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David Beckham's lawyers talking to Galaxy - MILAN (AP) -David Beckham's lawyers are talking to the Los Angeles Galaxy to see if the club will enter into negotiations so he can stay in Italy, Milan v...
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Things not going that well for Dinho - Not at his best days. Worst word to any athlete, Bench! Last week actually was somewhat due to the flu he had earlier. This week the reason was there was ...
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Official: Quaresma joins Blues on loan - Wow. Some pretty good news in the light of all the depression at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, somehow, have secured the services of Portugese international R...
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
No Longer The Magic Number February 1st, 2009
In a post earlier this season, Sal referred to three as being the magic number. Well our luck with the number three firmly ran out today as we succumbed to our third defeat in a row in our third encounter with Milan this season. The pessimists and cynics are already out searching for their scapegoat. 
The first thing that struck me, before the game had even started was Rossi’s formation. I truly believe he made a conscious decision to pack out the midfield and hope that would prevent the Milan midfielders from setting up the attack or protecting their rather fragile backline. He definitely risked Brocchi and Meghni. A few of you noted in the comments section that Delio may have been foolish to replace Mourad with Simone but I would safely say Meghni didn’t have the fitness to last the distance. It’s impossible to tell whether Delio’s risked paid off or not but I personally thought Mourad excelled today. Cristian was a risk and it was no surprise for me to see Dabo take his place in the second half. Matuzalem is also lacking in match practice so I’m very confused as to why Rossi left out Mauri. Strange decisions but considering the midfield functioned well on the whole today, I’ll let the boss away with it.
From my perspective, we were more than a match for Milan in the opening half. We had the better of the chances, the defence looked fairly solid but unfortunately for us, Pato guided the ball into the back of the net. Perhaps critically it was right before half-time and I will be taking a closer look at the goal when highlights are available; there was a big shout for offside.
Lazio were dealt a double blow when Ambrosini put them two clear. The difference between the two sides then became apparent; Milan had all the confidence and belief in the world and we had none. We fought and we fought but the actual belief in making a comeback wasn’t there and Delio was quick to concede this after the game ended. To make things worse, Kaka added a third as the game came to a close and once again, the scoreline looks rough. Nevertheless, I did feel there were some standout performances.
I mentioned already that Meghni and Matuzalem were very decent today but the unluckiest man on the pitch was the one that picked the ball out of his net on three occasions. I thought Muslera was excellent today. He had the balls to command and direct a defence much older and more experienced than him and he was incredibly aware, rushing out of his goal to stop the danger. Unfortunately that’s where JP is losing out to Nestor at the minute; when Carrizo rushes off his line, he appears to be creating danger. Again, another good decision by Rossi as far as I’m concerned.
I can’t criticise Rossi really. Yes, this side is faltering but what we need now, more than anything is a win. It’s the players that have the problem. They are not doing much wrong but they have no faith in themselves at present. Some will argue that it’s Rossi’s job to focus the players on getting that win but I’m not sure if any coach can pick up players whose morale is this low. We have a great bunch who look a bit wayward at the minute and all we need is to regroup, prepare for the match ahead and hope we get the ultimate confidence booster; a few points.
The first thing that struck me, before the game had even started was Rossi’s formation. I truly believe he made a conscious decision to pack out the midfield and hope that would prevent the Milan midfielders from setting up the attack or protecting their rather fragile backline. He definitely risked Brocchi and Meghni. A few of you noted in the comments section that Delio may have been foolish to replace Mourad with Simone but I would safely say Meghni didn’t have the fitness to last the distance. It’s impossible to tell whether Delio’s risked paid off or not but I personally thought Mourad excelled today. Cristian was a risk and it was no surprise for me to see Dabo take his place in the second half. Matuzalem is also lacking in match practice so I’m very confused as to why Rossi left out Mauri. Strange decisions but considering the midfield functioned well on the whole today, I’ll let the boss away with it.From my perspective, we were more than a match for Milan in the opening half. We had the better of the chances, the defence looked fairly solid but unfortunately for us, Pato guided the ball into the back of the net. Perhaps critically it was right before half-time and I will be taking a closer look at the goal when highlights are available; there was a big shout for offside.
Lazio were dealt a double blow when Ambrosini put them two clear. The difference between the two sides then became apparent; Milan had all the confidence and belief in the world and we had none. We fought and we fought but the actual belief in making a comeback wasn’t there and Delio was quick to concede this after the game ended. To make things worse, Kaka added a third as the game came to a close and once again, the scoreline looks rough. Nevertheless, I did feel there were some standout performances.
I mentioned already that Meghni and Matuzalem were very decent today but the unluckiest man on the pitch was the one that picked the ball out of his net on three occasions. I thought Muslera was excellent today. He had the balls to command and direct a defence much older and more experienced than him and he was incredibly aware, rushing out of his goal to stop the danger. Unfortunately that’s where JP is losing out to Nestor at the minute; when Carrizo rushes off his line, he appears to be creating danger. Again, another good decision by Rossi as far as I’m concerned.I can’t criticise Rossi really. Yes, this side is faltering but what we need now, more than anything is a win. It’s the players that have the problem. They are not doing much wrong but they have no faith in themselves at present. Some will argue that it’s Rossi’s job to focus the players on getting that win but I’m not sure if any coach can pick up players whose morale is this low. We have a great bunch who look a bit wayward at the minute and all we need is to regroup, prepare for the match ahead and hope we get the ultimate confidence booster; a few points.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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Lazio - Milan
Lazio will be ready and waiting at the Olimpico tomorrow to do battle with an on-song Milan side looking to take advantage of our recent woes and move closer to the top of Serie A. It should be a fascinating encounter. Understandably many of us are apprehensive of this game and rightfully so but we must keep in mind that we have managed to beat them once already this season and there’s no real reason to fear them.
Both sides have got injury troubles. For us, Rocchi is the main absentee. Although he could technically be risked, the doctors believe that he could end up aggravating his injury (I believe it is a thigh problem), leaving him out of action for two months. Therefore, a decision has been taken to rest him for two weeks. In addition to Tommaso, Brocchi and Meghni were/are also doubts. Cristian hurt his left ankle in training during the week and Meghni has a problem with his left foot. It seems Rossi will risk Brocchi in the three man midfield alongside Ledesma and newly-fit Matuzalem. Meghni is not ready apparently and will thus be left behind. Foggia and Lichtsteiner are both suspended so Mauri will play the trequartista role behind Pandev and Zarate while De Silvestri slots into the right-back position. Rozehnal is likely to be recalled to defence to partner Siviglia. I believe this is and always has been Delio’s preferred backline this season. Radu will play on the left side and Muslera has been confirmed as tomorrow’s goalkeeper. No doubt in my mind that Rossi was fibbing when he said he was giving Carrizo a rest. At least for now, Nestor is number one. It’s a relatively strong line up I feel, especially given our selection limits but I hope Inzaghi gets a chance. There’s also the possibility that Mendicino will make the bench but he could be tired after recent Primavera action.
If you think our team is depleted, Milan are arguably worse off. Defensively they could be in serious trouble. Maldini is suspended, Nesta is still injured and Bonera has the flu. Kaladze is also out so that backline could be very unfamiliar. Gattuso and Flamini are the other notable absentees. Of course, it’s the attack of the Milanese outfit that I fear the most. In Kaka, Ronaldinho, Pato, Shevchenko and co. they have an abundance of attacking talent and the best approach for us must be to press forward when possible. We can’t let that attack get a foothold in the game or they will romp away with the three points.
It’s a tough tie made all the more difficult by our poor form but I’m relatively optimistic. What have we got to lose? Pride perhaps and nothing more. Lazio must answer the battle cry tomorrow and in doing so ruin Milan’s Scudetto prospects. That’s easier said than done of course but let’s get behind our boys
Mulling Over Kalac And Rossi
Lazio are said to be contemplating a loan deal for Milan veteran Zeljko Kalac. Apparently we have lost faith in Carrizo to a degree at least and there are also reports that he was involved in some kind of post-Cagliari bust-up. No doubt there were some harsh words exchanged after that game but whether an “altercation” took place or not is a different story. It is noted that the decision to sign Kalac will be made on the final day of the transfer window, which will be Monday, not today. As the final day of January falls on the weekend, leagues were given the option to extend it to Monday and as far as I’m aware, Serie A have taken that option. Some leagues have decided against it so many moves will be made today and I will be keeping a close eye on that although I don’t expect Lotito to whip out his chequebook.
Time Ticking On The Broc Clock
The abysmal week we have had has done little to inspire our individuals to stay at the club and the first real evidence of that is beginning to appear. Today it was made aware that Cristian Brocchi is not exactly happy at Lazio. The reason? Apparently he doesn’t like having to sit on the sidelines here. I guess leaving the bench at Milan for Lazio would seem like a bit of step backwards at the current time.Broc is not the kind of guy who would just walk out and desert his team. He’s quite loyal and faithful and I don’t think there’s any danger of him escaping our grip in the next few days. However, I do understand that he needs game time at his age and if Dabo is to be preferred by Rossi then I wouldn’t begrudge him if he goes. He came here for free, his wage is ridiculously high for someone who is benched and he has only a few years at the highest level left ahead of him anyway. I question how beneficial it would be for us to keep him. In saying that, I would rather see him in the team than Ousmane. Cristian has that ability to harrass opponents and make life very difficult for them. That’s a quality we are lacking; I can’t really think of anyone who scurries back like Brocchi does but then again, the older he gets, the less scurrying he is capable of so what he brings to the team is fairly limited. Should we decide to let him go this summer, Cabaye would be the logical choice to bring in. Someone who has the defensive skills but also a bit of attacking flair and creativity would be handy.
Whether he stays or goes, I won’t be jumping for joy or shedding tears. He is not a necessity but not deadwood either and whatever his decision come June, we should respect it and let him have his way. Keeping Pandev and Ledesma would obviously be of more concern to us.
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