On Wednesday Milan begin what I believe to be the most crucial part of the 2011/2012 Scudetto campaign. Wednesday begins a run of games so crucial and so tightly packed that it will be both exhausting and telling as to how capable this team truly is for a repeat of last season’s title winning season. Do they have to go undefeated in these matches? No, but dropping points will be crucial in the Serie A title race against Juventus and upstarts Udinese. Behold the February that will define the season:
Feb 1 2:45 ET Lazio v AC Milan Stadio Olimpico Serie A
Feb 5 9:00 ET AC Milan v Napoli Stadio Giuseppe Meazza Serie A
Feb 12 9:00 ET Udinese v AC Milan Stadio Friuli Serie A
Feb 15 2:45 ET AC Milan v Arsenal Giuseppe Meazza Champions League (Round of 16)
Feb 19 9:00 ET Cesena v AC Milan Stadio D. Manuzzi Serie A
Feb 26 9:00 ET AC Milan v Juventus Stadio Giuseppe Meazza Serie A
Four of five matches versus Serie A competition are against strong opposition. Mix in a match against Cesena and a CL match against Arsenal and you have a month to remember, or one we will want to soon forget? I have mentioned in the past how important it is for good teams to reverse results, and while I don’t put tremendous stock is “needing” to beat the big boys to win the Title, I think a team that can earn points in matches they weren’t able to do so in the first half of the campaign is a sign of success and progress.
Beating Napoli last season was a turning point in the Title race last season, Edison Cavani got his revenge this season and Milan should now try and exact theirs. Much has been said about the strength of Juventus this season and their impressive run, but little has been said to the fact that they are really only competing on one front, something Milan doesn’t luxury off. It also needs to be said that regardless of the outcome of this match the season is still on and the tempo at which Juventus is playing matches and Conte’s unwillingness to rotate players could spell a bout of fatigue in early spring for Juventus. Mind you Milan can be just as susceptible, but whereas one team has played on two fronts for a few seasons now, accustomed to the rigors, it has been a while since Juventus has truly been under the gun. A win would surely be nice in this match to silence the critics, but even a loss could have little repercussion if the wheels fall off the bus for Juventus. I for one would rather not wait for that to happen and prefer Milan take’s what belongs to them in that match; three points.
Udinese and Arsenal both also present a unique challenge because their squads are relatively young in comparison, they like to pass and possess the ball, and they can play at a good tempo. So both matches will be physically challenged for Millan, or any opponent for that matter. Everyone wants to continually discuss the scudetto being between Milan and Juventus, but I think if big Clubs falter Udinese sits in a great spot. I also think Arsenal have resigned themselves to being out of the EPL race, and will be hungry to progress in the CL while staying in touch with the EPL top four. At the end of the day these are two very dangerous opponents that should not be taken lightly.
I end the post with lowly Cesena and inconsistent Lazio. The Cesena match should be a penciled in victory, but in true Milan fashion they will win all the matches before it and lose that one!? The real and most immediate test however is Lazio, whom Milan already dispatched last week in the Coppa Italia. It is no secret it is solid well coached squad, capable of limiting chances and fighting for a draw, but Milan has proven their ability to exploit the 3 man defense and deal with the wing play, so if Reja sticks with the same game plan, Milan may be OK in this one. Allegri must consider the entire month before rolling out the same players in each and every match and it would be very good to get a few goals early in this one, which could easily happen if Milan’s attack is firing on all cylinders. Not all that sure what Allegri does with his lineup but my early guess:
Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Silva, Mesbah; Urby, Ambro, Nocerino; Seedorf; Zlatan, Robinho
El Shaarawi and Lopez should be on the ready in this one and the lack of midfield options may prove damaging as this month wears on. This will require a bit of finesse and rotation and we may very well see the hybrid 4-3-3/4-3-1-2 we discuss last week depending on fitness of the available midfield players. Can’t help but a get a sense of deja-vu from last season’s February and the rash of midfield injuries, let’s hope this is not the case for this year as well.
Welcome to the month from the hell…hope you enjoy it!
At the start of the second half on Sunday Allegri made one of the most proactive subs of his Milan tenure. He finally recognized the inability of Urby as a CAM, a half too late mind you, and subbed off Antonini moving the ineffective Dutchman to LB and bringing El Shaarawi into the hole behind the strikers. The thing is El Shaarawi didn’t really slot into the hole, nor did he function as a true CAM, none of the strikers did. Suddenly the time tested 4-3-1-2 looked a bit like a 4-3-3, but not the Leo version that gave many of us nightmares, but a hybrid that proved rather effective; scoring three goals in forty-five minutes.
The traditional deployment of a 4-3-3 calls for a center forward and two wing forwards, under Leo Milan operated this way with Ronaldinho, Borrielo and Pato. Allegri, like anyone else with two eyes, sees the lack of balance in such a formation and deploys the strikers in a much more compact triangle calling on width from his fullbacks, while still shielding the midfield to some extent. This deployment doesn’t unbalance the formation in the midfield, but shields it, simply because of the amount of player traffic in front of the opposing central defenders and opposing defensive midfielder. While none of the strikers may actively defend, their mere presence in that part of the pitch makes it difficult for opponents to move the ball into the midfield. It is also a challenge for opponents to mark the strikers, which is the true beauty of this deployment.
While the formation lacks a true CAM, one of the strikers could drop into the role and cause the opponents defense to track the run, creating space for teammates. On Sunday against Novara, it was both exciting and fluid with the interchange between Robinho, Zlatan, and El Shaarawi almost seamless. It would appear these three had played together for years. Rotating, playing short combinations, and causing defenders fits as they were almost entirely un-markable for a 20 minute stretch. How can an opposing defense cope with marking three players in an area patrolled by two center-backs? Do they drop in a DM? Pinch in a fullback? All the while creating space for the added threats of Abate, Urby, and Nocerino!? This dynamic movement and attack when clicking can score goals at will, and strikers of the one dimensional variety all the easier to sell. Case in point, Allegri used and can use this deployment when Cassano is healthy and while it is a strong attacking formation, and that provides attacking entertainment. It is important to note that it may not be the best option against teams who can and will attack.
The deployment of Prince in the hole makes more sense against stronger opposition, adding more grit and balance, but also giving Milan/Allegri the flexibility to deploy a passing player in the midfield. Like all formations there are matches and situations where they can be tweaked and evolved and Allegri has found a good mix of work rate and industry in the absence of other strikers. Should he roll this out against Arsenal in February or Juve in a few weeks? Probably not, but depending on the team around them and their form at the time you could at least make case to see the hybrid 4-3-1-2/4-3-3 make a cameo.
I have never been afraid of oil rich football teams. Sure, they have endless amounts of money, and can literally buy whoever they please with those resources. But when you hire a bunch of clowns, I mean Sheiks, to run a football team you will ultimately have a circus. Why you ask? What happened when kids unwrapped their new version of FM 2012 after XMAS? They chose their favorite team, probably turned off any transfer “rules” bought everyone they wanted, won the title, then the CL, and then went on some blog and spit about how good of a manager they are and how they supremely judge talent. Well in a bizarre way the Sheikhs did the same thing, except they don’t judge talent, they don’t understand player wages and value and at the end of the day they don’t know much about football. I mean look at Man City who are just now starting to get their act together but purging salaries and over paid players, or the lunacy of Mohamed Al-Fayed at Fulham. All these folks do well is right checks, but they don’t even spend properly. This however doesn’t appear to be the case at PSG. What did PSG do that these other teams didn’t? Sure they splashed the cash, but they hired a Champion, and that scares me.
First and foremost hiring Leo, who may have zero ability as a Coach, but is a decent Sporting Director, was a step in the right direction. Having worked directly with one of the best in the business, Adriano Galliani, our old friend Leo must have learned a thing or two and whatever he didn’t learn he can clearly make up for his errors with blind check writing. What Leo did do however, is instead of installing himself as a Coach (best move of his career), he went out and got one of the best in the form of Carlo Ancelotti. What some people seem to forget is that he is one of the greatest Coaches of the modern era, vastly underrated, and better than most at getting bang for your buck when it comes to players of all ages and skill levels. Unlike Man City, Fulham or Malaga, PSG now has a true visionary and tactician to put the unlimited resources to good use and build a Champion.
Looking over PSG’s current roster, they were always a talented a team. Former Coach, Koumbare, who I believe was wrongfully let go here, but that’s a discussion for another day, deployed them in a decently successful 4-2-3-1. But now Carletto, a man of who made famous the XMAS tree can bring it back to Paris in devastating fashion. Gamiero leading the line with Pastore and Menez just behind could be a problem for any team, and it will be interesting if Carletto sticks with the status quo or goes ahead and makes significant changes. A move for Pato? A reunion with Kaka? Sure he lacks a true a deep lying passer, and this is probably why they are hot on the trail of David Beckham who looks unlikely to arrive, but deploying a more defensive minded three man line could allow even more freedom for the likes of Menez and Pastore or any other flashy attacking talent they can scrounge up this transfer window.
Tomorrow when Milan take the field against their former tactician the match will not be truly representative of the current PSG, but more a glimpse into the future. A future that I believe will be rather bright for a team who is not new to success, but more or less on a hiatus since their successful run in the 90s. The back room talent of Leonardo and the master class tactics of Carletto means that for the first time a filthy stinking rich oil money backed team will have the leadership in place to build a Champion instead of simply trying, and failing, to buy one. Sadly Carlo, you will just have to learn to play second fiddle to Milan because Max and Company have other plans for now and the future, but in the meantime best of luck.
In the summer, while everyone lusted after Mr. X, Fester quietly made the signing of the season with Antonio Nocerino. One could argue, specifically Juve fans, that Pirlo is just as valuable to his new team, but this was a given, whereas Nocerino was a wild card. So much so that even some Milan fans wrote him off as a pub player and someone not up to the caliber of AC Milan, well those fans have been proven wrong by the player and it looks even Allegri is on the Nocerino bandwagon!
“Among my players Ignazio Abate has made the most significant improvement. Who is the symbol of Milan? It’s too easy to say Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Thiago Silva, so I’ll vote for Antonio Nocerino.” – Allegri
To me this comes as no surprise; in fact his signing merely reinforced my belief in a player I felt had the makings of a future workhorse for both Club and Country. Often called a more complete version of Gattuso, a young Nocerino, then plying his trade for Juventus was a bolt of energy tracking down opponents and winning possession. His move to Palermo for Amuari was met with resistance but the smarter Juve fans, but in this modern age where everyone loves strikers, it is players like Nocerino that are often glossed over. At Palermo he further refined his skills, becoming a more complete passer and attacker, and was called irreplaceable by Zamparini. Granted Zamparini had never made a deal with the Devil, and for a pittance he was shippd to Milan. Full disclosure I bought my Nocerino jersey that day, and bid my time while Antonio showed the World what I already knew! Nocerino is a player!
To be fair he fits the Allegri mold perfectly. Exuberant runner, great tackler, and excellent movement he has made the RM spot in the three midfield line his very own. While the great Rino Gattuso fades into retirement, it is Nocerino who will take on the mantle. Flamini was thought to be the heir, but anyone who watched the Frenchmen for 90 minutes could see that a headless chicken often covers ground in a more sensible fashion. So Nocerino simply took advantage of what was given to him, and made it his own, rendering the loss of Gattuso to a severe eye injury palatable, and making Flamini an afterthought. But his defensive strength is not the only thing to cheer about, his six goals in 13 matches equals his tally in 70 matches with Palermo! He has taken the freedom to get forward to a new level and Allegri and Company welcome his efforts and goals, as his return after a brief injury was a missing spark and helped Milan get back to winning ways.
The Nocerino purchase was stroke of genius, but more importantly his play and contribution have given Milan some hope for the future. His understanding and chemistry with Prince has been excellent, and he is no stranger to Aquilani either. If Milan can build around those three, while adding a CDM in the vein of Mikel, Asamoah, Diaby, or even hand over the reins to Strasser then the midfield problem that was evident last season will be history and the new breed will usher in the next generation of success for AC Milan. Nocerino, Silva, Abate, and Prince will be the new guard of AC Milan taking the venerable reins from Amborsini, Nesta, Rino, and Clarence. Future doesn’t look so bad anymore now does it?
It is no secret; I really respect and admire Max Allegri. Frankly it is hard not to, he isn’t on TV turning Milan into sideshow, he puts results first, and he approaches each game with the pragmatic sense of what is needed to earn a victory. He isn’t enamored with this notion that football is a spectacle; he knows deep down inside that winning cures all and for that Max I think you. So when his Boss came out and said he wished Milan played more like Barcelona, what did Max do? Like a true gentleman, he told his Boss to shove it! Well played Max, well played!
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has voiced his opinion that it is impossible to copy Barcelona’s style of play in the wake of recent comments from club president Silvio Berlusconi, who declared that he would like to see the Rossoneri play like the Catalans.
Allegri feels that the newly-crowned 2011 Club World Cup champions are unique, but added that Milan have plenty of quality as well and can compete in their own way.“It is impossible to copy Barcelona. We have a squad with lots of great players and real champions. We are top class in Italy and I believe that we can do well in the Champions League too, with different characteristics to Barcelona,” Allegri said to Domenica Sportiva.
“The things that they are doing are unique and can’t be copied. Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan have players and characteristics that others didn’t have. Every coach has to play in a way that gets the best out of the player at his availability.”
Allegri then praised Sacchi for introducing young players into the senior side, and believes his current outfit are on the right path to doing the same.
“Sacchi’s Milan were a very strong team, but did not only consist of big names, but also had plenty of youth products. We are doing some great work in our youth academy. We are incorporating more and more young players into the first team.”
Youngsters such as Simone Ganz, Bryan Cristante and Mattia De Sciglio have all made their debuts with the senior side this term.
So what can we ascertain from Max’s discussion? First and foremost the one thing that seems to be forgotten by every team trying to emulate Barca, and the most obvious, mind you, is that you need the players. Barca plays BarcaBall because they can with the likes of Xavi, Messi and Iniesta. Other teams just don’t see this! Neither do owners, in Berlu’s sick twisted fantasy, Milan would play 4-3-3 with Pato, Robinho, and Zlatan up front, knowing Berlu he would probably even stick Pato central and Zlatan wide!? He hasn’t even considered the value of defense!? What Berlu also doesn’t seem to recognize is that when you play 4-3-3 you are telling the opponent who will be scoring goals, and where to counter attack? RW, presses toward goal, LB can kick start the counter, midfielders up in support of the attackers, play a long ball in front of the defense. The 4-3-3 is inherently flawed for any team who don’t have the personnel to play it. Instead Milan now plays with width on the right in Abate, and have goal scoring from the midfield as well with both Prince and Nocerino very capable. It makes Milan more dynamic and not dependent on a single goal scorer.
Allegri also sees the value of forging your own identity and by doing so getting the most out of the players at his disposal. In these modern times of Football Manager and FIFA it is easy for a fan to pretend they are Man City and buy whomever they like for their squad, irregardless of money. It is also easy to plug in random youth into the team, see some success and wonder why isn’t Milan doing that? Answer is simply because algorithms don’t factor in traits like experience and one of the most important ones, being a human! Kidding aside, Allegri knows how to deploy aging players like Van Bommel, Ambro, Zambro, and Seedorf in situations to make both the player and team successful. A comment a few days criticized Ambro for not moving much, this same commenter probably never really looked closely at Van Bommel who rarely moves out of the center circle, this is by design. Shield the defense and be the first passing option forward for the CBs. In fact to his credit Ambro gets more forward than Van Bommel ever does, sometimes to much even!
So while the World chases the elusive Barca copycat mantra, Allegri basically says screw it, I will do my own thing! So if Milan can find a way to topple the mighty Barca, maybe next year everyone will be copying our very own Milan, then again best we let Milan be Milan, let the others figure things out for themselves. Not to mention he may be a bit of a physic stating that Milan would be top of the table come XMAS, any other talents we don’t know about Max?
So much to discuss today, we may as well hit the ground running. First and foremost Happy 112th Birthday to AC Milan…
I remember 1999’s Centennial like it was yesterday, hard to believe another 12 have gone by. Those 12 were some of the most amazing for me as a Milan Tifosi. Two CL’s, three scudetti, the rise of Sheva and Kaka, the retirement of Maldini, the scourge of Ronaldniho and Leo, a Club World Cup, and the gut –wrenching loss in Istanbul. What a roller coaster, a ride I wouldn’t trade in for the World. Here is to many many many more. FORZA MILAN!
Now onto the Champions League draw:
I warned against the dangers of Arsenal, but many a Milan fan seem to be oblivious to Arsenal’s recent run of form and more functional result orientated style of football they are currently playing. This is not the pass you around the block, physically inept Arsenal many are used to, this is a roll their sleeves up punch you in the face Arsenal and that sort of never say die attitude always poses a problem. Of course I still believe Milan will come out on top, but this is not going to be a walk in the park. For the rest of the boot both Inter and Napoli have a chance to advance as well. From a fan perspective, I have to say Chelsea v Napoli is incredible, 4-3-3 v 3-5-2, nice wide open football, and a good chance for Napoli to show some class. Some will call it revenge if Italy can come out on top in the Italy v England ties, but for most it will simply be the cyclical nature of football.
Now onto more pressing matters, our little “Black and White” problem gets a little worse. Udinese and Juventus sit atop the table ahead of us and Siena comes town to make matters worse. Now Siena has not been a strong team and sitting atop the relegation zone at a mere 14 points doesn’t exactly strike fear in the heart of opponents, but as we already know, no game is easy. It has also grown abundantly clear that this Milan team is very capable of winning and more often defeats themselves, something that can’t be done in what is a must take three points match.
Allegri is still dealing with the loss of Nesta, so the tossup between Mexes and Bonera remains. This is an important one because Siena has Destro and Calaio up top and their blend of pace and strength could pose a problem. But injuries may force Allegri’s hand even further. Nocerino also remains a question mark and his pace, tackling, and off the balls were sorely missed against Bologna. While I want him to play, I also don’t want him to further worsen his injury. Would almost prefer he continue to be rested. There is also the discussion about Seedorf, Aquilani or Urby, and frankly I think Seedorf and Aquilani on the pitch together are useless, and Urby’s appearance last week earned a start in my book. The same way Pato’s disappearing act earned him a spot on the bench.
My lineup:
Amelia; De Sciglio, Bonera, Silva, Taiwo; Prince, Van Bommel, Urby; Aquilani; Zlatan and Robinho
UPDATE: No Abate, Antonini or Abbiati!? Not to mention no callup for Zambro so defense is pressed. I like Aquilani closer to the strikers, simply because Prince and Urby can provide more in pressing and forward runs while Aqui is better on the ball. Zlatan and Robinho need no explanation, when those two are on, they are on. See you for a Saturday afternoon match no liveblog this time around, but I had a blast time and if people enjoy it I am happy to do it again. One thing is for sure, expect a live blog for the matches against Arsenal!
Football gives me grief about a few of things, the first is the simple greed that exists in the modern game, the second is the fan-boy hype, and the third? Overbearing, manipulating, know it all Owners. I thought Silvio had learned his lesson, he laid off last season and SURPRISE SCUDETTO, but it was to good to be true, his return to Milan may spell the end of our resurgence. He spoke out recently and I want to take a minute to translate and dissect, and remind everyone while Silvio was always better at an arms-length. When he became President of Italy a transplanted family member said, “Thankfully he is no longer Milan’s problem, now he is Italy’s problem.” To that I reply, he is no longer Italy’s problem, but once again Milan’s problem…
Berlusconi was also keen to talk about one of the side’s current strikers, who has been plagued by injury and inconsistent form.
“[Alexandre] Pato is a great player but in recent times he has not been at his best. We see him a lot on the right but he should play more in the centre. In football, goals are what win it and we should serve him,” he added.
Translation: So this kid is porking my daughter, and while he is porking my daughter he should play where he wants. Wait, we have Zlatan in the middle, forget it…
Sadly, this is far from the truth, imagine this. Wait, that guy can’t play on the right, he can’t play on the left, so we try him in the middle, only Berlusconi….let’s let Allegri decide shall we? Speaking of Allegri…
The president confirmed he is also in the process of offering a new extended deal to coach Massimiliano Allegri.
“We will be looking to renew the contract of Allegri. This Milan side are designed to win all competitions,” he confirmed.
Translation: I love this Max guy, I told him to play two strikers and he did, Bada Bing Scudetto!
Truth be told, he deserves an extension, the current style of play and balance is excellent, best I have seen in a while, but don’t let Silvio fool you.
Berlusconi concluded with a few words on Milan’s season so far and how he would like the side to replicate Barcelona’s style of play.
“I’d like to see Milan playing like Barcelona does. I taught this style of football when I was a coach of a non-professional team,” Berlusconi stated.
“This year we think we’ll be able to win the Scudetto again and we want to do great things also in Europe.
“We are two points behind Juventus, we are in good form and we’re doing well. It’s a positive season [so far].
Translation: When I coached, I didn’t know what I was doing, so when the players said Mister what do we do, I said pass it. Then I taught that to Pep, and now I want to teach it to Allegri.
Uggh, here we go, another lunatic blinded by Barca-only football. Have we not learned anything this year, Milan had Barca to the sword and instead of killing them and ending this nonsense, they let them get away. Well guess what Silvio, you won’t be wishing for Barca if Max and Milan get another chance, better idea, sell the Club to Fester and go buy Barca! Problem solved.
“We are in the last 16 of the Champions League, where there is also Barcelona, who plays the style of football I like. Barca don’t have more class players than us, it’s just a matter of willing to play a certain style of football.
“Milan play good football, but I think we lack the willingness to practice a style of football far away from the traditional one.”
Translation: You may have played two strikers like I ask, but your football sucks. You win games, I don’t care, you play to many defenders, we need to play 5 strikers, win 99-98, get me Leonardo!
This is where I draw the line. It is almost like he pulls his head out of his ass once every three years and decides to make a comment. Champions of Italy almost always have the best goal differential, and Milan to their credit, almost always have one of the strongest possession records much like Barcelona. Why do Owners, pundits, and fans insist on this belief that a team’s identity has to mirror or match another’s, instead of forging it on it’s own. What happens if Milan win the CL and Scudetto, will Allegri football be all the rage?
Silvio, I am going to be blunt, the last time your dumb ass got involved with transfers and coaching we bought Ronaldinho and watched his career plummet wide left, where not even your Coach could find him. FYI they did find him, he is taking care of himself in the bathroom in case you wondering, and sadly that can mean more than a few things, it could be sexual or by his recent fitness levels simply eating a hostess cupcake. I ask you rather politely, do what you do best, smile, sign checks, and let the football people handle the football. In the meantime go talk to Barbara, I have a feeling we are on the verge of a Duck problem.
