Hello folks, the new blog address is http://acmilan09-10.blogspot.com/
Hope to see you there. God Bless.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Season review
Scudetto. The primary objective of the club at the beginning of the season. 3rd place. The primary objective at the end of the season. That is how the story of Milan was written over the course of the season. The reasons - poor purchases, dependence on players who are constantly injured, inefficient medical staff, obscure tactical decisions, and an extraordinarily poor defense. There are other reasons, but these in my opinion are primary.
Milan shelled out money to rebuild, brought in players to cover for every department. Unfortunately most of them were not good enough. Quantity was there, but there wasn't any quality. Flamini was constantly benched, and so was Ronaldinho. Seedorf and Ambrosini, sometimes even Emerson were given chances to play. Shevchenko was barely fielded, Inzaghi being made a regular. No confidence was shown in Pato. Our midfield was supposed to be the strongest in Europe but it barely displayed its true strength. Against the tougher teams, we were always found wanting. Our central defense was usually comprising of Maldini, Favalli and Senderos. That should give a picture of how strong we were defensively. Also our wings would have hags in Zambrotta and Jankulovski, who have clearly lost their legs with age. Maximum danger was when a high ball would be played into the box, the probability of a goal being 9/10. Quick teams and quick players would get past us like we were mannequins. Nesta was deeply missed throughout the season. Borrielo got injured and kept Milan labs busy for the duration of the season. We missed a hard man in the front and quite often Pato and Inzaghi would struggle against the gigantic defenders. Gattuso, who started off with a bang was later found on crutches, and our defensive midfield position was exposed far too often in every game. To make matters worse, Kaka never really found himself. He kept paying the medics regular visits that prevented him from settling down. Ancelloti made things real hard by giving Seedorf countless chances to perform. The Dutchman simply refused to. Pirlo also wasn't at his creative best. At the back, Abbiati marshaled the posts like the world's finest. If not for the keeper, we wouldn't really have survived the onslaughts in every game. Ancelloti rejected the idea of changing his formation, and stuck with the 'Christmas Tree' that made Milan extremely predictable for their oppositions. We couldn't kill-off games, and dropped crucial points in the last minutes of many matches. Against the minnows, we would run into '11 men behind the ball' syndrome and easily accept that as an excuse. In Europe, we were a total disaster, much like we were domestically. Being knocked out of the second tier cup in the round of 32, finishing 2nd in the group is so uncharacteristic of AC Milan. In the Coppa Italia, we put up an arrogant attitude, and crashed out barely after the tournament started.
I will now rate the players who played often during the course of the season :-
Abbiati (8.5) - Howlers weren't a part of Abbiati's game. Many questioned his selection into the main team, but he saved the day on a number of occasions, came up with some world-class saves, some even out of the world in nature. Considering the shoddy defense in front of him, he guarded the net like a lion would guard her den.
Dida (6.5) - Dida of the usual, called into action during European nights, and post Abbiati's injury. Mixed howlers and top class saves in his outings, did decently well.
Maldini (8) - The best defender of the club and amongst the best in the league, even at the age of 40. He wasn't quick, he wasn't sharp, he wasn't physical. He was effective. Placed in a mediocre defense, his performances were soaked in authority.
Senderos (6.5) - Couldn't have expected more, did the best he could. Clownish, clumsy mistakes were constantly a part of his game. However, he did put in some sound performances.
Favalli (7) - I couldn't quite believe his ability to defend. Dint think he had any. But he managed to form a good understanding with Maldini
Zambrotta (6.5) - Started well and did so till mid-season. After which, spotting him on the field would have been a tedious job. He went missing, was lost in attack and defensively inept. I predicted him to be a poor buy, and I am not surprised that he wasn't anything else.
Jankulovski (5.5) - Time for the Czech to leave the club. Old enough to start a retirement club and have Seedorf preside over it, not to mention have David Beckham as speaker. He couldn't defend, couldn't attack, just made up the numbers.
Bonera (5) - Never a good defender, never will be. Best at RB and at CB has the ability to score own goals and also give away penalties. Makes rash tackles like its a hobby. Exit doors should be looming, but ironically awarded a new contract.
Antonini (5) - Effective, nothing more. Has nothing special about his game, and dint show anything out of the ordinary during the course of the season. Wasn't played much even when fit, otherwise would have given him a higher rating.
Kaladze (3) - AC Milan finally want him out. He can't deal with pace, he can't deal with high balls, and he can't deal with attackers. It was a blessing in disguise, his injury.
Gattuso (9) - Potent, hard, dynamic. Quite fantastic as long as he lasted. Had he been available throughout the season, he would have been the best midfielder in the country. Thank heavens that he dint go to Munich last summer.
Andrea Pirlo (7) - Blew hot, blew cold. We got glimpses of his true class in a few games. Isn't anywhere near his best, but it was nice to see him going in for tackles and also having a better work rate than before. Can be awfully poor, at the same time can be the world's best.
Ambrosini (7) - Typical work dog, box to box. He might have been Milan's player of the season last year, but he wasn't as good this year. Effective, did the job when asked. But brings nothing to the table, that is special or unique. Can score the odd goals and therefore essential to keep him in the side as back-up for next season.
Seedorf (3.5) - There are questions that demand an answer, and you still can't find one. Same is the case with Seedorf. What is he doing in the squad, how is he a first team player? Questions where answers are hard to come by. His performances are distasteful. He doesn't play like an attacking footballer. Can't pass, can't run, can't score. The story of the season for Clarence Seedorf. AC Milan's worst player and the anger of the trifosi is justified.
Flamini (7.5) - Can become the world's best fullback when played at right back position. He was incredibly difficult to get by. In midfield, it was a totally different story, as he couldn't replicate his Arsenal performances and wasn't even remotely the person he has been brought to replace - Gattuso. But his performances show promise. He goes into challenges without fear, never say die attitude and his skill, certainly commendable.
Beckham (7.5) - Thought he would be a brand and not a player. He was both. His passes, his runs, his crosses were delightful. Not quite the player he was, but the creativity he brings to the team is admirable. Save a couple of bad performances, his adventure with Milan so far has been a good one.
Ronaldinho (7) - Started off with a bang. Scored goals, and nothing else. Work ethic wasn't part of his dictionary. His passing was good, integrated play well with strikers. But he needs to run more than he is running now. Needs to improve his fitness ahead of the next season considering the responsibilities he has on his shoulders. Scored some vital goals, and also was instrumental in the sacking of Ancelloti.
Kaka (7.5) - Good, but not good enough. He wasn't fit to play over large periods, and was a shadow of the player that once ruled Europe. He might have wanted his last season with Milan to be better than what it was. His stats are impressive, but a chunk of the goals he scored were from the spot. Needs to be a lot better at Madrid.
Inzaghi (8) - Rating purely based on the buckets of goals he scored. But he misses much more than he scores. Slow, constantly offside, and can't read passes like before. But can score, and barely any better finisher in the club than "Pippo".
Pato (8.5) - 36 games played, 15 goals scored and 9 assists. Its quite an impressive record. But what makes it even more impressive is the time he actually got to play. Very rarely did he play a full game. He was quick, deceptive and clever. A bit juvenile in front of goal, but he is young and will learn with time. Has the making of a player, who can be world's best in 3 seasons. Very consistent, but towards the end of the season, went through a few rough patches.
Borrielo (8.5) - Played a handful of games, but showed great ability. He can score, has a lethal left foot, a strong head, can hold, can pass, can create, can shoot. A fascinating player to watch and a beast upfront. If only he can stay fit. If only.
Shevchenko (3) - Era of The Shevchenko is over. Its official. Played 18 games, and save 1 assist, dint do anything in attack. He couldn't carry his friendly and international form to competitive games in the club. This in-turn reflected on the gaffer's confidence in the player. Returns to the Bridge, quite the same player.
This season hasn't been a catastrophe, but what has happened after is certainly so. We should have won a title, any title, with the crop of players available. But our performance in each competitive tournament was below par and appalling. Change is definitely needed. And we are already witnessing it.
Coming to my player of the season, his name is Christian Abbiati. He has played enough games, to be given this honor. His consistency was unmatched, and considering the pathetic defense that was assisting him, he managed to pull out some fantastic performances, being pivotal in many wins and helping us get several points. The Azzuri beckons for the goalkeeper, and a more competitive season awaits him.
Finally, you. Thank you folks for having followed this blog over the course of the season. Its been a privilege to write for you and to cover the various aspects of this magnificent club. I hope reading this blog has been entertaining and enlightening for a good number of you.I shall ponder on the developments of the new season, new coach, Kaka's departure, transfers, etc in my new blog. Farewell.
Milan shelled out money to rebuild, brought in players to cover for every department. Unfortunately most of them were not good enough. Quantity was there, but there wasn't any quality. Flamini was constantly benched, and so was Ronaldinho. Seedorf and Ambrosini, sometimes even Emerson were given chances to play. Shevchenko was barely fielded, Inzaghi being made a regular. No confidence was shown in Pato. Our midfield was supposed to be the strongest in Europe but it barely displayed its true strength. Against the tougher teams, we were always found wanting. Our central defense was usually comprising of Maldini, Favalli and Senderos. That should give a picture of how strong we were defensively. Also our wings would have hags in Zambrotta and Jankulovski, who have clearly lost their legs with age. Maximum danger was when a high ball would be played into the box, the probability of a goal being 9/10. Quick teams and quick players would get past us like we were mannequins. Nesta was deeply missed throughout the season. Borrielo got injured and kept Milan labs busy for the duration of the season. We missed a hard man in the front and quite often Pato and Inzaghi would struggle against the gigantic defenders. Gattuso, who started off with a bang was later found on crutches, and our defensive midfield position was exposed far too often in every game. To make matters worse, Kaka never really found himself. He kept paying the medics regular visits that prevented him from settling down. Ancelloti made things real hard by giving Seedorf countless chances to perform. The Dutchman simply refused to. Pirlo also wasn't at his creative best. At the back, Abbiati marshaled the posts like the world's finest. If not for the keeper, we wouldn't really have survived the onslaughts in every game. Ancelloti rejected the idea of changing his formation, and stuck with the 'Christmas Tree' that made Milan extremely predictable for their oppositions. We couldn't kill-off games, and dropped crucial points in the last minutes of many matches. Against the minnows, we would run into '11 men behind the ball' syndrome and easily accept that as an excuse. In Europe, we were a total disaster, much like we were domestically. Being knocked out of the second tier cup in the round of 32, finishing 2nd in the group is so uncharacteristic of AC Milan. In the Coppa Italia, we put up an arrogant attitude, and crashed out barely after the tournament started.
I will now rate the players who played often during the course of the season :-
Abbiati (8.5) - Howlers weren't a part of Abbiati's game. Many questioned his selection into the main team, but he saved the day on a number of occasions, came up with some world-class saves, some even out of the world in nature. Considering the shoddy defense in front of him, he guarded the net like a lion would guard her den.
Dida (6.5) - Dida of the usual, called into action during European nights, and post Abbiati's injury. Mixed howlers and top class saves in his outings, did decently well.
Maldini (8) - The best defender of the club and amongst the best in the league, even at the age of 40. He wasn't quick, he wasn't sharp, he wasn't physical. He was effective. Placed in a mediocre defense, his performances were soaked in authority.
Senderos (6.5) - Couldn't have expected more, did the best he could. Clownish, clumsy mistakes were constantly a part of his game. However, he did put in some sound performances.
Favalli (7) - I couldn't quite believe his ability to defend. Dint think he had any. But he managed to form a good understanding with Maldini
Zambrotta (6.5) - Started well and did so till mid-season. After which, spotting him on the field would have been a tedious job. He went missing, was lost in attack and defensively inept. I predicted him to be a poor buy, and I am not surprised that he wasn't anything else.
Jankulovski (5.5) - Time for the Czech to leave the club. Old enough to start a retirement club and have Seedorf preside over it, not to mention have David Beckham as speaker. He couldn't defend, couldn't attack, just made up the numbers.
Bonera (5) - Never a good defender, never will be. Best at RB and at CB has the ability to score own goals and also give away penalties. Makes rash tackles like its a hobby. Exit doors should be looming, but ironically awarded a new contract.
Antonini (5) - Effective, nothing more. Has nothing special about his game, and dint show anything out of the ordinary during the course of the season. Wasn't played much even when fit, otherwise would have given him a higher rating.
Kaladze (3) - AC Milan finally want him out. He can't deal with pace, he can't deal with high balls, and he can't deal with attackers. It was a blessing in disguise, his injury.
Gattuso (9) - Potent, hard, dynamic. Quite fantastic as long as he lasted. Had he been available throughout the season, he would have been the best midfielder in the country. Thank heavens that he dint go to Munich last summer.
Andrea Pirlo (7) - Blew hot, blew cold. We got glimpses of his true class in a few games. Isn't anywhere near his best, but it was nice to see him going in for tackles and also having a better work rate than before. Can be awfully poor, at the same time can be the world's best.
Ambrosini (7) - Typical work dog, box to box. He might have been Milan's player of the season last year, but he wasn't as good this year. Effective, did the job when asked. But brings nothing to the table, that is special or unique. Can score the odd goals and therefore essential to keep him in the side as back-up for next season.
Seedorf (3.5) - There are questions that demand an answer, and you still can't find one. Same is the case with Seedorf. What is he doing in the squad, how is he a first team player? Questions where answers are hard to come by. His performances are distasteful. He doesn't play like an attacking footballer. Can't pass, can't run, can't score. The story of the season for Clarence Seedorf. AC Milan's worst player and the anger of the trifosi is justified.
Flamini (7.5) - Can become the world's best fullback when played at right back position. He was incredibly difficult to get by. In midfield, it was a totally different story, as he couldn't replicate his Arsenal performances and wasn't even remotely the person he has been brought to replace - Gattuso. But his performances show promise. He goes into challenges without fear, never say die attitude and his skill, certainly commendable.
Beckham (7.5) - Thought he would be a brand and not a player. He was both. His passes, his runs, his crosses were delightful. Not quite the player he was, but the creativity he brings to the team is admirable. Save a couple of bad performances, his adventure with Milan so far has been a good one.
Ronaldinho (7) - Started off with a bang. Scored goals, and nothing else. Work ethic wasn't part of his dictionary. His passing was good, integrated play well with strikers. But he needs to run more than he is running now. Needs to improve his fitness ahead of the next season considering the responsibilities he has on his shoulders. Scored some vital goals, and also was instrumental in the sacking of Ancelloti.
Kaka (7.5) - Good, but not good enough. He wasn't fit to play over large periods, and was a shadow of the player that once ruled Europe. He might have wanted his last season with Milan to be better than what it was. His stats are impressive, but a chunk of the goals he scored were from the spot. Needs to be a lot better at Madrid.
Inzaghi (8) - Rating purely based on the buckets of goals he scored. But he misses much more than he scores. Slow, constantly offside, and can't read passes like before. But can score, and barely any better finisher in the club than "Pippo".
Pato (8.5) - 36 games played, 15 goals scored and 9 assists. Its quite an impressive record. But what makes it even more impressive is the time he actually got to play. Very rarely did he play a full game. He was quick, deceptive and clever. A bit juvenile in front of goal, but he is young and will learn with time. Has the making of a player, who can be world's best in 3 seasons. Very consistent, but towards the end of the season, went through a few rough patches.
Borrielo (8.5) - Played a handful of games, but showed great ability. He can score, has a lethal left foot, a strong head, can hold, can pass, can create, can shoot. A fascinating player to watch and a beast upfront. If only he can stay fit. If only.
Shevchenko (3) - Era of The Shevchenko is over. Its official. Played 18 games, and save 1 assist, dint do anything in attack. He couldn't carry his friendly and international form to competitive games in the club. This in-turn reflected on the gaffer's confidence in the player. Returns to the Bridge, quite the same player.
This season hasn't been a catastrophe, but what has happened after is certainly so. We should have won a title, any title, with the crop of players available. But our performance in each competitive tournament was below par and appalling. Change is definitely needed. And we are already witnessing it.
Coming to my player of the season, his name is Christian Abbiati. He has played enough games, to be given this honor. His consistency was unmatched, and considering the pathetic defense that was assisting him, he managed to pull out some fantastic performances, being pivotal in many wins and helping us get several points. The Azzuri beckons for the goalkeeper, and a more competitive season awaits him.
Finally, you. Thank you folks for having followed this blog over the course of the season. Its been a privilege to write for you and to cover the various aspects of this magnificent club. I hope reading this blog has been entertaining and enlightening for a good number of you.I shall ponder on the developments of the new season, new coach, Kaka's departure, transfers, etc in my new blog. Farewell.
Arrivederci Ancelloti
Carlo AncelottiIn 2001, AC Milan were in crisis, as usual. Fatih Terim had only increased Berlusconi's worries. The Italian media mogul was looking for a savior. Juve had a trainer who knew what winning with Milan was like. Many called him Carlo Ancelotti.
Carlo arrived at the club and began his revolution. He was heavily criticized by Berlusconi for his defensive tactics. Therefore, Ancelotti boldly started making some radical changes to the side. He made Dida the goalkeeper of the team against many people's wishes, transformed Pirlo from an attacking midfielder to a deep lying playmaker, played Rui Costa behind the dynamic duo of Inzaghi and Shevchenko, creating a team that would go on to win the Champions League at Old Trafford in 2003 and the Scudetto the next season. 2005 onwards, Milan experienced a slide, the blame of which can't be placed on Ancelotti's shoulders. In his term as manager of Milan, he won 234 games, lost 79 and drew a 100 games, giving him a win percentage of 56.66%. That isn't phenomenal but it isn't bad either. His trophy cabinet as manager includes 1 Scudetto, 1 Coppa Italia, 1 Italian Supercup, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues, 2 European Supercups, 1 FIFA Club World Cup. It is easy and obvious to notice that he is extraordinary in Europe and mediocre in Italy. His European record must have given Abrahamovic immense motivation to lure him to London. Its important to note that he is one of the 6 managers to have won the Champions League as a player and as a manager.
My thoughts on this are simple, I am happy that he is gone, but we haven't replaced him adequately. He is a world class coach, a pedigree hard to find. But after 8 seasons on the bench, he was beginning to get stale and predictable. His fascination for older players and rigidity in tactical perspectives cost us several points, and ultimately trophies as well. If he had stayed much longer, he would have been detrimental to the furtherance of this club. He did get on my nerves many times, and his inability to integrate youth into the main team was telling on the motivation of the main team. His departure was foreseen and i think it is a boon. Even though i have nurtured a deep sense of aversion towards him, I wish him good luck with Chelsea FC.
Carlo arrived at the club and began his revolution. He was heavily criticized by Berlusconi for his defensive tactics. Therefore, Ancelotti boldly started making some radical changes to the side. He made Dida the goalkeeper of the team against many people's wishes, transformed Pirlo from an attacking midfielder to a deep lying playmaker, played Rui Costa behind the dynamic duo of Inzaghi and Shevchenko, creating a team that would go on to win the Champions League at Old Trafford in 2003 and the Scudetto the next season. 2005 onwards, Milan experienced a slide, the blame of which can't be placed on Ancelotti's shoulders. In his term as manager of Milan, he won 234 games, lost 79 and drew a 100 games, giving him a win percentage of 56.66%. That isn't phenomenal but it isn't bad either. His trophy cabinet as manager includes 1 Scudetto, 1 Coppa Italia, 1 Italian Supercup, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues, 2 European Supercups, 1 FIFA Club World Cup. It is easy and obvious to notice that he is extraordinary in Europe and mediocre in Italy. His European record must have given Abrahamovic immense motivation to lure him to London. Its important to note that he is one of the 6 managers to have won the Champions League as a player and as a manager.
My thoughts on this are simple, I am happy that he is gone, but we haven't replaced him adequately. He is a world class coach, a pedigree hard to find. But after 8 seasons on the bench, he was beginning to get stale and predictable. His fascination for older players and rigidity in tactical perspectives cost us several points, and ultimately trophies as well. If he had stayed much longer, he would have been detrimental to the furtherance of this club. He did get on my nerves many times, and his inability to integrate youth into the main team was telling on the motivation of the main team. His departure was foreseen and i think it is a boon. Even though i have nurtured a deep sense of aversion towards him, I wish him good luck with Chelsea FC.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Paolo Maldini - A tribute
On 20th January 1985, a young Italian walked onto the football pitch to substitute Sergio Battistini while playing against Udinese. Not many knew him as Paolo but as Cesare's son. Today, he is rated as the best defender to have ever played the beautiful game. He has been a great servant to the club, loyal as you can get. A patron of the game. I am honored and privileged to have witnessed this great player, who even in his last season, at the age of 41, was regarded as the one of the best defenders in defensively the strongest league in the world.
I am blessed, as I got to watch this movie based on Paolo Maldini, not much before I decided to pen down my thoughts on this blog. If you have read my blog often you would know i have often criticized Maldini throughout the season, but it was out of sheer frustration. What he managed to do at this age over the last couple of seasons, is as a matter of fact overwhelming. So my apologies for anyone who got offended.
In his long list of silverware, he won 7 Scudetti, 1 Coppa Italia, 5 Supercoppa Italiana, 5 Uefa Champions League, 5 Uefa Super Cups, 2 Intercontinental cups and One Fifa World Club Cup. He won 126 caps between 1988-2002. He retired from international football after 8 years of captaining the side. Maldini became the first ever defender to win the World Soccor magazine's, World Player of the Year award. On 25th September 2005, Maldini broke Dino Zoff's Serie A appearance record after playing his 571st league game against Treviso. He described his career's worst moment as losing to Liverpool in Istanbul in the 2005 finals. In this game, he became the fastest scorer in European Clubs' Cup final, and also became the oldest player to score in an European Final. On the 18th of April 2009, Maldini made an official declaration, that he will be retiring from professional football at the end of the season. He played his last home game against Roma on the 24th of May 2009, and his last competitive game for the club a week later against Fiorentina.
Maldini has been an icon internationally, and not just domestically. He made his National debut against Yugoslavia on the 31st of March 1988, at the age of 19. 20th January 1993, he scored his first goal against Mexico. He started to captain Italy from the 1994 World Cup where Italy lost to Brazil in the finals on penalties. He was named in the 'Team of the Tournament'. In Euro 2000, he came close to beating France. That was the closest he would get to winning a major international trophy with the Azzuri. Maldini retired in 2002, after having played a trophyless career over 16 years, scoring 7 goals, and having worn the armband for a record 74 times. Maldini, in February 2009, played down the talk of a testimonial game in his honor, saying he would only play an 'official match'.
Paolo Maldini has brought great inspiration to the trifosi, to the board, to the players and to football in general. His captaincy and his presence will be missed, dearly. His influence on the players, his class, and his ability is already immortalised. He leaves Milan, and a new era is about to begin. New defenders will come, great players will be born. But they wont be one with as much flair, there wont be one with as much grace, there wont be another Maldini.
Friday, June 5, 2009
The final stand
Carlo Ancelloti
Paolo MaldiniFiorentina 0 AC Milan 2
Matchday 38. The last game of the season for Milan, and all the other Italian clubs. It was the day of the final stand for many titans of the sport. Namely, Pavel Nedved, Paolo Maldini, Luis Figo. Another name that was going lose its current alliance to Serie A was Carlo Ancelloti. On this monumental day, a lot was hanging in the balance for us. We could lose our automatic qualification spot if Fiorentina beat us by 2 goals. That my friend, was looking like more and more of a possibility going by the results of the last couple of weeks.
Milan had an entire battalion of defenders out. Fiorentina had reasonably lesser casualties. Jankulovski started to create trouble for the home side with his long rangers from the edge of the box. Semioli had the best chance of the game yet, as he headed wide from a Pasqual cross. Crosses weren't being tended to well by the Milan defense, Gamberini and Gilardinho heading wide from promising positions. Kaka layed down a ball for Flamini on 24 minutes, but the Frenchman's shot crashed against the bar. Zambrotta tried his luck from a tight corner, but Frey was upto the task. Gilardinho had a penalty claim turned down by the referee at the other end.
The game resumes. 12 yards away and Gilardinho misses. That is so characteristically him, and that is possibly the reason why he was sold this season. Kaka, donning a color that many would love to see him in next season, was reborn in the second half. He finished like a typical second striker after Gamberini deflected Zambrotta's cross onto his path. Inzaghi should have made it 2-0 on the hour mark as he dribbled past 3 defenders but fired over from close range. Pato came on for Inzaghi and looked rusty as he let go a fantastic chance to finish from a Beckham cut-back. Just moments later, the starlet provided a top class finish from a Kaka through ball. 2-0 to the visitors, the rest of the game was only going to be academic. Nesta, ironically made his first appearance of the season, as he replaced Favalli. Injury time and Maldini was subbed, and he departed, emotions flying high all over. The stadium was a theatre and Maldini was like the sole surviving gladiator. Game over and we secured the win and the 3 points, securing an automatic berth in the Champions League for next season.
Goal Scorers -
Fiorentina - /
AC Milan - Kaka 54', Pato 75'
Milan had an entire battalion of defenders out. Fiorentina had reasonably lesser casualties. Jankulovski started to create trouble for the home side with his long rangers from the edge of the box. Semioli had the best chance of the game yet, as he headed wide from a Pasqual cross. Crosses weren't being tended to well by the Milan defense, Gamberini and Gilardinho heading wide from promising positions. Kaka layed down a ball for Flamini on 24 minutes, but the Frenchman's shot crashed against the bar. Zambrotta tried his luck from a tight corner, but Frey was upto the task. Gilardinho had a penalty claim turned down by the referee at the other end.
The game resumes. 12 yards away and Gilardinho misses. That is so characteristically him, and that is possibly the reason why he was sold this season. Kaka, donning a color that many would love to see him in next season, was reborn in the second half. He finished like a typical second striker after Gamberini deflected Zambrotta's cross onto his path. Inzaghi should have made it 2-0 on the hour mark as he dribbled past 3 defenders but fired over from close range. Pato came on for Inzaghi and looked rusty as he let go a fantastic chance to finish from a Beckham cut-back. Just moments later, the starlet provided a top class finish from a Kaka through ball. 2-0 to the visitors, the rest of the game was only going to be academic. Nesta, ironically made his first appearance of the season, as he replaced Favalli. Injury time and Maldini was subbed, and he departed, emotions flying high all over. The stadium was a theatre and Maldini was like the sole surviving gladiator. Game over and we secured the win and the 3 points, securing an automatic berth in the Champions League for next season.
Goal Scorers -
Fiorentina - /
AC Milan - Kaka 54', Pato 75'
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A world-class sale
Yoann GourcuffFC Lorient was managed by Christian Gourcuff between 82'-86. It was around this time, that he introduced his son to the club. He was unfolding an identity that will re-live the legend of ZIdane. Yoann was then picked up by Rennes, who signed a youth team contract with him. Yoann quickly ascended into the main team, and thats where he performed terrificly, catching the eyes of many Europian big-wigs, such as Valencia, Arsenal, Ajax, etc. But he opted to sign for Milan, instead. During this period, AC were just about recovering from the Calciopoli scandal, and it seemed like a perfect move for him and the club. But after he joined, a villain named Ancelloti barely played him, opting for Seedorf instead. After having signed a 4 year contract with the club, he couldn't immediately ask for a sale, so Gourcuff pleaded for a temporary move outside the club, to get some game-time. Milan slapped a 15m pounds release clause to make matters worse, before loaning him to FC Girondins de Bordeaux. That was approximately the amount spent on him, for his arrival from Rennes.
What do we know next? The young Frenchman is setting Ligue 1 alight with his steller performances. Right away, the board knows they made a mistake, and Ancelloti decides to make periodic accusations at the young attacking midfielder. As this season has progressed, Gourcuff has taken a midtable French division side, and made them compete for the League title till the last day. He has made an ordinary team look extra-ordinarily good. He has won the Ligue 1 Player of The Season. He has also become a linchpin in the French national side. Not only does he look like Kaka, but he even plays a lot like the Brazilian maestro. And with even more skills in the CV than the former World Player of The Year. Gourcuff has a better work-rate, heads the ball really well, is a lot more skilled. What's best is that he is still only 22! Its a disaster, this sale for Milan.
We lost this world class talent, right in the beginning of the season. A blunder made by the likes of Galliani and Leonardo is barely imaginable. This duo took off to France a couple of days ago, to deal with this situation. I don't know what they did, but they definitely gave away the best possible heir to Milan's Kaka, at a ridiculously low price. And here I was dreaming about Gourcuff taking over the reigns from Kaka and writing his own fairy tale at Milan. Anyway, he has signed a four year contract with a release clause worth 20m pounds. I only hope that next season, we can add up the differential 5 million pounds and recoup a treasure that is worth so much more.
What do we know next? The young Frenchman is setting Ligue 1 alight with his steller performances. Right away, the board knows they made a mistake, and Ancelloti decides to make periodic accusations at the young attacking midfielder. As this season has progressed, Gourcuff has taken a midtable French division side, and made them compete for the League title till the last day. He has made an ordinary team look extra-ordinarily good. He has won the Ligue 1 Player of The Season. He has also become a linchpin in the French national side. Not only does he look like Kaka, but he even plays a lot like the Brazilian maestro. And with even more skills in the CV than the former World Player of The Year. Gourcuff has a better work-rate, heads the ball really well, is a lot more skilled. What's best is that he is still only 22! Its a disaster, this sale for Milan.
We lost this world class talent, right in the beginning of the season. A blunder made by the likes of Galliani and Leonardo is barely imaginable. This duo took off to France a couple of days ago, to deal with this situation. I don't know what they did, but they definitely gave away the best possible heir to Milan's Kaka, at a ridiculously low price. And here I was dreaming about Gourcuff taking over the reigns from Kaka and writing his own fairy tale at Milan. Anyway, he has signed a four year contract with a release clause worth 20m pounds. I only hope that next season, we can add up the differential 5 million pounds and recoup a treasure that is worth so much more.
Rueful finale
Poalo MaldiniAC Milan 2 AS Roma 3
Yes, the game wasn't as it should have been. The final score, Maldini's farewell, the current standings, none of this are as they should have been. Flamini and Beckham found their way back into the main team. Roma had their full strength defense in place.
Roma know that they end up being the better team more often than not against Milan, and attacked from the onslaught with this confidence. Vucinic sent a through ball to Taddei, but Dida was there to protect the goal. Inzaghi had a one-on-one chance with Artur, but his move was ruled out as offside. This was a close call. Vucinic, who got the better of Favalli, was closed down by Pirlo just before pulling the trigger. Beckham's long range beauty was let down by a poor first touch by Pato, Brighi combined with Totti, but the effort went off target. Beckham was amidst the action yet again, his pass well worked by Pato but Artur did well to deny the starlet. Riise powered in a freekick to give his side the lead - top corner from the edge of the box. Artur was called into action yet again, Motta helping him out on this occasion as he blocked Pato's wicked volley.
At the break, Ancelloti brought on Seedorf for Beckham. Seedorf played in Inzaghi who was brought down by Juan, but no penalty was awarded because Artur already had gotten to the ball. Ancelloti continued making irrational substitutions, as he introduced Ronaldinho and Zambrotta for Pato and Jankulovski. Kaka got involved in the action, as he whipped in a low cross, but Seedorf failed to convert. Artur did seem Roma's best player. He denied Kaka and Ambrosini over the next few minutes. 74 minutes in and Milan find their equalizer. Kaka found Inzaghi from a wide position, whose volley was parried away onto Ambrosini's path, and the box-to-box midfielder had no issues tucking away the ball into the back of the net. Menez was having a good game, after he was brought on to weave his French charm, and he managed to do that, until Favalli came in the way. It wasn't much later that Menez slotted the ball past Dida, after combining well with Riise. If Riise was able to go past Milan players, then it must say something about how good our team was on this day. Kaka was involved yet again, his cross leaving Artur frozen, Ambrosini there yet again to apply the finish and equalize. Totti, who had gone AWOL during the game, had a chance to make an impression, and couldn't have made a better one, as his power-drive of a freekick, gave his side the lead, for the 3rd time in the game. Zambrotta, out of sheer desperation, started calling for a penalty after going down in the box from a mere nudge. Ambrosini thought it was apt to 'do a Ballack', but this time, he got what Ballack dint, a red card.
Maldini couldn't have wished for his last game at the San Siro to be as maligned as this. Letting 3 goals past him, isn't very Maldinisque. Also, in his lap of honor, the Curva Sud, Ultras started protesting, making loud what they felt about Maldini. Banners reading 'There is only one captain - Franco Baresi, were hung all over the stand. These fans' distaste for Maldini was evident from this display, and it left the legend shocked. But in a typical gentlemanly way, he waved and walked away, looking disassociated with the entire incident.
I ain't furious with the fans, I am enraged with the coach, and the team. What a joyless performance. And what an ungrateful farewell to the skipper. Maldini deserved better than this. Not only is this a remorseful finale for Maldini, it leaves Milan exposed, and endangered of losing out on direct qualification for the Champions League. Fiorentina, are looking mean, and hungry. Milan, are looking quite the opposite. Viola, are prepared to give Maldini a better farewell, than the one he got at San Siro. I sincerely hope, that means gifting Milan and Maldini a win.
Goal Scorers -
AC Milan - Ambrosini (75', 81')
AS Roma - Riise (36'), Menez (80'), Totti (84')
Roma know that they end up being the better team more often than not against Milan, and attacked from the onslaught with this confidence. Vucinic sent a through ball to Taddei, but Dida was there to protect the goal. Inzaghi had a one-on-one chance with Artur, but his move was ruled out as offside. This was a close call. Vucinic, who got the better of Favalli, was closed down by Pirlo just before pulling the trigger. Beckham's long range beauty was let down by a poor first touch by Pato, Brighi combined with Totti, but the effort went off target. Beckham was amidst the action yet again, his pass well worked by Pato but Artur did well to deny the starlet. Riise powered in a freekick to give his side the lead - top corner from the edge of the box. Artur was called into action yet again, Motta helping him out on this occasion as he blocked Pato's wicked volley.
At the break, Ancelloti brought on Seedorf for Beckham. Seedorf played in Inzaghi who was brought down by Juan, but no penalty was awarded because Artur already had gotten to the ball. Ancelloti continued making irrational substitutions, as he introduced Ronaldinho and Zambrotta for Pato and Jankulovski. Kaka got involved in the action, as he whipped in a low cross, but Seedorf failed to convert. Artur did seem Roma's best player. He denied Kaka and Ambrosini over the next few minutes. 74 minutes in and Milan find their equalizer. Kaka found Inzaghi from a wide position, whose volley was parried away onto Ambrosini's path, and the box-to-box midfielder had no issues tucking away the ball into the back of the net. Menez was having a good game, after he was brought on to weave his French charm, and he managed to do that, until Favalli came in the way. It wasn't much later that Menez slotted the ball past Dida, after combining well with Riise. If Riise was able to go past Milan players, then it must say something about how good our team was on this day. Kaka was involved yet again, his cross leaving Artur frozen, Ambrosini there yet again to apply the finish and equalize. Totti, who had gone AWOL during the game, had a chance to make an impression, and couldn't have made a better one, as his power-drive of a freekick, gave his side the lead, for the 3rd time in the game. Zambrotta, out of sheer desperation, started calling for a penalty after going down in the box from a mere nudge. Ambrosini thought it was apt to 'do a Ballack', but this time, he got what Ballack dint, a red card.
Maldini couldn't have wished for his last game at the San Siro to be as maligned as this. Letting 3 goals past him, isn't very Maldinisque. Also, in his lap of honor, the Curva Sud, Ultras started protesting, making loud what they felt about Maldini. Banners reading 'There is only one captain - Franco Baresi, were hung all over the stand. These fans' distaste for Maldini was evident from this display, and it left the legend shocked. But in a typical gentlemanly way, he waved and walked away, looking disassociated with the entire incident.
I ain't furious with the fans, I am enraged with the coach, and the team. What a joyless performance. And what an ungrateful farewell to the skipper. Maldini deserved better than this. Not only is this a remorseful finale for Maldini, it leaves Milan exposed, and endangered of losing out on direct qualification for the Champions League. Fiorentina, are looking mean, and hungry. Milan, are looking quite the opposite. Viola, are prepared to give Maldini a better farewell, than the one he got at San Siro. I sincerely hope, that means gifting Milan and Maldini a win.
Goal Scorers -
AC Milan - Ambrosini (75', 81')
AS Roma - Riise (36'), Menez (80'), Totti (84')
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