pointless friendlies

FK Tirana 2 Milan 1

How often do you see an European giant getting humiliated? My bet is not very often. Milan seem to be the case exemption. They suffered their umpteenth defeat in a friendly against a lame Albanian side, yesterday. It was a friendly sponsored by Unicef. Ancelloti's pre-match interviews were not very encouraging. The impression I got from reading them is that he is taking the team to Albania to experience another defeat. Many fans will say this was just a practice match? Yes, it probably was, but losing?? C'mon. I hate to say this, but other top flight clubs wouldn't take a defeat like this lightly. I being a Milan fan have been disgraced enough this season, seeing Milan lose to some of the most mediocre sides in Europe. So this wasn't a new feeling for me.

Losing is a significant blow. Its hard to convince me it doesn't matter. When you play for one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe, and you lose to sides who should be learning football from you, its merely a morale booster. These friendlies are doing more harm than good, for the players, and for the club. Nesta was making his return after 5 long months. Last season, he was considered by many as the best center back in the world. Even I did, till i realized his consistency rate. A player aged 32, missing half a year due to injury and susceptible to more injuries cannot be rated the best center back in the world, no. Ironically, this game marked the return of 'Pippo'. It also marked his exit, as he has returned to the list of injured 'stars' of Milan. He suffered a thigh injury in this game, so much for the practice games. A former Milan great recently wrote of Milan's Scudetto chances. Though I don't agree with his reasons, I also do believe this Milan team can't win the Scudetto. Losing to the most mediocre sides in Europe and drawing against a team that couldn't grab a point since the beginning of the season, shows the caliber of the Rossoneri. Beating these teams consistently, and getting results against the smaller oppositions is what brings home the domestic league trophy. One which our cousins are very professional in doing.

Deviating from a topic that is starting to become stale, lets move onto the latest transfer rumors. Milan have shortlisted some fabulous players - Ramos, Moutinho, Fabregas, Santacrocce, Rinaudo, Zapata, Mexes and Agger. Gourcuff is out on loan at Bordeux, and he is making heads turn with his performances for club and country. The man who barely played him last season, made a statement that the Frenchman will return to the San Siro, and boy was I pleasantly surprised.

Milan's brand name is gradually tarnishing, thanks to these results. And unfortunately, the 'trifosi' is very forgiving. This could mark the rise of complacency in the club and the eventual downfall if things aren't put in place. I am sure many of you would think I am being premature with my comments, but I am only telling the truth.

Goalscorers -
FK Tirana - Memeli, Musaka
Milan - Ronaldinho