?" I like guys who run red lights, not pedantic and strict rules. So I tried to be overly nice, didn't dare lose my temper.
''But after this I stopped trying to adapt. For example, at Barca players were banned from driving their sports cars to training. I thought this was ridiculous - it was no one's business what car I drive - so in April, before a match with Almeria, I drove my Ferrari Enzo to work. It caused a scene.''
Ibrahimovic also revealed the moment when he lost his temper with Guardiola, after a game with Villarreal in 2010.
''(Pep) was staring at me and I lost it. I thought "there is my enemy, scratching his bald head". I yelled to him: "You have no balls!" And probably worse things than that. I added: 'You are s****ing yourself because of (then Inter manager Jose Mourinho, whose side beat Barca in the Champions League). You can go to hell!" I was completely mad.
''I threw a box full of training gear across the room, it crashed to the floor and Pep said nothing, just put stuff back in the box. I'm not violent, but if I were Guardiola I would have been frightened.''
In autobiography, Ibrahimovic says Onyewu broke his rib in training brawl at AC Milan
STOCKHOLM - AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he broke a rib in a brawl with United States defender Oguchi Onyewu that could have "ended badly" had they not been separated by team mates.
In an autobiography sent to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Ibrahimovic says the two players "wanted to destroy each other" in the fight which started after the hot-tempered Swede launched a dangerous tackle on Onyewu in a Nov. 5, 2010, training session with Milan.
"I'm not talking about a small row," Ibrahimovic writes. "It was like life and death."
Once things cooled down the players shook hands and it was only later that Ibrahimovic found out that he had a broken rib.
Staying true to his bad-boy image in the book, Ibrahimovic also describes a series of rows with other players and coaches during his career, including an expletive-ridden outburst at Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.
Ibrahimovic joined Barcelona in 2009 in a $66 million deal that sent striker Samuel Eto'o to Inter. He scored 16 goals in the Spanish league but often struggled to fit into Barcelona's intricate passing schemes.
The Swede blamed Guardiola for his failure, saying his game suffered when the coach met Lionel Messi's request to play in a more prominent role in the centre instead of on the flank.
"It's like you bought a Ferrari and drive it like a Fiat," Ibrahimovic said of his role in the shadow of Messi, whom he praised as a great player.
Ibrahimovic is full of praise for Fabio Capello, the current England manager who was his coach at Juventus, and Jose Mourinho, the former Inter Milan coach who is now at Real Madrid.
"If Mourinho lights up a room, Guardiola pulls down the curtains," Ibrahimovic says in the book, co-written with Swedish author David Lagercrantz.
Ibrahimovic says he felt like an outcast among the clean cut "school boys" on the Barcelona squad and even thought about quitting football. Instead he joined AC Milan in 2010, choosing the Italian club over Manchester City.
"City could surely become a great club in a few years. But I was about to turn 29. I didn't have time for long-term plans, and money was never the key thing," he says. "I wanted to go to a team that could be good now and no club in Europe had a history like Milan."
The 30-year-old forward says his personality was shaped by his Balkan roots and upbringing in a rough-and-tumble immigrant neighbourhood of Malmo, in southern Sweden.
Ibrahimovic says his parents split when he was two and the family struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. He got involved in petty crimes including bicycle theft and shoplifting and says he would probably have ended up a career criminal had he not focused on football.
"I was a savage, a lunatic, and I couldn't control my temper," Ibrahimovic says. That remained an issue — on and off the field — as he moved from local club Malmo FF to Ajax, and then to Juventus and Inter Milan.
He says he threatened to break Rafael van der Vaart's legs at Ajax and punched Frenchman Jonathan Zebina in the face after a "brutal" tackle during training with Juventus.
He also a shows a rare soft spot, describing the emotion that came over him when Inter's hardcore fans celebrated the birth of his first son, with a banner saying "Welcome Maximilian" in Italian.
"It was so beautiful that I wanted to cry," Ibrahimovic says. "Those fans don't play around. They are tough guys and I would have hard fights with them. But now, what can I say? It was Italy at its best."
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2910/sto8021182011000000high.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/153/sto8021182011000000high.jpg/)
Please tell me there's an English translation, I would definitely buy it.:lmao:
Billy Minof
11-11-2011, 19:30
Please tell me there's an English translation, I would definitely buy it.:lmao:
Me too. :) Looks a good read.
Billy Minof
13-11-2011, 12:47
More extracts from his book.
AC Milan striker Ibrahimovic: Barcelona blocked my Real Madrid move
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Barcelona blocked him from moving to Real Madrid.
Ibra was keen to move to Real ahead of AC Milan in 2010.
In an extract of his book, as published by AS, the striker writes: "The president said: 'I understand the situation. Which club do you want to join?' I replied: 'Madrid.' Rosell replied: 'That is not possible. You can go anywhere but there.'"
Did he expect to get a "sure, we'll make it happen" reply?
Billy Minof
16-11-2011, 21:37
Did he expect to get a "sure, we'll make it happen" reply?
I dont think he wanted one, I think he just wanted to smack someone before he left. :ninja:
Moyesavelian
16-11-2011, 21:52
He's a massive prick but i certainly would buy his book if is translated.
Billy Minof
25-11-2011, 00:34
I read there a few mins ago on Marca that Ronaldinho was caught masterbating on webcam.
Here is the video (http://www.marca.com/2011/11/24/futbol/futbol_internacional/america/1322173466.html?a=b6251739b0de bbf55bd6c468a1e197dd&t=1322181105).
:willis:
This post is long and split into sections. Worth reading when people have time but for those with little interest, you can pick various subjects.
-Leonardo
-Allegri’s Midfield Changes, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Andrea Pirlo’s Departure
-The Tottenham Debacle and the Story of Mister X, Mister Y and €560m
-Alexandre Pato: Injury Time!
-Robinho and the Barn Door
-Thiago Silva’s Development
-Barbara Berlusconi
-Carlos Tevez
Leonardo
I have no time for this man.
He clashed with Berlusconi when he was coach due to tactical issues so he chose to leave the club. Both before and after he took the job, he said that the life of being a coach wasn’t for him and that he would never coach at any other club because of this.
In October 2010, he said that although he would never again work for Milan, he certainly wouldn’t work at any other club in Italy for a very long time because he felt far too attached to Milan. Two months later he hasn’t just returned to Italy, he’s returned as a coach. Not just any old team either, he’s gone to the cheating, lying scum that infect the city of Milan. Bitter? Not at all. My words have been proven right by Calciopoli investigations this summer just as I said they would be back in 2006.
He made the same tactical mistakes at Inter, getting trounced in the Champions League the same way his stupid tactics against Manchester United got us slaughtered in 2010. Oh and what was the tactical criticism from Berlusconi which soured their relationship after so many years? That the strikers (Borriello and Huntelaar) were playing too far away from the goal. Berlusconi was right. Huntelaar’s struggles the season he was with us weren’t helped by the fact that he was receiving the ball 30 yards out and then having to turn, pick a pass and make a run towards the area.
Milan fans who had backed him as a player, technical director and coach throughout his 12 years at the club were stabbed in the back.
Allegri’s Midfield Changes, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Andrea Pirlo’s Departure
Andrea Pirlo has left! *much fanfare and celebration in my house*
Allegri’s time at Cagliari saw him use a 4-3-3 system with midfielders who were comfortable in multiple phases of play and could run. He came to Milan in the summer of 2010 and immediately wanted to sign Lazzari because we had Pirlo, Gattuso and Ambrosini all of whom would struggle to adapt to his system. Lazzari never arrived due to the excessive demands of Cagliari president Massimo Cellino but thanks to Genoa, Kevin-Prince Boateng did.
A failure at Tottenham, not exactly an amazing player for Portsmouth, I can’t say I wasn’t seriously worried. I appreciated his stamina, potentially tireless running and World Cup performances but did he have the professionalism? Would he want to work hard? Did he even have the ability?
26.44%; the percentage of votes for player of the season that Boateng received. Thiago Silva was the winner for the second consecutive season with 27.42%. Ibrahimovic was third with 20.95% after falling away badly in the second half of the season.
Boateng’s breakthrough came on September 15th 2010 in our Champions League opener at home to Auxerre. Ambrosini was forced off after 15 minutes due to injury and Boateng came on as his replacement. He won me over almost immediately with one of the simplest acts on a football pitch.
He’s got the ball at his feet in midfield, he’s looking for a pass and his left arm outstretched, is holding off an opponent who is trying to dispossess him while he looks for a team-mate to pass to.
There isn’t a player in the Milan squad who has done that for as long as I can remember. They turn away from their opponent, they run into their opponent or they just lose possession but they don’t use their upper body strength, generally because they don’t have the right mix of upper body strength and patience.
Later in the same game, his well-timed run into the box allows him the opportunity to flick the ball on to Ibrahimovic for the opener. We win 2-0, Allegri starts him in the next two games, he continues to impress and the Milan fans have already started to call him “The King”. Shift over Elvis.
Some people will tell you that his success is proof that Serie A is poor – no it isn’t. Serie A isn’t great but he is a success because his characteristics are something different to most other midfielders in the league let alone Milan and of course his athleticism helps in a league which typically has a slower tempo than the three European leagues which are ranked higher (although it isn’t generally as slow as some would suggest or remember from years gone by).
Boateng is happy at the club but was angered somewhat when the media recently said he seemed more interested in partying than concentrating on football (his form had not dropped). His response was the incredible hat-trick as a substitute against Lecce which saw us come back from 3-0 down at half-time to win 4-3. He referenced the media’s criticisms after the game and was a clear leader for us in that game. He was reportedly relegated to the bench as punishment for being out late during the week. I love watching this crazy video of Tiziano Crudelli reacting to each of the goals in the match. He’s going to have a heart attack very soon. Quality viewing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2UsZRJk_GQ
Away from Boateng and back to Allegri’s midfield evolution from last season. We’re not very far into the season and already he has had to abandon the 4-3-3 plan because he doesn’t have the players to make it work. He reverts to 4-1-2-1-2 but expects the central two to run a lot. He isn’t happy with Pirlo in the defensive midfield role and moves him into central midfield, slightly wider so that he is ready to play long diagonal balls to Ibrahimovic and doesn’t immediately put us in trouble when (not if) he gives the ball away in a poor position. He spends most of the season out injured, however.
Pirlo was one of nine players whose contract expired at the end of the season. During the campaign, Galliani made it clear that no contract renewals would be discussed until we knew where we would finish in the league. After winning the title, he opted to wait until the end of the season.
Now this is the story commentators and journalists have forgotten or never paid attention to in the first place: Allegri wanted to keep Pirlo and use him in the central two of the 1-2-1 in midfield although he would actually play in a central-left position. Galliani supported the idea but due to Pirlo’s age and wages (€6m per season, only Ibrahimovic earns more) would only offer a one-year contract.
None of that actually mattered. Pirlo feels that he needs a change of scenery and believes that now is the right time to leave. All you hear from commentators is “Milan made a mistake letting Pirlo go” – no we didn’t. However well he might play for Juventus is irrelevant, he couldn’t have done that for us because he didn’t feel it was the right environment for him any longer. He needed new surroundings to freshen him up and he opted for it. I remain happy that he is no longer with us. My views on his performances for Juventus so far this season don’t belong here, however.
Back again to Allegri’s midfield demands: one of the central two must consistently make runs beyond the strikers to force defenders to abandon their shape. That job falls to Flamini who spends the entire season struggling to score due to his lack of finishing ability. The man has one type of shot and the distance to goal doesn’t change it: a wild drive. He finishes the season with two goals but could and should have had about 10. The ball flying high over the bar from one of his shots is a regular image throughout the season. I’m not sure he’s good enough to star for us in Europe so would not have minded if he had been sold in the summer but that didn’t happen. He suffered a serious knee injury in August of this year and probably won’t be fully fit until March.
Mark Van Bommel arrived in January and immediately made the defensive midfield role his own. His job is simple: stop opponents getting to the centre of our defence. He does it well for the remainder of the season despite being dismissed on his debut and uses his experience to see us through some nervous moments. He’s currently injured and has struggled this season so a return to PSV next month would probably suit everyone.
The midfield is still missing something though, a Mister X.
The Tottenham Debacle and the Story of Mister X, Mister Y and €560m
Nine months after the signings of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho changed the face of our attack, we stood as champions of Italy but you couldn’t shake the disappointment (or disgust in my case) of our latest European failure.
The first leg home defeat against Tottenham ended up being less about them, their concentration and tactics as it was about our own failings. However, almost everyone seemed to miss what we did – or in this case didn’t – do. You can understand people wanting to revel in the moment, the success of an away win, but they weren’t the only ones to miss it.
A starting line-up containing the pace of Abate and Robinho, defensive experience of Nesta and Yepes and long-range passing of Thiago Silva in an unfamiliar anchor man role was allowed to build up the play so consistently slowly that you’d have been forgiven for thinking that Bonera, Papastathopoulos, Zambrotta, Pirlo, Seedorf, Ambrosini, Gattuso and Inzaghi were all on the pitch. We were never going to win like that and it was a disaster in terms of tactics (Allegri) and application (the players) irrespective of midfield injuries.
Gattuso was rightly blasted for his pathetic behaviour and it is nice that he and Joe Jordan are on better terms, albeit due to highly unfortunate circumstances, but it was a symptom of his own frustration at the complete ineptitude of the entire team, himself included no doubt.
Tottenham are sitting back (and have been for 40 seconds) and Nesta is passing short to Yepes who plays it along to Antonini. He passes back to Nesta who gives the ball to Abate on the right. He actually passes forwards and looks for a return ball from Gattuso only to see the ball given to Thiago Silva. Apart from Abate, the entire Milan team is at walking pace. They aren’t tired; the problem is that nobody appears to be thinking straight. Thiago Silva can see no options ahead of him short or long and is forced to pass the ball out to Antonini in order for the team to look for a different angle. Antonini passes the ball to Yepes. Tottenham are concentrating and I’m going mental, asking what this shit is supposed to be.
The second leg couldn’t have been more different. We were faster, passed more crisply and looked like we actually realised we were playing a team of at least decent ability. Unfortunately, despite Pato returning to start in a front three with Ibrahimovic and Robinho, the three of them were abysmal. Seedorf on the other hand, orchestrating the play from the deep playmaking role that Ancelotti created for Pirlo years earlier, was particularly fantastic in the first half.
Our exit would have come in the next round anyway whether the draw had been the same (Real Madrid) or not. We were missing a high class performer in midfield.
So back to the summer; we’ve won Serie A and deserved it but we need to improve drastically for Europe. Galliani agrees and the identikit of Mister X is born.
Allegri slowly leaks out certain details about our target: he’s 183cm tall, has a full head of hair, is good with both feet and the key part of it all, he is a player who will take us to the next level. Galliani eventually adds that this player is based abroad. The plan is simple: Wait until late August before making our move due to the success of the Ibrahimovic and Robinho deals one year earlier and in a bid to lower the transfer fee as much as possible.
The media are naming all sorts, too many for me to remember right now. The early ones are Asamoah and Hamsik (no thanks!), later that turns into Ganso (excellent vision but goes missing for very long periods) and Kaka and finally it settles on Fabregas (if Barcelona didn’t sign him, we will look to get him before eventually selling him to them) and Schweinsteiger (fits the identikit perfectly and even picks us apart in a pre-season friendly). The fans have been told that there is €50m to spend in the summer, at least half of which is expected to be spent on this one player alone.
In early July, Berlusconi’s holding company Finnivest which owns the club and his media empire, are ordered to pay €560m to their main rival for bribing a judge to ensure the successful takeover of the Mondadori publishing house in 1991 ahead of said rival.
Galliani immediately tells the public that he isn’t certain that the fine will impact on Milan’s transfer plans and needs to speak with Berlusconi to be sure of what the full situation is. There are no further announcements but the answer is clear when we loan Alberto Aquilani with a clause that we must buy if he plays 25 games. Worst still, Galliani claims that Aquilani is was always Mister X, you know, the player to take us to the next level in the Champions League. Intellectually at least, we’ve been shafted.
The silver lining to that was the arrival of Mister Y, a superb piece of business by Galliani at the end of the transfer window after Flamini is ruled out for six to seven months with knee ligament damage. Antonio Nocerino costs just €500,000 from Palermo and their president Maurizio Zamparini later complains that he was ‘extorted’ by Galliani.
Nocerino has been brilliant so far this season, even scoring his first career hat-trick in the game against Parma and netting his fifth league goal of the season – equalling his record in a single campaign – against Genoa on Friday. His tireless running and tenacious tackling coupled with his support of the attack make him exactly the sort of midfielder Allegri wants for his midfield.
Alexandre Pato: Injury Time!
His first two years at Milan were virtually injury-free. In the last two years he has had somewhere in the region of 15 muscular injuries. It appears that when he bulked up the rest of his body didn’t follow suit and the imbalance is causing stress to his muscles. He’s just returning from his most recent lay-off of two months, an injury which prompted Galliani to demand a meeting between the coaching staff and medical team to find a solution.
He’s a confidence player and the injuries destroy his confidence. His off-the-ball movement is so dire that he was the subject of criticism from Allegri, Ambrosini and Seedorf around last Christmas.
If the injury problems don’t clear up, we must sell him this summer despite his young age. Anything less than €40m would be bad business.
I predict another injury before March.
Robinho and the Barn Door
He can dribble, he can do tricks, he can beat defenders, he can dive and he can roll around on the floor pretending to be injured. What he can’t do is finish. As if his miss against Barcelona wasn’t bad enough, he missed even more incredibly against Genoa on Friday. It is on YouTube if you could do with a laugh.
He’s blown about 80% of his one-on-one chances since joining us in 2010. Despite that he did actually finish as our joint-top goalscorer in Serie A with 14 last season (along with Ibrahimovic and Pato) plus he got some assists. This season things are worse; he’s on the fringe of games, rarely involved and struggling to make any sort of impact. He might be happy at the club but his future was reportedly under consideration by the management in the summer transfer window and with Santos so keen to acquire him in 2012, we are open to the idea of using him as a makeweight in a bid for Ganso next summer.
Thiago Silva’s Development
One year ago, Thiago Silva was a very good defender with the occasional lapse of concentration who was solid alongside Nesta but looked a tad lost if Alessandro was injured. During February he was forced to take a defensive midfield role where he did very well and as the season went on, his concentration improved.
Today he is an exceptional defender, certainly the best at the club and someone who fills you with confidence. He does, however, have one weakness: dealing with crosses.
I’m proud that he was captain for last weekend’s game at home to Chievo as well. Ambrosini (club captain), Seedorf and Nesta missed the game with injury while Gattuso has been out virtually all season with his optical nerve problem. Interestingly, when Ambrosini was replaced by Seedorf in the second half of Friday’s game with Genoa, the captain’s armband was passed to him rather than Seedorf.
My biggest concern is that he will leave for the likes of Barcelona in the summer. They in particular were linked with a move for him last summer. Although he says he is happy to remain, it is probably worth noting an interesting comment which he made a few months ago: that when he first came to Italy, he thought the standard of football was poor.
Barbara Berlusconi
Silvio’s sometimes fetching 27-year-old daughter with a degree in philosophy became the 13th member of the club’s board of directors in April. She is the fourth member of the Berlusconi family on the board (along with her brother Piersilvio and uncle Paolo) and was already on the board of the holding company Finnivest.
Since the middle of last season she has been attending all of our matches as Silvio wants her to learn about the about the world of football. The general feeling is that she is being groomed to take over as president in the future. She’s also currently dating Pato as some of you may have heard.
Carlos Tevez
We want to sign him but don’t want to spend the money until next summer which is why we are saying his arrival will be a free loan or he won’t come. We believe we could get him on loan for an initial €3m but I assume we would then want that money to be taken off the final transfer fee which City are unlikely to be willing to do. If Tevez moves to Corinthians instead, we’ve already got an agreement in place with Catania to sign Maxi Lopez on loan (can’t say I’m keen) and are trying to use that as a bargaining tool.
I don’t think the Tevez move is financially viable though. Ibrahimovic is earning around €10.5m per season and Galliani has insisted before now that we can’t afford to have two players on such a high wage – Tevez is likely to be on at least €9m and as much as €12m. Some believe the arrival of Tevez would immediately signal the end for Pato.
If by some ridiculous stroke of insanity Tevez does join us, I have continued reservations over the dressing room. Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Boateng, Robinho AND Tevez?! Just add Balotelli to the mix and we’ve got a full set. That isn’t to say any of the four we currently own have been causing any issues, they’ve been very well behaved, but the more of them you add to it the more careful you need to be and in the case of Tevez you really doubt that anything could calm him down.
Original?
04-12-2011, 20:47
Nice to see you back, just a quick reply to a very thorough post, Nocerino was a steal. I've always liked him and didn't understand us letting him go.
Cannon ball
04-12-2011, 20:50
I too have been impressed with Nocerino whenever I watch AC. Has great energy, always seems to be right in the thick of the action.
Heads up, there's a clown playing in a Milan shirt tonight - Taye Taiwo. Expect poor positioning and shots aplenty flying miles wide and/or over the bar.
EDIT: Tevez plan is getting more interesting but we're horrible to haggle with. Some very low figures doing the rounds (€3m this season, up to €7.5m per season thereafter if signed for "no more than €24m"). Find the wages a bit odd even if he is unhappy and desperate for a move.
I take it Taiwo has not done well for you then? :lol: How has Mexes done? I assume he is just a back up player and hasn't seen much game time?
Right, I'm off to shit bricks!
I take it Taiwo has not done well for you then? :lol: How has Mexes done? I assume he is just a back up player and hasn't seen much game time?
Right, I'm off to shit bricks!
Taiwo has made two league appearances (both poor) and I think three CL appearances. He doesn't yet understand Serie A so Antonini has once again become our first-choice left-back which isn't a great situation.
Mexes got a hand shortly after making his debut as a substitute following his return from the injury suffered at Roma a few months back. He's back tonight as a starter but the defence is horrible. He keeps going wide right in a back four leaving nobody in the middle. That other clown Bonera is alongside him and Viktoria Plzen have wasted so many opportunities in the first half that I can scarcely believe it is 0-0.
You'd think Robinho, Pato and Emanuelson would want to impress but seemingly not.
Taiwo's been linked with a move to us on loan.
Taiwo's been linked with a move to us on loan.
Buy him, please. He told L'Equipe he wants out in January and believe me, he can go. I wanted him to succeed but if he STILL doesn't understand the movement Allegri expects of him yet thinks he deserves to start with his woeful positioning, he can get farked.
He was at fault against Viktoria Plzen too, that's hardly going to fill Allegri with confidence.
Pato can piss off too if he's going to do this year on year. Absolutely shocking yesterday, hardly excellent against Plzen. I get that he's young and has the potential to be world beating but only ONCE yesterday did he use his pace to beat someone the way he used to do constantly as an 18-year-old. Perhaps he should think less about Silvio's daughter and more about trying to become the better player he used to be.
Despite what we have been told, Allegri's future at the club is under consideration. Games like yesterday (an atrocious performance in a 2-2 draw at Bologna) will not please Berlusconi. They may get on but the results, and that one coming off the back of a debacle late on against Plzen, could come back to haunt him.
Personally I'd keep Allegri and continue revamping the midfield. Two midfielders, a left-back and a striker to take the load off Ibrahimovic are a must.
Emanuelson continues to struggle but Allegri refuses to try him at left-back. Bonera is an absolute clown but then he has been for many years.
Sweey, you gotta be fed up with drawing English clubs in the last 16 now?
Sweey, you gotta be fed up with drawing English clubs in the last 16 now?
Considering we keep embarrassing ourselves against them, oh yes.
I was convinced we'd get Arsenal and we did. Not over the moon but not wetting myself as much as I would be if we'd gotten Real or Bayern.
Arsenal haven't been eliminated by an Italian team in the knockout stages in the last eight meetings I believe. However. This AC Milan team looks strong enough for me to cope with Arsenal, there will be plenty of goals of that I have no doubt. AC Milan to go through 5-3 on aggregate. You read it here first [/psychic trance]
Cesc Fabregas
16-12-2011, 19:07
On the contrary, I think it will be a tight affair and we'll go through 2-1 on aggregate.
Arsenal haven't been eliminated by an Italian team in the knockout stages in the last eight meetings I believe. However. This AC Milan team looks strong enough for me to cope with Arsenal, there will be plenty of goals of that I have no doubt. AC Milan to go through 5-3 on aggregate. You read it here first [/psychic trance]
Sminky, you would have backed Reggina to beat Arsenal or any English team!
Sminky, you would have backed Reggina to beat Arsenal or any English team!
Reggina! I like Pasquale Foti. He's a friend of Milan.
Sminky, you would have backed Reggina to beat Arsenal or any English team!
[Scoffs] Nonsense. Reggiana maybe.
muscularmatt
18-12-2011, 02:23
It really could go either way over the two games.
Ariedo Braida is now in London along with FIFA agent Joseph Rice who was involved in the Nocerino transfer. Braida's presence reinforces Galliani's comments a few days ago that the meeting will in no way be a decisive one which is not intended to be disrespectful to Braida.
His remit will be to understand clearly what City deem acceptable, tell them what scope we plan to work within and then to relay the information back to Galliani so that he and Berlusconi can make a decision. Such discussions will likely include "if you still haven't sold Carlos with 24 hours left in the transfer window, would you consider a loan?"
It is believed that City will let us have him on loan if the deal includes an obligation for us to buy him next summer. We are trying to be incredibly careful here and sign him on loan with no obligation to purchase. Rumours abound that Kaka and Ganso are targets next summer and we simply couldn't afford the wages of such a high-profile player if we already have two (Ibrahimovic and Tevez).
Do I see the Tevez deal going through? No.
Maxi Lopez believes that he will know tomorrow whether he is joining us or going elsewhere. To reiterate, we have an agreement to acquire him but only if we don't get Tevez (or someone else). Genoa want Maxi Lopez because they have missed out on Marco Borriello who looks set to move on loan from Roma to Juventus for €1m with an obligation to purchase for a further €7m at the end of the season.
Would I be happy with Maxi Lopez? No.
EDIT: The son of our lawyer is also present which is a surprising development to the Italian media as it suggests a more advanced position than previously thought.
Ali_BWFC
22-12-2011, 15:50
Borriello to Juve?? Do they not have enough strikers?
Borriello to Juve?? Do they not have enough strikers?
That's what I was thinking! Iaquinta, Amauri, Toni and Matri not to mention the more versatile Quagliarella, Del Piero and Vucinic. Amauri and Toni should be leaving in January but you'd want to get them out the door first - summer attempts to do so didn't go well.
Latest on Tevez: I read that we are in agreement with City that a paid loan with an obligation to buy next summer is sufficient. I read that we may be willing to pay €3m up-front and a further €20m next summer but that City want a total of €26-27m.
StringerBell
23-12-2011, 04:45
Borriello to Juve?? Do they not have enough strikers?
He's also been linked with Marseille....
He's also been linked with Marseille....
Don't suppose they'll take Taiwo back? :ninja:
Original?
23-12-2011, 14:38
That's what I was thinking! Iaquinta, Amauri, Toni and Matri not to mention the more versatile Quagliarella, Del Piero and Vucinic. Amauri and Toni should be leaving in January but you'd want to get them out the door first - summer attempts to do so didn't go well.
Latest on Tevez: I read that we are in agreement with City that a paid loan with an obligation to buy next summer is sufficient. I read that we may be willing to pay €3m up-front and a further €20m next summer but that City want a total of €26-27m.
I'd be happy to see Iaquinta out of the door as well, Matri, Borriello, Quagliarella, Vucinic and Del Piero would be fine by me. As you say though, it depends whether we can get rid of them.
I'd bite your hand off if I was negotiating for City, £23m is plenty to get rid of him.
I'd be happy to see Iaquinta out of the door as well, Matri, Borriello, Quagliarella, Vucinic and Del Piero would be fine by me. As you say though, it depends whether we can get rid of them.
I'd bite your hand off if I was negotiating for City, £23m is plenty to get rid of him.
It'd be a penniless hand with a piece of paper containing the letters "I O U" signed by Berlusconi. That still enough?
Original?
23-12-2011, 15:02
It'd be a penniless hand with a piece of paper containing the letters "I O U" signed by Berlusconi. That still enough?
Haha, sounds about right.
StringerBell
23-12-2011, 17:09
Don't suppose they'll take Taiwo back? :ninja:
Yes Please! His replacement is lets just say bad... But its kind of funny Taiwo throughout the whole year made it known how he wanted out of Marseille and he got what he wanted but he rides the bench now.
Latest on Tevez: I read that we are in agreement with City that a paid loan with an obligation to buy next summer is sufficient. I read that we may be willing to pay €3m up-front and a further €20m next summer but that City want a total of €26-27m.
What sort of financial assurances can Milan give? I didn't think they were particularly rolling in cash, is it beyond the realms of reason to see them renege/default on the agreement and we see player plus cash in the summer opposed to a straight cash deal?
Yes Please! His replacement is lets just say bad... But its kind of funny Taiwo throughout the whole year made it known how he wanted out of Marseille and he got what he wanted but he rides the bench now.
I was looking forward to his arrival but his positional sense is horrible. That and he seems to think blasting it miles over the bar from 45 yards is an acceptable act.
Did I mention that he's lazy? Passes the ball and stands still rather than running further down the wing to get in behind the defence.
What sort of financial assurances can Milan give? I didn't think they were particularly rolling in cash, is it beyond the realms of reason to see them renege/default on the agreement and we see player plus cash in the summer opposed to a straight cash deal?
We won't default on such a deal but lack of money is why we're being so tight on negotiations.
It is also why we generally look to get in players whose contracts are up - Taiwo and Mexes were free, Nocerino cost just €500k as he had 12 months to run on his deal and, if it turns out to be true, Montolivo who has already made it clear he will leave Fiorentina on a free in the summer. Plus there is Aquilani who will be relatively cheap due to his problems at Liverpool and failure to secure a transfer to Juventus.
Moyesavelian
23-12-2011, 20:17
Can't believe how bad he's performing in Italy judging by Sweey's post's.
He used to look like a beast when i watched in France.
TBH though i've not seen much football outside of England this year though:(.
We won't default on such a deal but lack of money is why we're being so tight on negotiations.
It is also why we generally look to get in players whose contracts are up - Taiwo and Mexes were free, Nocerino cost just €500k as he had 12 months to run on his deal and, if it turns out to be true, Montolivo who has already made it clear he will leave Fiorentina on a free in the summer. Plus there is Aquilani who will be relatively cheap due to his problems at Liverpool and failure to secure a transfer to Juventus.
I'd be surprise if City let him go for less than £20m - despite how desperate Mancini is to get rid of him and I'm surprised Milan are in for him considering the financial restraints. I presume then you'll be offloading at least one player in the summer for big cash? Maybe Robinho back to Brazil considering the current strength of the Brazilian currency and new sponsorship awash in the state championships and league.
As for Aquilani, I know Juventus baulked at the £16m quoted and offered £12m to which Liverpool said "Get fucked". To be honest I've no idea why they didn't give him more of a chance at Liverpool, I think Hodgson and Dalglish have been very narrow minded in their "British is der best 'ere" policy". Adam is not a better player than Aquilani and nor is Henderson.
I'd be surprise if City let him go for less than £20m - despite how desperate Mancini is to get rid of him and I'm surprised Milan are in for him considering the financial restraints. I presume then you'll be offloading at least one player in the summer for big cash? Maybe Robinho back to Brazil considering the current strength of the Brazilian currency and new sponsorship awash in the state championships and league.
As for Aquilani, I know Juventus baulked at the £16m quoted and offered £12m to which Liverpool said "Get fucked". To be honest I've no idea why they didn't give him more of a chance at Liverpool, I think Hodgson and Dalglish have been very narrow minded in their "British is der best 'ere" policy". Adam is not a better player than Aquilani and nor is Henderson.
Aquilani was never suited to English football though. The original decision to sign him was utterly baffling. I'd love to know where he learned to trip and/or kick people though. He should have been sent off against Barcelona and there have been a couple of games since where he has been kicking people before and after an early booking. He's like a mini Van Bommel.
Santos have explicitly stated that they want Robinho in the summer and I doubt we'd mind much. However, he might be used in part-exchange for Ganso whose wages wouldn't be sky high just yet.
The bigger question mark remains over Pato. His form is awful, his next injury will cause Galliani to break a table or window and it all comes down to one man's opinion: Berlusconi. He belives Pato should be playing more and isn't playing close enough to goal. One day he may just look at our finances and say "fuck it, we can sell him".
I absolutely cannot see Tevez joining and he, Ibrahimovic, Pato and Robinho all being with the club next September.
We are now also being repeatedly linked with a move for Kaka next summer. Not a clue why.
Bammers05
23-12-2011, 23:18
Would you like to have Kaka back, Sweey?
Would you like to have Kaka back, Sweey?
Not at all, I think to do so shows a lack of ambition, vision and scouting ability.
He turns 30 in April and assuming he is still at Real at the end of the season, I assume if we did move for him it would be a case of trying to get a player with a good reputation for a low transfer fee and comparatively low wages.
His age, his injury record since leaving us and his form (it might be better now but he's nothing like what he was with us) plus the Shevchenko mistake we made which wasn't ultimately a big shock when he failed all suggest that this can and will go wrong if we do it.
I don't actually want Ganso either. He has wonderful vision and can play excellent passes that many others can't but he goes missing for awfully long periods and we need a dominating force much like Kaka used to be.
Is Tevez really needed? Or is it just a case of signing a big name?
Is Tevez really needed? Or is it just a case of signing a big name?
Our front-line does need some tweaking but it is a big name so Berlusconi can say "I'm the best president in the world!". Unless, of course, we are quietly planning to sell Pato or Robinho and are trying to get Tevez in early so he's settled by the time it happens in the summer.
What we really need is a world class midfielder, a left-back, a good central defender to take over form Nesta (I don't rate Mexes; Bonera is a clown) and perhaps a top goalkeeper.
Italian media rumour: Pato to sign for PSG on January 4th, the day we play them in a friendly in Dubai.
Would make sense to me because:
-Leonardo insists that PSG won't look to sign Tevez (who he personally does not want at the club) unless we pull out, presumably because they'll get Pato if we don't pull out.
-Pato has commented negatively about Allegri today while praising Leonardo and Ancelotti (expect to be appointed as PSG coach in the next fortnight)
-We can't possibly sign someone like Tevez without selling someone else.
Didn't Galliani only recently come out and say that Tevez was cover for Cassano? I'll see if I can find the quote.
EDIT: “There is no chance that Pato can leave,” said Galliani. “If Tevez signs then it will be because Cassano has had the problem that we all know about.
“Pato, Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are untouchable. This isn’t a brilliant moment for him, but Pato is Pato. He scores almost a goal every two games. There is no Pato problem.”
Bammers05
27-12-2011, 20:10
And if Pato goes to PSG, that means Gameiro's up for grabs... :hmm:
Didn't Galliani only recently come out and say that Tevez was cover for Cassano? I'll see if I can find the quote.
EDIT:
Galliani who also said in August 2010 that we weren't going to buy anyone so that nobody would enter a bidding war with us for Ibrahimovic and Robinho? He's been doing this for years so never take what he says at face value. Pato has suffered what is it....8 or 9 injuries in 2011? We're a bit fed up.
He's a confidence player with poor off-the-ball movement who loses all of his confidence with each injury. We would seriously struggle turn down €30-40m - assuming we are even in a position to hold out for that much. The figure I heard doing the rounds separately to this latest news was a shocking €25m which would feel a lot like daylight robbery.
El Shaarawy is staying and Inzaghi 99.9% leaving so we may still move for a cheap target man (Amauri, Toni and Iaquinta are all available from Juventus alone) for six months to cover injuries.
And if Pato goes to PSG, that means Gameiro's up for grabs... :hmm:
Hardly, Pato gets injured every fortnight.
Tevez isn't interested in going to PSG so surely they aren't realistically in the picture unless Milan don't try to sign him.
Tevez isn't interested in going to PSG so surely they aren't realistically in the picture unless Milan don't try to sign him.
Hence Leonardo's comments plus the fact that he (Leonardo) doesn't want Tevez but the owners do. Reportedly there was such a disagreement over the Tevez issue at PSG that Leonardo was ready to walk.
Pato, on the other hand, was recommended to Milan by Leonardo and the two are very close.
Maybe a move will do Pato good ... maybe a precursor to an eventual return back home to Porto Alegre.
Funky time in the Tevez shenanigans:
Galliani is in Rio with his manager (I assume that's his agent, Joorabchian) and Tevez has decided to join them.
At the same time in, City are meeting Inter.
I guess we know where Tevez really wants to go.
Hey Sweey... Would you like a new poll in this thread? :huh:
I guess we know where Tevez really wants to go.
Hey Sweey... Would you like a new poll in this thread? :huh:
Yes :huh:
Phatmann
05-01-2012, 17:18
I think we need to know what the correct answer was first though...
I wonder what odds you can get on Tevez still being a City player in February and still hiding out in Argentina because City refuse to loan him to AC Milan.
If Tevez joins, he will be staying at a 250 square metre property in Milan that costs €5,600 per month and is right next to Piazza San Babila which is in the centre of the city.
We have made a final offer to City and want an answer from them by Tuesday but Inter's involvement could force us to wait longer. I believe the offer is for a loan with an obligation to buy for €24m (which is what they want) BUT with conditions triggering the obligation - appearances, goals.
I think we need to know what the correct answer was first though...
The one I voted for :huh:
What poll shoult I put up, Sweey? (give me one (maybe to do with Tevez?))
Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr wait until we know whether he's joining or not and I'll suggest one.
muscularmatt
06-01-2012, 01:04
How long until he falls out with the manager/pisses the president off/generally does something cunty and fucks off to South America to play golf at the height of Serie A?
How long until he falls out with the manager/pisses the president off/generally does something cunty and fucks off to South America to play golf at the height of Serie A?
The difficult personalities (Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Cassano, Boateng) say the club understands them and respects them and insinuate that their behaviour at other clubs or in general would not be replicated with us.
I'm not sure whether I believe it would be the same for Tevez or that he'd beocome the first Milan player (that I can think of) to do so.
Loving one of Galliani's deal options: we sign Tevez for €24m next summer only if we sell Pato or Robinho. Pretty sure City won't agree to that unless they expect to sign Pato from us.
I believe the offer is for a loan with an obligation to buy for €24m (which is what they want) BUT with conditions triggering the obligation - appearances, goals.
That is quite a caveat. No wonder City aren't rushing to bite Milan's hands off. Tevez has done well everywhere he has been but lets say it didn't work out in Italy for him then City are right back at square one ... and AC Milan 24m to the wiser.
That is quite a caveat. No wonder City aren't rushing to bite Milan's hands off. Tevez has done well everywhere he has been but lets say it didn't work out in Italy for him then City are right back at square one ... and AC Milan 24m to the wiser.
But from a later post, this one is even better and has me giggling to myself with glee even though they'd be mental to accept it:
Loving one of Galliani's deal options: we sign Tevez for €24m next summer only if we sell Pato or Robinho. Pretty sure City won't agree to that unless they expect to sign Pato from us.
Bloody hell :laugh:
So basically he's taking the piss and hoping City will accept just to get rid of him for at least 6 months.
Bloody hell :laugh:
So basically he's taking the piss and hoping City will accept just to get rid of him for at least 6 months.
Because we appear to have Tevez's agreement and desire (for how long I don't know), Galliani is using it as leverage. A picture in this morning's Italian media from Rio yesterday:
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2012/1/6/1325851605716/Carlos-Tevez-is-seen-havi-007.jpg
Because we appear to have Tevez's agreement and desire (for how long I don't know), Galliani is using it as leverage. A picture in this morning's Italian media from Rio yesterday:
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2012/1/6/1325851605716/Carlos-Tevez-is-seen-havi-007.jpg
I would agree if this wasn't Man City and I can't seem them being strong armed over Tevez, especially seeing as Carlos has been AWOL for as long as he has.
Today on Tevez-Watch:
-Milan "furious" with Inter wading into the negotiations with a slight increase in both bid and wages but taking Milan's lead and wanting an initial loan.
-Tevez "promising" Galliani that he will "refuse Inter".
-Both Inter and Milan using the time with City to ask about Kolarov.
-Paris Saint-Germain reportedly re-igniting their interest.
Cue cheesy, dramatic theme music.
One thing is for sure, it will be embarrassing to us if he goes to Inter now (post-Galliani meeting).
Kolarov? I think they probably rebuffed that with "Clichy? Anyone?"
Seedorf is still in Dubai. Working out a summer move?
Away to Atalanta tomorrow. This will be a serious test, they'd be joint-fifth without a points deduction and they're playing good stuff.
We're on the verge of signing this chap:
http://imgboot.com/images/neil3646/19junmesbah.jpg
Lecce's fairly average 27-year-old Algerian midfielder Djemal Mesbah. No shock that his contract is up in the summer so we're trying to get him cheap.
I assume Galliani has a list of players whose contracts are up at the end of the season and is devising a shopping list.
Had a second meeting over Mesbah yesterday, a third was supposed to be held today but I don't see how that can happen when....
Galliani and our lawyer Leandro Cantamessa are about to land in London. From there, they will meet Kia Joorabchian at Luton Airport and the trio will head into talks with Manchester City officials at lunchtmie. This is where thnigs go super-weird.
News out of Italy late last night and seemingly confirmed this morning is that Genoa are involved in our latest offer for Tevez. In what capacity I don't know but Enrico Preziosi has more than hinted his involvement when speaking to the media this morning.
I used to have an Italian girlfriend.
Genoa?
:badumtish:
Do you really want Tevez at Meeeelan? Given how much hassle he's caused at his last two clubs? :erm:
I used to have an Italian girlfriend.
Genoa?
:badumtish:
Do you really want Tevez at Meeeelan? Given how much hassle he's caused at his last two clubs? :erm:
Well I assume he'll only stay with us for two years so that'll help. He's a big name and someone I believe can perform in any league so I'm more for it than against it.
He might actually enjoy being around other difficult characters (Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Mexes, Boateng, Robinho) as the existing ones appreciate having each other.
On news of Pato: it is widely believed that he is not a favourite in the dressing room (I've heard this before) and that his relationship with Barbara Berlusconi has riled up his team-mates, Ibrahimovic among them.
EDIT: I'll give you half a :laugh: for the joke.
On news of Pato: it is widely believed that he is not a favourite in the dressing room (I've heard this before) and that his relationship with Barbara Berlusconi has riled up his team-mates, Ibrahimovic among them.
Does Ibra want to fuck her or something? :lol:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/12012012/58/ligue-1-milan-psg-agree-pato-deal.html
:hmm:
Was just about to post the Pato updates from Italy.
Not sure if they match that article but here goes: his agent was in Milan earlier this week, Pato looked "defeatist" in traning yesterday and his agent is due in Paris tomorrow. Milan have agreed a fee of up to €35m (€28m plus €7m in bonuses) and Pato is to be offered a three-and-a-half year deal with wages of €6-7m.
The Tevez offer is believed to be a free loan with an obligation to buy for up to €28m (€25m plus €3m in bonuses).
Tevez cannot play for us in Europe. Surely if these go through we're doing smoething else? Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Inzaghi, El Shaarawy as our Champions League strikeforce looks light especially as Inzaghi has barely set foot on the pitch all season.
If Pato goes I will be sad in one sense as he's a nice enough lad but the bigger picture is that he is worse than he was at the age of 18. He's not explosive, he lacks confidence, he keeps getting injured.
Galliani wants to present Tevez before Sunday's derby.
EDIT: Just read the article and it agrees with what I'd come across in the Italian media.
Seems like Pato was one who was destined for grea things but obviously injuries have got the better of him, saying that I'd welcome him at Arsenal.
14:58
This is all gathering pace now. Pato to join PSG after the Milan derby (will he feature though?)
Leonardo has also alluded to that durnig a press conference to present/officialy communicate Maxwell to the French media.
Seems like Pato was one who was destined for grea things but obviously injuries have got the better of him, saying that I'd welcome him at Arsenal.
He could still be great but his confidence seems to get knocked too easily. When he's confident he runs at people with such pace they can't handle him. When he's not, he can't pass, he won't run at people and he looks a bit lost.
15:51
Busy day this.
Pato has turned PSG down.
16:03
Er....we've reportedly pulled out of the Tevez deal now.
EDIT: All over. Tevez deal was agreed with City and needed only the signatures. Pato's decision to stay has blocked it. Inter expected to sign Tevez now.
EDIT 2: Instructions came from Silvio. It is clear that we currently have no money. Berlusconi had expressly told Galliani that we could only buy Tevez if Pato was leaving.
Can't help but feel a bit deflated to be honest.
Meyyappan
12-01-2012, 16:16
Just send him to the wenger and that pedo would make a man out of him!
Just send him to the wenger and that pedo would make a man out of him!
:huh:
Bammers05
12-01-2012, 17:01
:huh:
Meyyappan
12-01-2012, 18:49
Meaning he is good with young players and would certainly not let such a talent go waste and would make out a career for him even if he is bound to leave Arsenal,like Cesc did,Arsene really loves his players.
But pato seems to have scored 50 goals in a century of starts for you in the past 3 seasons and thats really good even if he seems lost when he is lost can you not keep him as a nistelrooy or inzaghi with such scoring rate?
I still think there's a more than sizeable chance Tevez will still be at City after the window closes.
I still think there's a more than sizeable chance Tevez will still be at City after the window closes.
Inter are ready to take him (had already agreed the same deal we proposed today and can offer him higher wages) and he prefers Italy to France (PSG raising their offer to €30m).
Would love to know how exactly we plan to re-build (nine players out of contract this summer) when we can't even afford Mesbah - trying to offer co-ownership of a youngster along with around €400k. Total value around €700k.
If Pato performs then that's fine. I just don't have any faith that he will. If he were to get injured in the derby on Sunday I wouldn't be shocked - doesn't that sort of say everything?
Pato: ELEVEN injuries in 2011.
If we go and buy Maxi Lopez after this I'm going to projectile vomit.
Read this rather amusing piece on Maxi Lopez
Maxi Lopez (Catania)
Lopez's number 9 predecessor at River Plate was Fernando Cavenaghi, an idol to the fans who scored 71 goals in 121 matches during his first spell at the club. When Barcelona paid a visit to Buenos Aires in 2004, Cavenaghi had already left town, but they decided to take a chance on '13 goals in 56 games' Lopez anyway. They had barely arrived back at the Nou Camp before realising they had been sold a cropper. Lopez was quickly ushered out the door to Mallorca, but it wasn't until he returned to South America in 2009 that he really looked like fulfilling his supposed potential. A decent spell at Gremio in Brazil saw a return to Europe materialise with Catania where he started in brilliant form. His goals to games ratio has been creeping upwards, however, and he was so incredibly awful in Spain that quite frankly, it's a surprise he was ever trusted with a football again.
Meyyappan banned?!
The only thing I remember of Lopez is him socring the winner against us in the first leg at the Camp Nou and he celebrated by doing a chicken dance. I have hated him ever since even though I don't know what he has been up to.
Sminky, did you steal that from Eurosport? I read that somewhere the other day...
Allegri has extended his deal to June 2014 after meeting Galliani early this afternoon. I believe the compromise (they were around €500,000 per year apart) is a bonus if we reach the Champions League final/win the tournament with him as coach.
That was followed by a meeting attended by FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti (usually handles transfers between Italian and Spanish sides) about transfer plans. What the fuck are we doing now, trying to sign Kaka? :rolleyes:
Ibrahimovic did an interview earlier in which he reiterated that the entire squad wanted Tevez. He also said that Pato is very quiet but working hard.
Inter will definitely move for Tevez if they win Sunday's derby.
Milan derby: Why start with Emanuelson behind the strikers? Pato was shit - no surprise. El Shaarawy did much more in ten minutes than Pato had done.
Milan-Novara: Pato was only a substitute but shit despite scoring the winner. El Shaarawy was excellent.
Taiwo has gone on loan - thank goodness. Djamel Mesbah has come in from Lecce, Rodney Strasser is back from his loan at Lecce and we've loaned Alexander Merkel from Genoa (he is co-owned by us both). We are linked with Mascherano (this isn't new) and Granero at the moment.
Pato is out for at least four weeks, his 12th injury in 12-and-a-half months. Maxi Lopez remains an option, supposedly Tevez does too.
Kevin-Prince Boateng is also out for at least four weeks, joining Alberto Aquilani, Gennaro Gattuso and Mathieu Flamini (8-10 weeks).
All five will struggle to make the first leg against Arsenal on February 15.
Sminky, did you steal that from Eurosport? I read that somewhere the other day...
No it was on SkySports website. I certainly didn't write it :lol:
I see Taiwo made a whopping 4 starts for Milan ... what can I expect to see from him whilst I'm in the stands Don? Is he even the same player he was at Marseille or has his confidence been completely shot?
No it was on SkySports website. I certainly didn't write it :lol:
I see Taiwo made a whopping 4 starts for Milan ... what can I expect to see from him whilst I'm in the stands Don? Is he even the same player he was at Marseille or has his confidence been completely shot?
For us, his positioning was all over the place. In pre-season he would make a positional mistake but generally make up for it by using his pace to catch the opponent. His pre-season was repeatedly termed "poor". I was already worried.
As the season started, he just couldn't understand what Allegri wanted from him in a positional sense. He studied videos of Serie A but it didn't help.
In the Champions League, he seemed to think the best way to make up for sub-standard performances was to keep smashing the ball miles wide (and over) repeatedly.
I was also shocked by his lack of movement in the attacking phase. He passes the ball and stands still. By contrast, Antonini (who worked very well with Ronaldinho) passes the ball and goes for the return immediately.
I got the impression that he felt he was too good not to be in the starting line-up even if he was struggling. From what I saw, he wasn't. I had high hopes when we signed him but now I'm glad he's gone out on loan. I have to wonder - do we really believe he can come back and perform for us or are QPR (or Taiwo) working towards a deferred transfer/move elsewhere in the summer?
I have to wonder - do we really believe he can come back and perform for us or are QPR (or Taiwo) working towards a deferred transfer/move elsewhere in the summer?
I think the move to QPR suits both parties, he can rebuild his confidence and reputation and earn a move to a bigger English club ... if it works out. If not, well its surely back to France for him in a cut price deal. We can't afford his wages so the deal is definitely dead in the water in terms of a temp to perm transfer. Also Hughes has already stated we are working as fast as possible to get players in, to me it strikes me we'll be getting cheapies and loans that are purely to secure survival.
Joel, new poll please:
"Once back in February, how many more times this season will Pato suffer injury?" with the options 0, 1, 2, 3+.
This morning, we have agreed a new deal with Catania for Maxi(mum) Lopez. He already has an offer on the table from Fulham but doesn't want to go there.
We are waitnig "a few" days to seei if we can get Tevez instead but if he doesn't arrive, Lopez will.
At a guess I'd say if we haven't got Tevez by Friday afternoon we'll confirm Lopez next Monday morning.
Maxi Lopez? Has it really come to this for Meeeelan? :no:
Maxi Lopez? Has it really come to this for Meeeelan? :no:
Yes :no:
The Fulham deal is a loan with an option to buy as far as I know. Ours will almost certainly be a loan but I don't know if it is an option or an obligation to buy in the summer. Catania want rid.
Maxi Lopez? Has it really come to this for Meeeelan? :no:Aye, it's awful having Robinho, Ibrahimovic, Pato and Cassano as your current striking options.
Aye, it's awful having Robinho, Ibrahimovic, Pato and Cassano as your current striking options.
Evergreen Inzaghi is hunting you down as I type.
Pato doesn't really count as an option, he's a body who gets in the way when he isn't injured.
Maxi Lopez? Oh Milan :laugh:
Sweey, how's Cassano doing? Is he recovering well from his stroke?
Maxi Lopez? Oh Milan :laugh:
Sweey, how's Cassano doing? Is he recovering well from his stroke?
Yes all seems good. There's some talk of an April return but that seems a bit optimistic to me. I do hope he's well enough for the European Championships but there's a good chance Prandelli won't select him if he hasn't returned before the end of the season.
Aye, it's awful having Robinho, Ibrahimovic, Pato and Cassano as your current striking options.
I was talking about future transfers.
Latest "news" is this:
-Maxi Lopez is undergoing his medical.
-Kia Joorabchian and Joseph Rice are in London awaiting instructions from Galliani with details of our new offer for Carlos Tvez but are fully aware of the developments with Lopez.
-There is a rumour that we have until Thursday afternoon to sign Tevez or will then register Maxi Lopez in time for the Serie A match with Cagliari next weekend (and maybe also in time for Thursday night's Coppa Italia quarter-final with Lazio??)
-Despite Galliani's insistence that we sign one or the other, there are valud rumours we'll get both because Tevez can't play in the Champions League but Lopez can.
-Supposedly, Maxi Lopez will not go to Fulham even if he doesn't join us.
I see Taiwo signed on today. I've no idea what to expect but he's going to have to hit the ground running as we have some massive games coming up against Villa and Wolves where we need to be securing points.
I see Taiwo signed on today. I've no idea what to expect but he's going to have to hit the ground running as we have some massive games coming up against Villa and Wolves where we need to be securing points.
Go back and read my posts fool :>
Galliani has cancelled tomorrow's proposed trip to London - he will fax our offer to City (loan with an obligation to buy) and Joorabchian will speak to the club. We've been very deliberate today in saying that we want Tevez and he wants us but that it can't happen without City's permission (well duh).
Go back and read my posts fool :>
Galliani has cancelled tomorrow's proposed trip to London - he will fax our offer to City (loan with an obligation to buy) and Joorabchian will speak to the club. We've been very deliberate today in saying that we want Tevez and he wants us but that it can't happen without City's permission (well duh).
Haha I hadn't forgotten what you said about his keystone capery ... I was giving him the benefit of the doubt, he may turn in some decent performances ... of course on the other hand he may not but I'm keeping an open mind ... he can't be any worse than Fitz Hall :facepalm:
As for Tevez, I really can't see City being strong armed into accepting a loan offer. I think he'll be kicking his heels until the summer in Argentina.
Haha I hadn't forgotten what you said about his keystone capery ... I was giving him the benefit of the doubt, he may turn in some decent performances ... of course on the other hand he may not but I'm keeping an open mind ... he can't be any worse than Fitz Hall :facepalm:
As for Tevez, I really can't see City being strong armed into accepting a loan offer. I think he'll be kicking his heels until the summer in Argentina.
City's problem is that they need money due to the hefty loss from the last accounts. If he stays until the summer it actually plays into Galliani's hands - the transfer fee comes down by £5m and City pay out a further £4-5m in wages to June alone - that's a £10m loss on what they could get now plus the whole thing starts again and he may not be signed until August (another £2m in wages down the pan).
PSG and Inter are still in the running as things stand. Tevez may opt to join one of them if City reject our latest bid and we close our market with Maxi Lopez.
City's problem is that they need money due to the hefty loss from the last accounts. If he stays until the summer it actually plays into Galliani's hands - the transfer fee comes down by €5-6m and the whole thing starts again. PSG and Inter are still in the running as things stand. Tevez may opt to join one of them if City reject our latest bid and we close our market with Maxi Lopez.
I honestly can't believe how long this Tevez saga has rattled on for, I also can't believe that he isn't commanding a higher transfer fee as on his day he's - I nearly said the fleet street hacks favourite hyperbolic tag then, 'World Class' haha - a fantastic player, better than Aguero in my opinion. Although he has been off the boil recently. Must be the cold :D
I honestly can't believe how long this Tevez saga has rattled on for, I also can't believe that he isn't commanding a higher transfer fee as on his day he's - I nearly said the fleet street hacks favourite hyperbolic tag then, 'World Class' haha - a fantastic player, better than Aguero in my opinion. Although he has been off the boil recently. Must be the cold :D
It is the circumstances. He will never play for City again so they have to sell him. Everyone knows and can bid accordingly. City need to evalute our offer against those from Inter and PSG.
PSG almost certainly won't be after him in June so City have just one chance to get a big fee by selling him to them. If he doesn't budge (turned down €11m per season in favour of us last Friday but may chance his mind as the window draws to a close) then City have to accept a bid lower than their asking price (Inter or us). Do they simply want to sell to any club other than us out of spite towards the player? That is very possible.
They've got a critical decision to make and they don't exactly like us when it comes to negotiating.
I'll be glued to the internet for updates while at work tomorrow. Get all sorts of live insider news on Milan dealings.
It is the circumstances. He will never play for City again so they have to sell him. Everyone knows and can bid accordingly. City need to evalute our offer against those from Inter and PSG.
PSG almost certainly won't be after him in June so City have just one chance to get a big fee by selling him to them. If he doesn't budge (turned down €11m per season in favour of us last Friday but may chance his mind as the window draws to a close) then City have to accept a bid lower than their asking price (Inter or us). Do they simply want to sell to any club other than us out of spite towards the player? That is very possible.
They've got a critical decision to make and they don't exactly like us when it comes to negotiating.
I'll be glued to the internet for updates while at work tomorrow. Get all sorts of live insider news on Milan dealings.
Another high quality Milan post, kudos Don.
Anyway, the details of the Maxi(mum) Lopez deal are classic Milan. A six-month loan for €500,000 followed in the summer by what appears to be an obligation to buy for €8.5m on a three-year contract. Galliani maintains it is Tevez or Maxi Lopez.
No real developments today. Read something in Italian about City softening their position on Tevez which mentioned June 2013 (presumably allowing clubs to defer payment that far so long as his wages are gone) but I didn't understand it quite as clearly as I'd like to.
Joseph Rice is in Italy, Kia Joorabchian is on Earth, Adriano Galliani may travel to London on Wednesday or Thursday but nothing is set in stone. PSG say they have withdrawn.
Another twist in the Tevez saga I see, Al Mubarak seemingly issuing a "Not on your nelly" to Tevez and Milan. I have always thought he'll remain at City beyond this transfer window and if City are now at the point where they are fed up of what appears to be a
"Oh please let me go to Milan!" pleads Tevez in his Dickensian garbs with gruel bowl outstretched.
"Go on, let him join us. You may as well loan him to us, no-ones going to pay the money for him" exclaims Galliani taking the role of Nancy addled with otherwise unwritten sexually transmitted diseases.
And by way of completing this bizarre tangent ...
"What's become of the boy? Speak or I'll throttle you!" roars Al Mubarak the only person sticking to the script at this point.
In short. I'll be glad when the transfer window has closed.
He's cheaper in the summer so I doubt we're quite as upset as we could be. They've fined Tevez "£9.3m" so far but he's hiding the fact they want transfer money for Tevez as their wage bill is huge even without him.
Maxi Lopez is undoubtedly abusing himself in the hotel where he's been holed up waiting to complete the medical before being confirmed.
Maxi Lopez must be coming: we've told him that he'll be told tomorrow evening whether we are signing him or not. At the same time, he is attending tomorrow night's Coppa Italia quarter-final against Lazio - you know, after we've told him. I can't see us saying "Sorry we're getting Tevez so you're not wanted but hey, how about coming to watch the club you were desperate to join in action without you."
He'd better perform magnificently once he starts playing.
He's cheaper in the summer so I doubt we're quite as upset as we could be. They've fined Tevez "£9.3m" so far but he's hiding the fact they want transfer money for Tevez as their wage bill is huge even without him.
Maxi Lopez is undoubtedly abusing himself in the hotel where he's been holed up waiting to complete the medical before being confirmed.
Have you seen this today?
PR Exam
Interesting stuff from Paul McCarthy, the man with possibly the world's most thankless task - PR advisor to Kia Joorabchian and Carlos Tevez.
Responding to the reports in today's media about Tevez losing in the region of £9.3million in wages due to his extended hissy fit, McCarthy said on Sky Sports News:
"The papers are running a story based on a briefing given by Manchester City, that Carlos has lost £9.3milion in lost wages and bonuses which is a lot of money.
"When Carlos went back to Argentina in November, he and the club came to agreement that he waived his wages - because he was not at Manchester, Carrington, so he waived his wages.
"And the situation is now that - quite frankly from Carlos' point of view - it is never about the money, it is not an economic situation with Carlos; if it had been he would have sat down with City about extending his contract which was on the table at one stage, but that is obviously not the case now and we wait and see what happens over the transfer window."
So back in November, Tevez decided to forgo his wages, and we're only now hearing about this? Would releasing this information a little earlier, perhaps in order to rehabilitate his public image a bit, not have been, erm, quite good PR?
So, either there's some wool-pulling going on here, Kia's not keeping his man in the loop or he needs to get a new PR advisor.
I've heard that it is a ploy by Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (owned by the cousins of the City owners) hours after Leonardo communicates PSG's withdrawl from negotiations to scare Milan into offering more money. Not sure I believe it entirely but it is a theory I guess.
The reaction at Milan today has been non-existent. It is as though the comments weren't even made.
Remember this: Tevez earns £200,000 per week which is £10.4m (~€12.4m) per year. PSG offered him €11m (~£9.25m) per year. Milan have offered him €6m (~£5.1m) per year and he has turned PSG down for us. At a stretch we might offer €7m (less than £6m) per year but I don't believe we can finance it.
He isn't money-orientated on this move or he'd have gone to PSG already.
I've heard that it is a ploy by Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (owned by the cousins of the City owners) hours after Leonardo communicates PSG's withdrawl from negotiations to scare Milan into offering more money. Not sure I believe it entirely but it is a theory I guess.
The reaction at Milan today has been non-existent. It is as though the comments weren't even made.
Remember this: Tevez earns £200,000 per week which is £10.4m (~€12.4m) per year. PSG offered him €11m (~£9.25m) per year. Milan have offered him €6m (~£5.1m) per year and he has turned PSG down for us. At a stretch we might offer €7m (less than £6m) per year but I don't believe we can finance it.
He isn't money-orientated on this move or he'd have gone to PSG already.
I don't think in this particular instance he is money orientated *but* there are other factors as to why.
Namely a move to Italy ticks every box for him and his family in terms of culture, language and lifestyle.
Whats to say we're not here again in 2 years time when Barcelona or Real Madrid decide to take a punt on him after a stellar season in Italy. I don't blame Tevez per se but I think he has to look at the people he surrounds himself with - in particular the ever garrulously human polytetrafluoroethylene Kia Joorabchian.
We probably will be here in two years if he joins us - and it might be what we want. We'd make a profit on him.
The only difference at Milan is, as I've said before, the number of other difficult personalities - Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Boateng, Mexes, Robinho.
We probably will be here in two years if he joins us - and it might be what we want. We'd make a profit on him.
The only difference at Milan is, as I've said before, the number of other difficult personalities - Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Boateng, Mexes, Robinho.
It seems a safe bet that at least one of those five will not be at the Giuseppe San Meazza next season if Tevez does join.
It seems a safe bet that at least one of those five will not be at the Giuseppe San Meazza next season if Tevez does join.
The only one who could be leaving is Robinho. Tevez's arrival would have no effect on Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Boateng or Mexes. If Pato were to go, Robinho would surely stay.
There remains a view that we will sign both Tevez and Maxi Lopez. If we do, I worry where that leaves El Shaarawy.
The only one who could be leaving is Robinho. Tevez's arrival would have no effect on Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Boateng or Mexes. If Pato were to go, Robinho would surely stay.
There remains a view that we will sign both Tevez and Maxi Lopez. If we do, I worry where that leaves El Shaarawy.
I would assume then if Lopez does sign he'll be confined to the bench and it'll be a front three of Zlatan, Tevez and Cassano - when he returns obviously. Pato will be in the stands in plaster and El Shaarawy will be at Genoa ... Robinho? Who cares.
I would assume then if Lopez does sign he'll be confined to the bench and it'll be a front three of Zlatan, Tevez and Cassano - when he returns obviously. Pato will be in the stands in plaster and El Shaarawy will be at Genoa ... Robinho? Who cares.
That leaves us with too few options. El Shaarawy would surely stay, especially given the club management's amazement and surprise at just how much he has grown in the space of two months. He has the vision of Cassano and would be a perfect foil for him. Maxi Lopez would act as cover for Ibrahimovic but could also play alongside him while Tevez would be a replacement for Pato. Robinho and Pato are the odd ones out in all this it would seem. Ker-ching!
That is why only one out of Robinho and Pato needs to leave if we get Tevez or Maxi Lopez.
Speaking of Maxi Lopez, he is having dinner with Adriano Galliani as I type.
EDIT: Financially as well, we couldn't afford the wages of Ibrahimovic, Tevez, Pato AND Robinho. Someone would have to leave.
Speaking of Maxi Lopez, he is having dinner with Adriano Galliani as I type.
I'm not a fan of just goal montages and this video isn't one. He has better technique than I remember in the games I saw him play 8 years ago. Blimey. 8 years ago.
AAPLMuilFYQ
I'll give him his dues, when he first went to Catania he was virtually unstoppable. The problem is that since then he's been entirely stoppable.
I just knew Galliani would come out with statements after our Coppa Italia quarter-final.
A contract will be deposited at 6pm UK time tomorrow (7pm in Italy). If it not that of Maxi Lopez, he will join the club in July.
There is still no agreement with City but, although he did not say it, a telephone conversation between the clubs took place this afternoon.
Maxi Lopez's contract has been deposited with the Lega Calcio.
Carlos Tevez is virtually a Milan player following a phone conversation between Adriano Galliani and Khaldoon Al-Mubarak. I am hearing that the agreement is a six-month loan with an obligation to buy in the summer if we sell either Pato or Robinho. If we do not sell either, we can extend the loan to summer 2013 while we work out how to sign him outright.
The decision to deposit Maxi Lopez's contract has shocked those following events in Italy. Some believe it suggests that just when the deal was about to be closed we hit a problem, others believe it is simply because we won't finish the Tevez deal until tomorrow at the earliest.
EDIT: A bit concerned the Tevez deal which was dead three hours ago has come so close but might be dying all over again. Yes Maxi Lopez can play in the CL and Tevez can't and yes this means Lopez can probably be included for the Cagliari game on Sunday but I'm wondering if City, having been lulled into our way of thinking, suddenly realised it was daylight robbery and told us to shove it.
Tevez deal done? Joorabchian has said Tevez will be staying until the summer. Brinksmanship? I don't know who many more twists we are going to have up until deadline day but I still feel certain the Tevez deal will not happen.
Tevez deal done? Joorabchian has said Tevez will be staying until the summer. Brinksmanship? I don't know who many more twists we are going to have up until deadline day but I still feel certain the Tevez deal will not happen.
When Jooarabchian said that it was over. Galliani then phoned Al-Mubarak and they came to an agreement for a loan. We were literally on the verge of completing it but there was either an issue between the clubs or we ran out of time so we've registered Maxi Lopez.
Galliani hasn't yet said that the Tevez deal is over but many feel that it is.
I've wanted Tevez at Milan since 2004 so as you can imagine, I've sort of been going through a ridiculously wide range of emotions today. Currently I'm feeling a bit empty.
EDIT: New information. It was all agreed until City added a clause: we had to pay €24m if we failed to buy Tevez outright. We said no.
When Jooarabchian said that it was over. Galliani then phoned Al-Mubarak and they came to an agreement for a loan. We were literally on the verge of completing it but there was either an issue between the clubs or we ran out of time so we've registered Maxi Lopez.
Galliani hasn't yet said that the Tevez deal is over but many feel that it is.
I've wanted Tevez at Milan since 2004 so as you can imagine, I've sort of been going through a ridiculously wide range of emotions today. Currently I'm feeling a bit empty.
I get the impression not everyone at Milan is pulling in the same direction over the transfer, I of course refer mainly to the fat Bunga boy Silvio. I'm sure Milan could raise the capital for the deal one but are not fully committed to it ... at this moment in time.
EDIT: Well City paid a wedge for Tevez so I can hardly blame them for asking for at least £20m.
I get the impression not everyone at Milan is pulling in the same direction over the transfer, I of course refer mainly to the fat Bunga boy Silvio. I'm sure Milan could raise the capital for the deal one but are not fully committed to it ... at this moment in time.
You do realise that Berlusconi annually covers losses of around €50m don't you? I can understand his reluctance to buy big. He got us both Ibrahimovic and Robinho after all and the Ibrahimovic money was only paid over six months ago.
Sminky, your edit misses the point: if we failed to sell Pato or Robinho, we would pay City €24m AND they'd keep Tevez.
You do realise that Berlusconi annually covers losses of around €50m don't you? I can understand his reluctance to buy big. He got us both Ibrahimovic and Robinho after all and the Ibrahimovic money was only paid over six months ago.
Sminky, your edit misses the point: if we failed to sell Pato or Robinho, we would pay City €24m AND they'd keep Tevez.
I should imagine its a comparable situation at many elite European clubs alas ... I imagine the Italian game has been hit harder than the Premier League though due to the hard selling brand the Premier League has.
You're right, I did miss the point. That is a quite insane stipulation and equates to a deal that costs Milan €4m for each month of his loan!
I should imagine its a comparable situation at many elite European clubs alas ... I imagine the Italian game has been hit harder than the Premier League though due to the hard selling brand the Premier League has.
You're right, I did miss the point. That is a quite insane stipulation and equates to a deal that costs Milan €4m for each month of his loan!
Exactly!
For City it was like compensation which protects them in any event. Unfortunately for us, if Pato and Robinho both refused to join other clubs we'd be out of pocket for nothing.
It'll feel odd until we play Cagliari on Sunday, then the usual series of games without transfer activity will commence (well, after Tuesday) and things should return to normal.
Galliani says it is done but that relations with City are excellent now that "misunderstandings" have been resolved. He claims we will try again in the summer...Maxi Lopez is currently on loan but we have an option to sign him permanently for €8.5m on a deal to June 2015 which he has already agreed.
In other news: Alexander Merkel was brought in on loan from Genoa (we co-own him) due to our spate of injuries. He got injured against Lazio in the Coppa Italia and could be out for two months. Will we be forced to move for someone? We want Montolivo in the summer on a free rather than to pay a nominal fee now.
So the Tevez deal appears to be dead .... for now. I see there are now reports suggesting Tevez will return to City and end his strike. Considering how adamant Mancini is not wanting the lad anywhere near the first team this strikers me as some wonderful pot stirring, "If you won't let me go, I'll go where you least want me, back to Manchester". If anything was to upset City's push for the title it would surely be Tevez unsettling the squad.
Thankfully we only have 3 days remaining of this side show, by which time if City haven't sold him, well they may as well blast him into space so we are not forced to endure yet another 6 months of goddam rumours about Carlos bleeding Tevez.
Surely even if he did sign it would be such an anti-climax after all the furore surrounding him.
So the Tevez deal appears to be dead .... for now. I see there are now reports suggesting Tevez will return to City and end his strike. Considering how adamant Mancini is not wanting the lad anywhere near the first team this strikers me as some wonderful pot stirring, "If you won't let me go, I'll go where you least want me, back to Manchester". If anything was to upset City's push for the title it would surely be Tevez unsettling the squad.
Thankfully we only have 3 days remaining of this side show, by which time if City haven't sold him, well they may as well blast him into space so we are not forced to endure yet another 6 months of goddam rumours about Carlos bleeding Tevez.
Surely even if he did sign it would be such an anti-climax after all the furore surrounding him.
Sminky you're wrong. Tevez isn't going back to Manchester to stick it to Mancini, he's doing it so that he gets paid. Nothing more, nothing less. If he goes this month so be it, if not he is in a better position to sue the club and attempt to claw back some of the £9.3m which they themselves announced he had lost out on.
Catania's sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco belives we'll still get Tevez (but didn't say when). Galliani yesterday said we'll try again in 3-4 months.
Maxi Lopez in the 19-man squad for tomorrow afternoon's game with Cagliari, as is Inzaghi who has been strongly linked with a move to Lazio.
Sminky you're wrong. Tevez isn't going back to Manchester to stick it to Mancini, he's doing it so that he gets paid. Nothing more, nothing less. If he goes this month so be it, if not he is in a better position to sue the club and attempt to claw back some of the £9.3m which they themselves announced he had lost out on.
Catania's sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco belives we'll still get Tevez (but didn't say when). Galliani yesterday said we'll try again in 3-4 months.
Maxi Lopez in the 19-man squad for tomorrow afternoon's game with Cagliari, as is Inzaghi who has been strongly linked with a move to Lazio.
Don, you're right he is going back to get paid ... but at the same token it is going to stick it to Mancini because he has been extolling the virtue of getting shot of the lad.
It would be folly to think Mancini wouldn't be ever so miffed about the whole episode. Coming back to Manchester surely would have Mancini saying to the board "... Get. Rid. Of. Him". Another mans rubbish is another mans treasure and it would in both parties interests to find a cash compromise now before this story beats Tolstoy in verbosity.
As for Tevez suing, its absurd (and I do hope you're not going to suggest otherwise) because for him to go AWOL and then to be complaining about not being paid ... well unleash ravenous badgers upon me if that is not within the parameters of absurdity. I'm sure if it wasn't for his value both parties would have terminated the contact by mutual consent ... instead we're left with this gesticulating.
Anyway ... Tevez aside and you'll forgive me if you've already mentioned this but I've read that Pato is out for a month. Realistically, is someone going to pay top dollar for him during the summer seeing as he seems quite happy in Milan?
Don, you're right he is going back to get paid ... but at the same token it is going to stick it to Mancini because he has been extolling the virtue of getting shot of the lad.
It would be folly to think Mancini wouldn't be ever so miffed about the whole episode. Coming back to Manchester surely would have Mancini saying to the board "... Get. Rid. Of. Him". Another mans rubbish is another mans treasure and it would in both parties interests to find a cash compromise now before this story beats Tolstoy in verbosity.
As for Tevez suing, its absurd (and I do hope you're not going to suggest otherwise) because for him to go AWOL and then to be complaining about not being paid ... well unleash ravenous badgers upon me if that is not within the parameters of absurdity. I'm sure if it wasn't for his value both parties would have terminated the contact by mutual consent ... instead we're left with this gesticulating.
Anyway ... Tevez aside and you'll forgive me if you've already mentioned this but I've read that Pato is out for a month. Realistically, is someone going to pay top dollar for him during the summer seeing as he seems quite happy in Milan?
When did he complain about not being paid? City were the first ones to even mention it in Al-Mubsrak's misjudged tirade - a seemingly desperate attempt to try and give the impression that they demand the respect Europe's elite tend to get when dealing with transfers.
They didn't realise then but do now that Galliani doesn't accept transfers unless he's truly happy with them, albeit because we tend to lack the money to do otherwise. It was also misguided because, as Galliani said yesterday, relations are excellent now that the misunderstandings were clarified.
I think Tevez and Joorabchian are looking at this as a "suck it up for five months and then leave more easily" exercise, assuming he doesn't still go this month.
PSG will happily take Pato but they might drop the bid to €30m which is where I'm annoyed. €35m was fine, perhaps a touch lower than we could've held out for but good enough. He's still 22 and a different set of medics can resolve a player's injury problems on occasion so I believe they'll have the required confidence - time would then tell if it is a misguided confidence or a problem with the Milan medical team which was actually changed during the summer anyway.
Quite how happy Pato will remain now that he got injured again and we're all fucking fed up of it is anyone's guess. The strong rumour is that Barbara called Silvio and then the deal was stopped. If true, I'm disgusted with Silvio more than anyone else - it was always a worry he wouldn't think straight in a situation like this and though he'll claim otherwise, I think he's wrong and that the injury just underlined the point.
When did he complain about not being paid? City were the first ones to even mention it in Al-Mubsrak's misjudged tirade - a seemingly desperate attempt to try and give the impression that they demand the respect Europe's elite tend to get when dealing with transfers.
A fair point. I still would find it hard to sympathise with him suing but that's neither here nor there.
They didn't realise then but do now that Galliani doesn't accept transfers unless he's truly happy with them, albeit because we tend to lack the money to do otherwise. It was also misguided because, as Galliani said yesterday, relations are excellent now that the misunderstandings were clarified.
I think Tevez and Joorabchian are looking at this as a "suck it up for five months and then leave more easily" exercise, assuming he doesn't still go this month.
The changing financial climate in football means, with the exception of Man City and PSG who can 'sponsor' themselves to get round the financial restrictions, that the days of exhorbitant transfers are a dying breed.
PSG will happily take Pato but they might drop the bid to €30m which is where I'm annoyed. €35m was fine, perhaps a touch lower than we could've held out for but good enough. He's still 22 and a different set of medics can resolve a player's injury problems on occasion so I believe they'll have the required confidence - time would then tell if it is a misguided confidence or a problem with the Milan medical team which was actually changed during the summer anyway.
Quite how happy Pato will remain now that he got injured again and we're all fucking fed up of it is anyone's guess. The strong rumour is that Barbara called Silvio and then the deal was stopped. If true, I'm disgusted with Silvio more than anyone else - it was always a worry he wouldn't think straight in a situation like this and though he'll claim otherwise, I think he's wrong and that the injury just underlined the point.
So the problem with Pato in terms of injuries, growing pains i.e muscular issues? Or is it simply the training regime he is on is counter productive to his physiology and his body is just waving the white flag?
As for Berlusconi, what is the obsession with Pato? You would suppose the two were related such is the love for Pato from Silvio.
The changing financial climate in football means, with the exception of Man City and PSG who can 'sponsor' themselves to get round the financial restrictions, that the days of exhorbitant transfers are a dying breed.
We still don't know that they can though. If they are able to then it would suddenly change the face of things at many clubs and potentially Milan too.
Berlusconi is occasionally reported as being fed up at having to spend so much money on us (not sure what else he expects to be honest). Potential buyers over the last two years have included Gazprom (my personal preference), another bunch of rich Arabs and also the Albanian oil magnate Rezart Taci who this summer became one of the club's major sponsors.
So the problem with Pato in terms of injuries, growing pains i.e muscular issues? Or is it simply the training regime he is on is counter productive to his physiology and his body is just waving the white flag?
It is believed that when he quickly bulked up his muscles didn't do so in equal mesaure which is leading to his muscular problems. The constantly awful turf at San Siro doesn't help matters either - there are reports today that both we and Inter are seriously considering a switch to a synthetic pitch having been impressed with those already in use at Novara and Cesena.
As for Berlusconi, what is the obsession with Pato? You would suppose the two were related such is the love for Pato from Silvio.
He still belives that Pato can be the world's best and propel us to more success. Van Basten and Savicevic were among Silvio's first 'favourites' and Pato is on that list too, along with the likes of Kaka and Shevchenko.
We still don't know that they can though. If they are able to then it would suddenly change the face of things at many clubs and potentially Milan too.
Berlusconi is occasionally reported as being fed up at having to spend so much money on us (not sure what else he expects to be honest). Potential buyers over the last two years have included Gazprom (my personal preference), another bunch of rich Arabs and also the Albanian oil magnate Rezart Taci who this summer became one of the club's major sponsors.
Gazprom own Schalke if I'm not mistaken, I wouldn't hold out to much hope in terms of them spending a lot as they have been shrewd in the way they have operated Schalke. Although that may also be tempered by the German mentality to manage their finances pragmatically. In terms of debt at Milan, are they in real risk of falling foul of the financial fairplay league? The concern from a Premier League perspective is that UEFA are mainly going to penalise English clubs and turn a blind eye to teams like Real Madrid and their ilk - based on nothing more than a mutual dislike. Madrid are a unique case as with Man City as both seemingly can find ways around the legislation.
It is believed that when he quickly bulked up his muscles didn't do so in equal mesaure which is leading to his muscular problems. The constantly awful turf at San Siro doesn't help matters either - there are reports today that both we and Inter are seriously considering a switch to a synthetic pitch having been impressed with those already in use at Novara and Cesena.
That sounds like the Gerrard early years alright. I remember he had 'growing pains' where his muscles were being strained for that same reason.
Synthetic pitches? They are nightmare for judging the bounce of a ball. Isn't the issue with the San Siro pitch that not enough light gets in the corners due to the design of the stadium?
He still belives that Pato can be the world's best and propel us to more success. Van Basten and Savicevic were among Silvio's first 'favourites' and Pato is on that list too, along with the likes of Kaka and Shevchenko.
How would he know? He'll surely be dead within the next five years or so! :lol:
Gazprom own Schalke if I'm not mistaken, I wouldn't hold out to much hope in terms of them spending a lot as they have been shrewd in the way they have operated Schalke. Although that may also be tempered by the German mentality to manage their finances pragmatically. In terms of debt at Milan, are they in real risk of falling foul of the financial fairplay league? The concern from a Premier League perspective is that UEFA are mainly going to penalise English clubs and turn a blind eye to teams like Real Madrid and their ilk - based on nothing more than a mutual dislike. Madrid are a unique case as with Man City as both seemingly can find ways around the legislation.
The perception in England is in part because they just love to feel like they're being persecuted when they aren't.
That aside, I too am very eager to see how Real and Barcelona come out of all this. If they're fine, expect other clubs to adopt whatever is necessary to get around FFP and deem it useless.
Regarding Milan, we lost €9.8m in 2009 and €69.8m in 2010. I'll know the figures for 2011 in April but that is €79.6m (in two years) which is above the UEFA limit of, if I recall correctly, €50m (in three years) as long as they are covered by an owner.
Kaka and Gourcuff were sold in 2009. Galliani blamed a reduction in TV revenue and summer spending for the 2010 figures. We were also told that the saving from Ronaldinho's departure (€12-13m) will be shown fully in the 2011 accounts.
Interesting to see what update he gives on the club "actively pursuing" a reduction in expenditure in view of FFP.
That sounds like the Gerrard early years alright. I remember he had 'growing pains' where his muscles were being strained for that same reason.
Synthetic pitches? They are nightmare for judging the bounce of a ball. Isn't the issue with the San Siro pitch that not enough light gets in the corners due to the design of the stadium?
Yes it is a light issue that requires the pitch to be put down at least four times per season at an estimated cost of €150,000 at a time. A synthetic pitch would cost between €600,000 and €800,000 in total.
Regarding Milan, we lost €9.8m in 2009 and €69.8m in 2010. I'll know the figures for 2011 in April but that is €79.6m (in two years) which is above the UEFA limit of, if I recall correctly, €50m (in three years) as long as they are covered by an owner.
Hmm well in that case it would more than seem Milan will be fine ... Man Utd on the other hand, well the debt is levelled against the club as opposed to the owner. The same at Chelsea although Abramovich can afford to service that debt whereas the Glazers cannot. Was the 2009 figure lower due to the Kaka sale?
Hmm well in that case it would more than seem Milan will be fine ... Man Utd on the other hand, well the debt is levelled against the club as opposed to the owner. The same at Chelsea although Abramovich can afford to service that debt whereas the Glazers cannot. Was the 2009 figure lower due to the Kaka sale?
Yes and Gourcuff, it was in my post :tongue:
Yes and Gourcuff, it was in my post :tongue:
Ah. Yes. I thought it said Ronaldinho for some reason. Damn :facepalm:
At the risk of upsetting Sminky, Tevez news.....
At 6:30pm (CET) on Friday, we had an agreement with City for a loan to June 2012 which was extendable to June 2013. If we had sold Pato during that time, we would immediately sign Tevez permanently for ~€24m. If, however, we failed to sell Pato by June 2013, Tevez would return to City.
By 6:40pm (CET) - remember we had a 7pm deadline to register someone for this weekend which we made it clear we were going to do - City contacted us and said the terms had changed: we had to pay compensation of €12m for not signing Tevez in June 2013. We said no. This highlights a real fear that we can't get rid of Pato even if we want to.
Reports today, unsurprisingly, suggest we will try again tomorrow. Now for the surprising bit: Berlusconi supposedly wants him. If true, our bargaining power will change or he will get actively invovled. That always changes things on our end as he absolutely hates not to get who he wants when he wants them.
We'll see over the next two days how true the reports are.
Finally, in non-Tevez news, if Palombo completes his move to Fiorentina reporters are adamant we will make a small bid for Montolivo (available on a free in the summer) due to Merkel's injury.
Cagliari tonight. Worried because we must win. A draw is bad, a loss is very damaging.
Surely Milan can attract equally as talented players, for a little less than Tevez, without the bagge Tevez brings?
Surely Milan can attract equally as talented players, for a little less than Tevez, without the bagge Tevez brings?
Name 3 of those players.
Surely Milan can attract equally as talented players, for a little less than Tevez, without the bagge Tevez brings?
Well there's probably two schools of thought here...
-----
Pro-Tevez: Galliani's camp. He's guaranteed to get you goals and assists, he works hard for the team, we could always play him for two years and then sell him for a similar fee, yes he's a questionable character but he'll feel right at home with Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Robinho, Boateng and Mexes. Ibrahimovic and Cassano are best friends, Boateng gets on well with both etc.
Anti-Tevez: Berlusconi currently resides here by all accounts. He's not Pato (a bonus, surely?), he'll take Pato's position (a bonus, surely?), he lacks professionalism, he's too expensive (he's not but it is Silvio's money), could he upset the dressing room?
-----
As crazy as this will sound to many of you, I don't think he can harm the dressing room because of the presence of Ibrahimovic, Boateng and Thiago Silva. I think they'd always make him feel wanted and keep him happy because two of them have similar personalities, especially Ibrahimovic. We can always be wrong, but I'm confident in my assessment.
If he really is earning just €6m per season I struggle to see who else of such quality we could get in on that.
Plus, Milan has more than 1 restaurant.
He'd be a great signing for any team, it's just a question of how long you can get the best out of him.
At the risk of upsetting Sminky, Tevez news.....
http://img.ffffound.com/static-data/assets/6/2616a8d841a699665db3030d508e02 ef6d902cfc_m.jpg
unsurprisingly, suggest we will try again tomorrow. Now for the surprising bit: Berlusconi supposedly wants him. If true, our bargaining power will change or he will get actively invovled. That always changes things on our end as he absolutely hates not to get who he wants when he wants them.
We'll see over the next two days how true the reports are.
So, if this is the case does that mean some serious cash will be exchanged between the clubs on Monday?
Finally, in non-Tevez news, if Palombo completes his move to Fiorentina reporters are adamant we will make a small bid for Montolivo (available on a free in the summer) due to Merkel's injury.
I'd be surprised if Montolivo would want to move on now simply because he'd be waiving a big signing on fee. Also wouldn't he occupy a similar position in attacking midfield to Boateng or is Kevin playing in a wide attacking role you Milan these days?
So, if this is the case does that mean some serious cash will be exchanged between the clubs on Monday?
Or Tuesday. Or June.
Some reports claim Berlusconi and Galliani will sit down today as the former isn't convinced about the deal. Others claim Berlusconi has changed his mind and is now in favour of the move.
I'd be surprised if Montolivo would want to move on now simply because he'd be waiving a big signing on fee. Also wouldn't he occupy a similar position in attacking midfield to Boateng or is Kevin playing in a wide attacking role you Milan these days?
Montolivo can play in central midfield too so it won't be a problem. I'm still not sold on him being anywhere near as good as he could be and believe his development has seriously stalled. Prefer him to Aquilani though as I feel Alberto will always struggle in the Champions League.
http://net-storage.tccstatic.com/storage/milannews.it/img_notizie/thumb3/a389a1628465feb17dfaed61209a14 1d-62160-fd4e909046c776a13feb572da53ca9 0f.jpeg
He's in :huh:
http://www.chelseasupport.dk/resources/philipp%20prosenik1.jpg
And he came earlier.
So Inter draw 4-4 at home to Palermo whilst Milan succumb to two late goals in Rome.
While we clearly should have had a penalty at 0-0 (referee gave it, linesman flagged for a non-existent free-kick to Lazio, they spoke and the referee changed his mind), we were utterly shit tonight.
Our record against the big clubs is absolutely horrendous this season. Draws with Udinese and Lazio, defeats to Lazio, Juventus, Napoli and Inter. Napoli at home and Udinese away up next. Juventus at home before the end of the month.
Juventus at home to Siena on Saturday seems to imply a 4 point lead by 5pm that day. You've got Napoli. Big, big match.
Juventus at home to Siena on Saturday seems to imply a 4 point lead by 5pm that day. You've got Napoli. Big, big match.
We won't beat Napoli. Basically, by the end of the monh I expect Udinese to be ahead of us and Lazio/Inter to be level with us.
We won't beat Napoli. Basically, by the end of the monh I expect Udinese to be ahead of us and Lazio/Inter to be level with us.
I think you'll squeeze past them 1-0 in a tight match.
I think you'll squeeze past them 1-0 in a tight match.
We drew and my reference to "Ibra Time" changed from some sexy skills to slyly slapping an opponent while putting your arm around a team-mate.
The Napoli game was a continuation of our struggles against good opposition. Ibrahimovic's three-match suspension is extreme but I could understand a two-game ban. What he did simply doesn't equate to violent conduct. I'd class it more as pathetic, childish idiocy.
We lost to Juventus in the first leg of our Coppa Italia semi-final in midweek, 2-1 at home. When a midfield of Van Bommel, Ambrosini, Emanuelson and Seedorf is named, you know everything will go wrong. Pirlo managed to use some skill to flick the ball past Ambrosini and then outpace Van Bommel at one point. If they don't know they need to retire after that, they'll never know.
Udinese at the Stadio Friuli tomorrow evening. Our midfield injuries remain as they were but Van Bommel is injured so it could be the other three plus Nocerino in midfield. If it were me, I'd field El Shaarawy behind Maxi Lopez and Robinho, much the same way I would have fielded El Shaarawy behind Maxi Lopez and Ibrahimovic against Juventus rather than use those four together.
Emanuelson should only ever be used at left-back. He is utterly useless for us in midfield.
Wenger is praising us :huh: he's either desperate or terminally ill because he's made it perfectly clear in the past that he hates us.
Allegri has called up Boateng and Pato who have both been out for a while but says Boateng will not start as he isn't fit enough. The assumption is that Pato isn't fit enough either so, that being the case, let us look at two possible starting line-ups which only exclude Boateng because of Allegri's comments.
What I want to see: Abbiati, Abate (poor form but no decent competition), Thiago Silva, Nesta (or the dangerously shit Mexes if he isn't fit), Mesbah (best of a bad bunch), Van Bommel, Nocerino, Emanuelson (even though he is shit in midfield - at least he has pace), Seedorf (Robinho would be way too attacking), El Shaarawy, Ibrahimovic.
We'll probably see this sack o'crap:
Abbiati, Abate, Thiago Silva, Nesta/Mexes, Zambrotta, Van Bommel, Ambrosini, Nocerino, Seedorf, Robinho, Ibrahimovic.
EDIT: If I were really pushing the boat out, a front three of El Shaarawy, Ibrahimovic and Maxi Lopez would be my order of the day with Emanuelson on the bench and Seedorf in central midfield.
Not looking forward to tomorrow night.
Bammers05
14-02-2012, 19:58
Wenger is praising us :huh: he's either desperate or terminally ill because he's made it perfectly clear in the past that he hates us.
Out of curiosity, when?
His general comments about us between 2004 and 2009. Mostly concentrated in the 2005-2007 period.
Basically that we're nowhere near as good as we think we are and that our quality of football isn't great.
Obviously reverse psychology.
I'm not planning to be around this evennig irrespective of the result. My evening will consist of me:
-Glaring at the screen when we keep losing the ball in midfield
-Glaring at the screen as we fail to penetrate the defence or: glaring at the screen as we keep fucking up chances
-Rolling my eyes as we get hit on the counter-attack
-Asking myself what else I really expected when Robinho misses an easy tap-in
-Shaking my head repeatedly
-Rolling my eyes when the commentators harp on about how wonderful Seedorf is
-Wanting to kill everyone ITV make me listen to
-Crying if Seedorf, Van Bommel and Ambrosini are on the pitch at the same time
-Swearing when we concede
BarnDoor
15-02-2012, 10:48
I reckon you'll win 2-0 tonight Sweey, though bear in mind I've only seen you play once this season (Barca at home).
I certainly hope so Barn. We absolutely must not concede and if we do, must then win by two goals.
The injuries are what is hurting us. If Boateng doesn't start we go with either an over 30 (presumably shitty Ambrosini) or Emanuelson (who doesn't know what he's doing) in midfield. Aquilani benig out is a bonus as he's dire in the Champions League but we could have done with Gattuso (:huh:) available.
Meyyappan
15-02-2012, 11:44
I think we can atleast get a draw.
If we don't score tonight, I think we'll get knocked out, especially if it's a defeat. The 1-0 losses at PSV, Man Utd spring to mind. People were saying they weren't bad results at the time but I felt we were in trouble, and we ended up being knocked out after both games.
This isn't the Arsenal of 2008 when we beat them. I'm not that nervous about it though as, if we're honest, we don't have a chance of winning the competition anyway. Felt the same the last 2 years against Barca. Only got nervous when we scored and dared to cause an upset.
13:12
Oh yeah some of my other concerns :|
Ibrahimovic drops deep to be creative which is great but if Maxi Lopez, Pato and Boateng all don't play, only Nocerino will bother getting into the penalty area - and he'll do so late which is all that can be expected. Ibrahimovic is good at finding him but that's not really how things ought to work.
Nesta and Mexes will both struggle against Arsenal. One of them is partnering Thiago Silva.
15:16
Latest team news is that Allegri has reportedly changed his mind and will start with Boateng. Mesbah is favourite to start at left-back instead of Antonini - good to see Zambrotta not being considered.
Galliani says anything less than a win tonight is unacceptable. Should we fail to progress to the next round, I wouldn't think that only another league title would save Allegri's job. Not that he's done a bad job, of course, but Berlusconi and Galliani are not willing to accept elimination at this stage again.
If Boateng can start, this seems probable:
Abbiati, Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Mesbah, Van Bommel, Boateng, Nocerino, Seedorf, Robinho, Ibrahimovic.
Would love to see El Shaarawy in for Robinho.
Meyyappan
15-02-2012, 16:17
Seems like we can get a foothold in the midfield with Song,Arteta and Ramsey/Rosicky,along with a firing rvp and henry upfront maybe we will not lose today but your Ibra and robinho do worry and i feel you guys will certainly score if they are on form.
El Shaarawy has been scoring lately, but I think he'll go with experience and choose Robinho.
On the subject of Italian football, Don, did you read about Del Piero waking a girl from a coma the other day? :D
El Shaarawy has been scoring lately, but I think he'll go with experience and choose Robinho.
This will happen. I just wish people would read from Antonio Conte's book of "fuck it, I'm going for it" sometimes. Should see his starting line-up and bench for the game currently playing at Parma.
Forza Parma :> - I will be displeased to get home and fnid Juventus winning.
On the subject of Italian football, Don, did you read about Del Piero waking a girl from a coma the other day? :D
No! What did the filthy pervert do to her?
He sent her a recorded message and she started showing signs of waking up, then was fully functionable within 48 hours.
Sabatasso
15-02-2012, 21:44
Great game by Milan. OK Arsenal was shit, but it felt like watching good old Milan again. I hope we see this team in the CL finals, preferably against Barcelona.
Dragonfly
15-02-2012, 21:46
Ibrahimovic pissed all over us.
Ibrahimovic pissed all over us.
He only turns up against us, no other English side.
Anyway, we're obviously gonna do a Deportivo on you.....
He only turns up against us, no other English side.
Anyway, we're obviously gonna do a Deportivo on you.....
I'd prefer a PSV ;)
He only turns up against us, no other English side.
Anyway, we're obviously gonna do a Deportivo on you.....
It's cause Wenger didn't sign him when he had the chance
StringerBell
15-02-2012, 23:56
Great game by Milan. OK Arsenal was shit, but it felt like watching good old Milan again. I hope we see this team in the CL finals, preferably against Barcelona.
I thought Milan was great. Best part was the pundit being English at the end of the game said something like "by no means is this Milan a good team and they will be exposed in the later stages of the CL" :D
uA - 1905
16-02-2012, 00:02
Best part was the pundit being English at the end of the game said something like "by no means is this Milan a good team and they will be exposed in the later stages of the CL" :D
What a helmet.
Then again, they all say that when an English team gets humiliated in Europe.
Cannon ball
16-02-2012, 00:11
I thought Milan was great. Best part was the pundit being English at the end of the game said something like "by no means is this Milan a good team and they will be exposed in the later stages of the CL" :D
:facepalm:
Some pundits, and elements of the media in this country have the view that Italian football is in the shitter. Its ignorant, and arrogant.
I've just seen the result. I was sure Milan would win but blimey the margin of victory took me by surprise. Emphatic.
muscularmatt
16-02-2012, 01:05
Should have been five right at the end too. Arsenal were woeful.
StringerBell
16-02-2012, 04:29
:facepalm:
Some pundits, and elements of the media in this country have the view that Italian football is in the shitter. Its ignorant, and arrogant.
I may be going out on a limb here but these days it seems that all leagues outside of England are viewed as nothing but recruitment centers for English clubs. Wigan could have been playing today and Milan still wouldn't get the respect they deserve. I mean in terms of Champions League play and the history that comes with it, Arsenal are not even on the same level as Milan.
Obviously I'm delighted with the result - not in my wildest dreams did I expect everyone in our team to turn up.
Emanuelson finally performed (interestingly playing on the left side of the midfield, a role Nocerino usually occupies because he excels there). I do have a bit of an issue with Emanuelson's one-footedness and I'm surprised he was allowed to make some of the passes that Arsenal allowed him because he's always going to look for someone with the left foot so you can shut him down if you're thinking.
Van Bommel did very well, even Seedorf had started well. Thiago Silva was absolutely magnificnet bar a 2-minute period in the second half when he got a couple of things a bit wrong.
Antonini should not have been cautioned in the first half and I hope we appeal the decision. He did well, as did Abate ...and even Mexes!
I'm furious with Pato though. I don't mean to sound spoilt but we should have won 5-0 in the end and Allegri's post-match comments were spot on. Pato and Ibrahimovic, who did last night what we're used to him doing in 90% of games, obviously don't get on. After Pato had already missed a chance that he would have scored as a teenager, he had another and selfishly went for it with Ibrahimovic completely unmarked.
At 4-0 it is NOT over, at 5-0 it would have been. Allegri says we need one goal to end it (bar a catastrophe) and he is absolutely right. We must score as soon as possible in the second leg.
I was thinking about the Deportivo game when it was 4-0. I still have so much respect for Javier Irureta for what he did to us. I remember him saying immediately after the first leg that he had seen something in our formation and play that he was going to exploit in the second leg and I'll never forget that 90 minutes of absolute hell. It can happen again and the players must approach the second leg as though we are leading 2-0, not 4-0.
Congratulations to the team for the way they played and congratulations to Allegri as well. Now for Cesena...
Exactly Sweey. When my friends were saying "4-0 to Milan, its over".. The Deportivo game came straight to my mind.
It would be amazing/cruel if Milan still lose :lol:
BarnDoor
16-02-2012, 10:25
Sweey I thought the very same about Pato. If he was going to be greedy, why not get closer? When he stopped, I just assumed he was going to pick out Ibrahimovic. Really shit. And as you say, 5-0 would have finished it completely.
Meyyappan
16-02-2012, 14:37
Its over guys and congrauts sweey but I do not know if you should be praising your team because our performance created an illusion,we were at the level we were against man utd in the 8-2.All we can say is it was a good performance in your team.
May you guys make the semi-final with possibly i think madrid,barca and bayern.
And what did he exploit in your formation last time around?
And what did he exploit in your formation last time around?
The most obvious thing was Cafu - for his entire career he wanted to attack and when faced with comnig back towards his own goal would do so either by walking or jogging. Irureta used an advanced left winger to exploit the space or stop Cafu gettnig forward at all.
When Cafu used to advance, Gattuso would drop out of midfield and cover on the right but it then left space in the midfield area he vacated. Irureta was able to see that and undoubtedly more. For the whole 90 minutes we couldn't get forward,, it was an absolute nightmare - wave after wave of Depor attacks. I was absolutely devastated. Still blame Shevchenko for the second Depor goal - they had a corner which I believe we cleared back to their left wing and he jogged over half-heartedly allowing the crosser time to put the ball in and make Dida look stupid (again).
Rui Costa nearly bailed us out with our one decent chance of the match in the 90th minute but Molina saved.
Cannon ball
16-02-2012, 16:57
I may be going out on a limb here but these days it seems that all leagues outside of England are viewed as nothing but recruitment centers for English clubs. Wigan could have been playing today and Milan still wouldn't get the respect they deserve. I mean in terms of Champions League play and the history that comes with it, Arsenal are not even on the same level as Milan.
Serie A has been looked upon quite negatively in recent times. Maybe its to do with English vs Italian clubs in Europe, with Spurs against Milan last season used as an example of a decline in Italian football. These things are always changing, this season in Europe, its probably been the weakest from Premier League clubs, atleast in the Champions League.
Meyyappan
16-02-2012, 17:01
Ok so he exploited cafu's defending thats why the modern fullback is expected to do both and hence why you insist of maldini above r.carlos for several other reasons but also you have experienced first hand what a samba brazilian can provide and be stolen from.
So he used that space to prevent you from attacking and they ended up scoring four.
So if we somehow totally manage to remove ibra from the game like maybe injuring him from the get go with several different players and keeping our 11 man advantage or better getting him to slap one of our players then play a rised tempo and stretching you on the wings and introducing dynamic attacking subs from the second half maybe we can take the tie to extra time :Tongue:
Bammers05
16-02-2012, 17:03
Ok so he exploited cafu's defending thats why the modern fullback is expected to do both and hence why you insist of maldini above r.carlos for several other reasons but also you have experienced first hand what a samba brazilian can provide and be stolen from.
So he used that space to prevent you from attacking and they ended up scoring four.
So if we somehow totally manage to remove ibra from the game like maybe injuring him from the get go with several different players and keeping our 11 man advantage or better getting him to slap one of our players then play a rised tempo and stretching you on the wings and introducing dynamic attacking subs from the second half maybe we can take the tie to extra time :Tongue:
:loopy:
Ok so he exploited cafu's defending thats why the modern fullback is expected to do both and hence why you insist of maldini above r.carlos for several other reasons but also you have experienced first hand what a samba brazilian can provide and be stolen from.
So he used that space to prevent you from attacking and they ended up scoring four.
So if we somehow totally manage to remove ibra from the game like maybe injuring him from the get go with several different players and keeping our 11 man advantage or better getting him to slap one of our players then play a rised tempo and stretching you on the wings and introducing dynamic attacking subs from the second half maybe we can take the tie to extra time :Tongue:
Well it is interesting that Allegri said what I would have in his post-match press conference. We needed more goals to kill the tie because we haven't yet and that if we score one then, barring a pathetic collapse of epic proportions, we're through because Arsenal need six.
That leaves me intrigued as to how we will tactically approach the second leg. I hope we play as though 2-0 up - we need to keep it secure at the back but must also create something. Will Ibrahimovic be rested? Maybe. On one hand it is good to give someone like Maxi Lopez a start but on the other it can lead to complacency from the others.
If we do go out, Berlusconi will flip his lid, Galliani will do likewise, Allegri will kill half of the players (and may get sacked) and I'll cry like a bitch for a good while. It may happen.
Moyesavelian
16-02-2012, 17:36
This toothless arsenal side haven't got it in them Sweey.
You should be disappointed not to get a win at the knock off Estadio da Luz stadium in the second leg.
Meyyappan
17-02-2012, 04:31
Yeah hes right sweey and i would prefer it if we went out too even we we won today after exhaution to and got a sweet draw but then in the semi-finals and finals we will face 2 of chelsea,bayern,real,barca tat we wnt be able to overcome anyway.
I would prefer to concentrate on the domestic cup and maybe push for 3rd.
Boateng injured again (he wasn't fully fit but was needed against Arsenal) and Pato isn't in the squad for Cesena (presumably he isn't fully fit either - plus he's a FUCKING CUNT for his beef with Ibrahimovic.
We have been told that Muntari and Maxi Lopez will start. Any result other than a Milan win is not acceptable.
We must also beat Juventus next weekend. A draw then is not good enough. There is no excuse for us not systematically destroying their system. It is the only way we can stand a chance of winning the league.
Meyyappan
19-02-2012, 05:09
No excuse,not long back you were crying that Juve will win the match and league and now no excuse for not winning?
Where is all this coming from?
No excuse,not long back you were crying that Juve will win the match and league and now no excuse for not winning?
Where is all this coming from?
You misunderstand me.
Is it acceptable for Cesena to get something out of the match with Milan?
Absolutely not.
Do I think Cesena will get something out of it?
Yes, I believe Cesena will win because we are missing Boateng, I don't trust Muntari and I think we will suffer from fatigue and complacency.
Is it acceptable for Juventus to get something out of the match with Milan?
No. They may be unbeaten but that's all the more reason for us to need to beat them.
Do I think Juventus will get something out of it?
They will win and likely rip us open with their style. Conte will likely match us with his formation but use traditional wide men in the supporting midfield roles so that they can stretch us.
Would it have been acceptable for us to lose to Arsenal in midweek?
Not at all and Galliani made a point of saying we had to win, nothing less.
Did I think we would beat Arsenal?
No. I did not expect Ibrahimovic to turn up, thought Mexes would struggle, felt Abate's poor recent form would continue, felt Antonini's inconsistency would continue with a sub-par performance, was hugely concerned Boateng wouldn't start and felt Van Bommel would, as he is in Serie A, be shown up for his lack of pace.
I never consider it acceptable for Milan to lose. Barcelona beat us 3-2 in an open, attacking game. Is it acceptable we lose to them? Never. Are we good enough to beat them? No. We should be the best team in the world bar none. It is not acceptable that we are not but there's no point in me posting that every week is there?
Pato injury update: 1 new injury since his February return - and we're still in February. Missed today's game with it.
Meyyappan
20-02-2012, 16:57
Has flamini really furthered his career by doing the switch to you guys?
He has not continued his development and became a world class player and is not starting games as well.
Well at least he has a league winners medal.
If he had stayed with us he would have got more starts,more global recongnition,wenger would have helped him attain a level higher and now he would really be in his prime and command much more money.
I feel he has not done any of that,just faded everywhere maybe he put some good performances in last season but thats about it,hes 28 now i think.
Has flamini really furthered his career by doing the switch to you guys?
He has not continued his development and became a world class player and is not starting games as well.
Well at least he has a league winners medal.
If he had stayed with us he would have got more starts,more global recongnition,wenger would have helped him attain a level higher and now he would really be in his prime and command much more money.
I feel he has not done any of that,just faded everywhere maybe he put some good performances in last season but thats about it,hes 28 now i think.
Er Meyyappan, he damaged knee ligaments in August and has only just returned to training. I wouldn't expect him to be fit to start for another few weeks yet. He was a regular last season but forced into the role Nocerino is in - getting forward from midfield - which, given that Flamini has one type of shit (lashing at the ball) didn't result in more than about two goals when he should have had ten. In fact, Nocerino was only signed becuase Flamini picked up the injury - what a stroke of genius that was.
The only reason he would have been considered world class if he'd stayed at Arsenal is because everyone in England is over-hyped or, and/or everyone in Italy is ignored.
All that said, I believe we were offered £9m by Lyon in the summer of 2010 and I felt we should have accepted it. His contract is up this summer and it will be interestnig to see if we renew it or let him go because the wages are more than we would be willing to pay for someone who isn't going to sell a shitload of merchandise. The wages started out so high because we got him on a free - players know you don't have to pay a fee so increase their demands and do a degree you are willing to put in the extra investment.
Meyyappan
20-02-2012, 18:11
Well i am sure you saw his potential in the match up we had that season and it was his potential that attracted you,milan do not sign any 24yr old just because he is a free.
I understand he was injured and as you also say you would be happy to see the back of him meaning he is not an essential or player bordering excellant,so we agree he would have done better with his career by staying @ the grove?
Well i am sure you saw his potential in the match up we had that season and it was his potential that attracted you,milan do not sign any 24yr old just because he is a free.
I understand he was injured and as you also say you would be happy to see the back of him meaning he is not an essential or player bordering excellant,so we agree he would have done better with his career by staying @ the grove?
Milan sign anything on a free.
Milan sign anything on a free.
This. The younger the free player the better. Last summer we got Taiwo and Mexes on free transfers, this summer we are said to be after Cesare Natali and Riccardo Montolivo for free.
Meyyappan, you have to stop with this pro-Arsenal theme to every single post. It is nice you take an interest in things but you expect, for example, that if Flamini left Arsenal and isn't doing well then he should have stayed and become world class at Arsenal. Well, he didn't want to stay, he didn't want to play for Wenger and he was happy to leave. Who said he would have become 'world class' (overused term) anyway?
Would he have been better at Arsenal? No. He is better for experiencing a different European league as it is helping to round him out as a player. He won the league with us last year, you'd have to ask him how he feels but I suspect he is happy that he made the move.
Meyyappan
21-02-2012, 04:49
Okay,you are quite right i am naturally biased.
Milan-Rubentus tomorrow. We must win. Squad:
bbiati, Amelia, Abate, Antonini, Bonera, Ely(53), Mesbah, Mexes, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta, Yepes, Ambrosini, Emanuelson, Muntari, Nocerino, Van Bommel, El Shaarawy, Inzaghi, Pato, Robinho.
Ibrahimovic suspended, Boateng injured, the long absence of Flamini, Aquilani and Gattuso continues and Cassano isn't expected back until April at the earliest.
Nesta may start instead of Mexes alongside Thiago Silva.
Thieves have stolen from us and everyone has seen it happen tonight. It is shameful and disgusting.
A clear goal that the linesman must have seen and the referee has pointed to the centre circle signalling a goal yet the game has been allowed to continue. The same linesman who conveniently failed to notice Andre Dias handle in the area when we played Lazio a few weeks ago - funny that. The decision also doesn't equal Rubentus' disallowed goal in the second half for two reasons:
a) 2-0 after 24 minutes can change a game completely differently to 1-1 with around 15 minutes to go.
b) The offside decision is CORRECT - Matri is offside by the smallest of margins. There are images to prove it.
"Two wrongs are equal" says Conte. There was only one wrong - the belief that we could ever have a fair game against Rubentus when they're in a title race.
Buffon says he wants sportsmanship and fairness yet he knows it is a goal and is the first one to act like nothing has happened. Rubentus Channel says the goal is "irregular" - why is it? There is no foul, no offside, nothing.
Italian football is a joke.
Cannon ball
26-02-2012, 00:42
It was an absolute joke (The Muntari "goal"). Seriously dodgy stuff.
Meyyappan
26-02-2012, 04:41
Well do the juve still have a game in hand?
They do Meyyappan but what does it matter? It has been abundantly clear in the last three weeks that everything, no matter how obvious, will be done to help them and penalise us.
Rubentus know only how to steal.
Galliani left the match early in the second half with blood pressure problems after a massive argument with the referee, Antonio Conte, Andrea Agnelli and Giuseppe Marotta at half-time during which he was only separated from Agnelli by Clarence Seedorf. At least Moggi was more subtle about buying people off.
Today's TuttoSport claims WE stole the game and that Rubentus are once again victims. They're worse than Inter.
EDIT: The offside Rubentus claim was wrongly given against them:
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/417288_371703866187879_2102660 68998327_1317073_1417499704_n. jpg
Original?
26-02-2012, 12:35
They do Meyyappan but what does it matter? It has been abundantly clear in the last three weeks that everything, no matter how obvious, will be done to help them and penalise us.
Juventus know only how to steal.
Galliani left the match early in the second half with blood pressure problems after a massive argument with the referee, Antonio Conte, Andrea Agnelli and Giuseppe Marotta at half-time during which he was only separated from Agnelli by Clarence Seedorf. At least Moggi was more subtle about buying people off.
Today's TuttoSport claims WE stole the game and that Juventus are once again victims. They're worse than Inter.
You sound like an Inter fan. Matri's goal was offside? It balanced itself out. Mexes had a good second half, dirty cunt.
Check the image Original? He WAS offside. I posted it above.
I sound like an Inter fan? You sound like a fan of a club that cheats. Decisions balanced themselves out? So 2-0 equals 1-1 right? Oh and the offside decision was correct but hey it balances itself out.
Fucking bullshit. Always the same from Juventus fans, always saying there was nothing in all those decisions from 1997 when it was clear to everyone else. Always saying the whole of Calciopoli was made up (it wasn't, bits were just left out). That attitude says everything about those individuals for me.
Here's some other decisions:
Seedorf's disallowed goal against Fiorentina
Dias' handball against Milan not spotted by the same linesman
Ibrahimovic's ban (not violent conduct AND Aronica did the same thing)
Pirlo's elbow last week
Pirlo's elbow this week
Chiellini's goal which should have been ruled out last week
Yes Mexes got away with a punch - a punch which wouldn't have happened if we hadn't been cheated out of 2-0. 2-0 makes for a completely different game psychologically but you don't see that in this situation rather conveniently. Everything that went afterwards was a consequence of the first thing. Mexes was a fucking idiot and will get a ban but it wouldn't have happened that way from the deserved 2-0 we were robbed of.
Phatmann
26-02-2012, 12:46
Who in the image is the person who scored? Don't tell me it was the guy 3 yards into the box.
Also, are there highlights available anywhere? as I'd like to see the Milan disallowed goal you were talking about yesterday and the Mexes punch. :ninja:
Who in the image is the person who scored? Don't tell me it was the guy 3 yards into the box.
Also, are there highlights available anywhere? as I'd like to see the Milan disallowed goal you were talking about yesterday and the Mexes punch. :ninja:
Matri in the centre, leg offside.
Try this: http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/ac-milan-1-juventus-1/
Still image of the goal:
https://p.twimg.com/Amh58yTCQAA9PB8.jpg:large
I understand you being peeved Don but its a bit of a stretch to say that Juventus cheated. We've come a long way since the 04-05.
More coverage from various newspapers in Italy this morning:
During the post-match on-air argument between Zvonimir Boban (Sky Sport Italia pundit who has a tendency to be a bit of a cunt at the best of times, including to us) and Antonio Conte, Juventus' press officer told Conte to accuse Boban of acting as though he were wearing a Milan shirt in order to inflame the situation to Juventus' liking - Conte did so. This is a claimte Juventus have manufactured since with a series of complaints and careful press statements since February 5th.
In addition, a Sky journalist was forced to make a call under the control of Giuseppe Marotta, Pavel Nedved and Andrea Agnelli.
I understand you being peeved Don but its a bit of a stretch to say that Juventus cheated. We've come a long way since the 04-05.
How have we? You had Inter working with Moratti's best mate, the head of Telecom Italia, to bury all the recordings which included them while releasing as much as they could pertaining to everyone else and now you've got the demise of Inter and the resurgence of the old Juventus.
It wasn't 04-05 either, the original (Moggi) situation went back to 1997 but there's a five-year statute of limitations on cases so most of that couldn't be brought up even if there was evidence (and I doubt anyone managed to get any).
Despite all of that and how wrong it was, Moggi did have excellent football knowledge and still does today.
How have we?
Are you seriously suggesting that the Italian game is still addled with corruption? If so then you surely implicate your own club as well. They and others were complicit in such behaviour as well as Juventus.
Whilst I do not doubt the lower leagues still have bought matches that are swept under the carpet, I don't believe Serie A is party to this, not anymore.
Sorry Sminky, edited my post since you started typing.
Are you seriously suggesting that the Italian game is still addled with corruption? If so then you surely implicate your own club as well. They and others were complicit in such behaviour as well as Juventus.
Whilst I do not doubt the lower leagues still have bought matches that are swept under the carpet, I don't believe Serie A is party to this, not anymore.
I posted on here in 2006 that Italian football will never be clean and it won't. None of us are 100% clean*, but some are more dirty than others.
There have been two lower level match-fixing scandals in the last two years but they have risen to the lower reaches of Serie A as well. The Serie A involvement was a single player or two rather though - Serie B and Serie C (the latter in particular) are where presidents and directors were involved.
*I say that but then nobody found anything on the likes of Roma.
Bloody hell :D
It would disappoint me greatly if after everything that happened in the Italian game it was still festering with corruption.
13:12
Look, if we'd lost 5-0 to Juventus and deserved it then fine. If we'd lost 1-0 and deserved it then fine. If we'd lost 1-0 with a contested offside decision, I'd have been a bit annoyed as I'm sure you can imagine, maybe suggested something but then left it there. I may even have laid into our own team as you've read me doing plenty of times.
This has all the hallmarks of the stuff that ran rampant with Juventus for years before they were found out. It is just the same as what Inter have had go in their favour from 2006 until they weren't good enough to take advantage of it anymore and it therefore wasn't worth persisting with.
13:14
This also, I should point out and haven't yet, isn't the first time this has happened with Juventus. In 2005, Sergio Pellissier suffered exactly the same for Chievo Verona...and we all know what 2005 was part of.
"If I had understood that the ball was over the line then I wouldn’t have said anything. I wouldn’t have buried my team. My conscience is clear. After all, I have set a good example on many other occasions.
Bring me whoever would have helped the referee,” the former Parma shot-stopper noted. “All I thought about was to get the ball – perhaps Muntari should have done better.
Their unfavourable incident may have weighed more than the one that went against us [Alessandro Matri’s disallowed onside goal], but the game should have finished 2-2 anyway…"
Cunt. There are so many accurate remarks I could make in response about his shitty club (and most of its fans) but I won't. I'm just happy our relations with them appear dead, just as they should be.
I would do what Suarez did against Ghana but I would also admit to the ball crossing the line for a goal.
"Full list" of Juventus complaints about referees in February (in Italian) which, it is suggested, was used to create a favourable climate.
5 FEBRAIO, JUVENTUS - SIENA
CONTE - Deciso e diretto Antonio Conte quando viene interrogato sul mani negato. "Il rigore? Le immagini parlano chiaro, inutile dire che l'arbitro ha sbagliato. L'unica cosa che mi sembra strano è che in 21 partite abbiamo avuto un solo rigore. Un dato un po' in controtendenza per una squadra che è nelle prime posizioni della classifica".
MAROTTA - Beppe Marotta al termine della partita di Torino, ha mandato un messaggio chiaro al mondo arbitrale, auspicandosi che la lotta scudetto non venga macchiata ulteriormente da tali errori: «Non si può analizzare questa partita solo da un punto di vista tecnico-tattico – ha spiegato l’ex dirigente della Sampdoria - La Juve è stata palesemente penalizzata da un rigore non sanzionato. Siamo in testa, attacchiamo sempre, ma abbiamo avuto un solo rigore a favore e tre contro. Di solito alla prima in classifica vengono mandati arbitri internazionali, perché sono esperti. I giovani rischiano di fare errori come questo, quando Peruzzo stava guardando quello che accadeva in area senza seguire il pallone. E poi penso che non avesse il coraggio di fischiare un rigore a pochi minuti dalla fine. Adesso chiediamo maggiore attenzione e rispetto per la Juve: sono necessari arbitraggi di un certo livello». Una vera e propria polveriera in casa bianconera che potrebbe letteralmente esplodere fra poche ore.
9 FEBBRAIO, MILAN - JUVENTUS COPPA ITALIA
Strascico polemico dopo la semifinale d'andata di Coppa Italia tra Milan e Juve. Il buffetto di Ibra a Storari è stato l'oggetto della discussione. Giorgio Chiellini a fine gara ha puntato il dito contro l'attaccante svedese reo di aver colpito con un buffetto il portiere bianconero e ha invocato l'uso della prova Tv: 'Con Storari si è comportato come aveva già fatto con Aronica, spero che le immagini lo dimostrino'.
15 FEBBRAIO, PARMA - JUVENTUS
PRE GARA - E’ la vigilia di Juventus-Siena, la gara che chiude una settimana di rinvii e polemiche, al centro delle quali c’è stato anche il tecnico bianconero Antonio Conte: “Avevo previsto tutto prima della partita col Parma, l’arrivo del gelo, l’arrivo di situazioni atmosferiche molto molto pesanti. Quello che mi auguravo era di poter giocare nelle condizioni migliori per offrire lo spettacolo che noi siamo tenuti a dare, sia per chi ci guarda in televisione, sia per il tifoso che viene allo stadio – ricorda Conte nella consueta conferenza stampa della vigilia – Quindi anche le polemiche che sono successe a Parma sono polemiche molto futili e inutili, perchè poi avete visto cosa è successo. Quello che è emerso è che non ci sono strutture adeguate a tutelare il calcio”.
POST GARA - Il patron ducale, Tommaso Ghirardi, ha riposto a tono al tecnico ospite Conte, che nell'immediato post-partita si era pesantemente scagliato contro le decisioni dell'arbitro Mazzoleni: "Faccio i complimenti a Conte per quello che sta facendo, ma fare questo tipo di polemiche mi sembra inutile - ha replicato Ghirardi come si legge sul sito ufficiale del Parma -. L'arbitro secondo me ha diretto bene: non mi sembra elegante commentare certi episodi, anche perché il rigore più nitido era quello su Giovinco, nettamente spinto, e poi forse c'era anche quello su Giaccherini. La Juve forse vincerà lo scudetto, non mi sembra proprio il caso di metterla sulla polemica e rovinare certe serate per niente".
A Donadoni non sono piaciute le polemiche dopo la gara tra Parma e Juve: "Sinceramente sono nauseato da queste che considero solo schermaglie dialettiche e da una coreografia che trovo abbastanza squallida".
21 FEBBRAIO
Alta tensione senza sconti per nessuno. Tra polemiche, frecciate e accuse di mancanza di stile, la lunga vigilia di Milan-Juventus vive un’altra giornata di veleni e coinvolge direttamente il presidente della Figc Abete che ieri si era detto deluso dagli attacchi bianconeri sulla questione arbitrale.”Ho trovato le parole del presidente Abete decisamente inopportune”: così Andrea Agnelli ha deciso di ribattere ad Abete.
Una presa di posizione forte ed ufficiale che segue di pochi giorni il comunicato con cui la società si era schierata apertamente al fianco del proprio tecnico.
Cosa aveva detto il presidente federale? “Le parole di Conte sono state abbastanza forti anche se lui stesso ha evidenziato che fa parte del calcio rappresentare situazioni meritevoli di attenzione - era stato il pensiero di Abete -. L’impostazione di Nicchi e Braschi prevede la rotazione degli arbitri per far sì che non dirigano uno stesso club per più di un tot di partite, perchè non è pensabile che alcuni club abbiano solo arbitri internazionali”.
Dunque semaforo rosso alla pretesa richiesta di miglior trattamento che già l’amministratore delegato Marotta aveva espresso dopo le polemiche per la direzione di Peruzzo in Juventus-Siena.
PATO INJURY UPDATE!
In his 45 minutes on the pitch last Saturday during which he did NOTHING useful, he managed to get injured again. Out for "14 days". His second injury for the poll, his 13th in 14 months.
Someone remind me why we chose not to force him out in January?
Because you couldn't afford Tevez
Because you couldn't afford Tevez
Ever heard of something called knowledge?
We were selling Pato for MORE than Tevez was going to cost - we would have ended up with money in-hand but Berlusconi "wasn't convinced by Tevez" and "believes Pato is a champion" which should actually read "was swayed by the love life of his daughter".
We could afford Tevez plenty, the point is we're tough negotiaors whether we have money or not. The fact City accepted a loan deal with a conditional buy-out of €25m but included an insurance clause is a long way from the €40m sale they kept insisting they wanted.
Its me again!
Reports swirling around Milan over the last couple of days that Pato has no future at the club and will definitely be sold in the summer. Paris Saint-Germain the favoured destination and claims we will use a portion of the money received to go after Van Persie, Tevez or Balotelli.
Palermo at the Renzo Barbera in a few hours where they've won 10 and lost 2 this season so a seriously tough prospect. All sorts of pressure on the referee - our debacle last Saturday plus Palermo's 4-1 defeat at Siena in which the Sicilians have claimed a string of decisions went against them following Balzaretti's dismissal after 77 seconds (which was a definite straight red).
Boateng and Pato not in the squad due to injury - Bonera set to start in view of Mexes' suspension and Nesta's continuing injury problems. Gattuso is included in a match-day squad for the first time since September but isn't expected to start.
Flamini playing for our youth team in the derby at the moment, 0-0 at half-time - Simone Andrea Ganz had a goal disallowed in injury time but Inter have been the better side.
If Taiwo plays today and has another shocker I'm paying for his flight back to Milan. I hold you soley responsible Don for Milan signing freebies and palming them off onto strugglers like ourselves :folarm:
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