Monthly Archives: December 2010

Mid Season Report Part III

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Well with Christmas behind us and the New Year on the horizon, it is time for the mid season report. Robinho is done unwrapping his better finishing boots, Pato hopefully a new pair of running shoes, Allegri is charging Cassano, and Antonini some DVDs of the soccer play he was last season. But all kidding aside Milan sit atop the table at the winter break for the first time in a few seasons and while the lead could surely be bigger without a recent loss the fact that this team actually resembles a team with some tactical direction and organization is a far better place than we were last season.

I want to tackle this in three parts, with the first being Allegri and the goalkeepers, the defense and the midfield and then the strikers and bench. They will post in the course of three days leading us into the New Year, and feel free to add your thoughts and opinions on the half season that was.

Strikers and Bench

I will say it without shame, I miss Marco Borriello. But I don’t miss him as much as I now love Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I will also be first to admit I never really liked Zlatan, but he has done every single thing right to endear himself to Milan fans and me personally. He has worked hard, he has played with an edge and intensity, and he has simply been ruthless. It’s funny because like Marco, he still misses some blatant chances, but the mere idea that strikers don’t miss chances is a pipe dream. I also don’t believe we are as Ibra-dependant as made out to be, because while he has scored many goal, his work with Robinho and the midfielders has forced teams to respect all the players on the pitch and not just double and triple cover Zlatan.

In the same way that Zlatan has proved pivotal, Robinho has done just the same. The little Brazilian, also guilty of missing chances, has covered more ground in his last 5 to 7 starts than Ronaldinho covered all last season! He has also given Milan competition for time on the pitch and both Pato and Cassano should take notice at Robinho’s performances and what they need to do to earn playing time. One minute he is in the box making a great run and the next he is chasing the LB to hold up a counter or tracking back to collect the ball from Ambrosini and turn and face goal. Never thought he had it in him, but something about this team and Allegri has brought the best out of Robinho and with this comfort I hope we can see him continue to improve and be a player for this team for years to come.

ronny on the bench-2

Speaking of Robinho, his fellow Brazilian Ronaldinho which he rightfully displaced, now sits firmly on the Milan bench which is neither deep nor useful to Allegri when a match is on the line. A bench that is desperately screaming for a CM, CB, striker and CAM has nothing of the sort to make in impact late in a game or take a place in the winning eleven. Adding Cassano will surely helping the attacking depth, but the January transfer window should be used to add a player like Lazzari, Montolivo, or Criscito to solidify the roster and give Allegri players to compete in both the CL and Serie A while not losing too much on the pitch in terms of talent and chemistry. Bringing back Astori would also be a simple no-brainer but it is unlikely that a move that would benefit in the both the short term and long term so the young Italian can forge a ten year partnership with Tiago Silva would happen. At this point bringing home on the cheap and getting a guy like Montelivo or Lazzari would also move this team forward for the future.

It is no secret AC Milan is not a long term project, this team is built to win now, this season or next, so adding players that can contribute right away and in the future would be excellent. I don’t always have a lot of faith in Fester and the Milan brass but with a smart move like Cassano, you have to think that maybe much like the team even the management is turning the corner. Should be an interesting transfer window and even better second half of the season, win or lose, I hope we can enjoy something special.

MILAN-TOTTENHAM, ALL THE IMPORTANT DATES FOR TICKET SALES

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MILAN - Here are the details to know about ticket sales for the Milan-Tottenham Champions League last sixteen first leg match, scheduled for February 15. Presale will be reserved for 2010-2011 championship season ticket holders from Tuesday, January 4, to Wednesday, January 19, when tickets will be available at the branches of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group (ATMs excluded). From Monday, January 24, to Tuesday, February 1, ticket sale will be reserved to Cuore Rossonero card holders, whose card has been issued not later than January 21, 2011. The open sale of the residual tickets will take place between Wednesday, February 2,and Tuesday, February 15, with tickets available also the ATMs of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group.

AC MILAN TRAIN SIGHTS ON AL AHLI

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DUBAI, UAE- 29 December, 2010 –  Some of the greatest names in football are in Dubai preparing for the Emirates Challenge Cup, which will see Italian team,AC Milan go head to head against local club Al Ahli on Sunday January 2.With the likes of the Brazilian superstars Ronaldino and Robinho, as well as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pato in the AC Milan squad, football fans in Dubai are going to watch some of the world’s footballing elite take on the local club, who currently sit at third equal in the UAE football league.  This match will prove to be an exciting challenge for both teams, as AC Milan prepares for the second half of the 2011 season and Al Ahli has the chance to test their skills against the world’s most successful club.Representatives of both teams joined a press conference today at Emirates’ Headquarters in Dubai, the heart of the airline and the home of football sponsorship. “We are excited to be here in Dubai as we prepare for our upcoming season. We know this match will provide us with the challenge we need to be the top of our division this upcoming season. And to be playing in a city with such avid football fans it will be an exciting evening for all,” AC Milan manager, Massimiliano Allegri said.  “We look forward to enjoying the warm weather and the first class training facilities provided to us here in Dubai this week and are thankful to Emirates for their support,” he added.“It is going to be a tough challenge taking on AC Milan, yet we are ready and confident that all spectators will be thrilled with the match and the quality of football on the field,” said Italian-born Al Ahli Captain, Fabio Cannovaro. “Our squad is fired up and ready to have a friendly match against such an international field of superstar players,” he added.“This is a rare opportunity for football fans to catch the stars in action as they prepare for their upcoming season and have the chance to play one of our top local clubs.” said  Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Services.The 2nd January match is scheduled to kickoff 8:00 pm at the Al Ahli Football Club, Rashid Stadium, located in Al Quasais. Regular ticket prices are: AED 100 – 150 for adults and AED 50 – 75 for children under 12. They are on sale from Virgin Megastores, Timeout/ITP Ticketline http://www.itp.net/tickets/ and Emirates Group HQ opposite Terminal 3.

FOOTBALL LEGENDS ARRIVE IN DUBAI

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December 28, 2010 – The star-studded AC Milan squad arrived in Dubai last night ready to head straight into their winter training for the second half of the season.The seven-time UEFA Champions League winners are making the most of the city’s fantastic weather for their Emirates-sponsored Training Camp which runs from December 28 to January 2, 2011 culminating in their match against Al Ahli for the Emirates Challenge Cup on the 2nd at the Rashid stadium, Al Ahli club.Tickets for the match  on the 2nd January are on sale from Virgin Megastores, Timeout/ ITP Ticketline http://www.itp.net/tickets/ and Emirates Group HQ opposite Terminal 3.Regular ticket prices are: AED 100 for adults and AED 50 for children under 12. Premier tickets for AED 200 are available by calling (04) 321 0008.