Maldini Monday
By: Gianfranco | February 11th, 2008CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Furthering last week’s discussion about Captains. Paolo served in two of the most important captain roles in all of Italy, he was the leader of the Rossoneri and the Azzuri.
In 1997 the great Franco Baresi walked away from San Siro as the most recognizable captain the club had. His tenure as skipper lasted 15 years of his 20 seasons played. It was then that he relinquished the armband to Paolo Maldini who went to best Baresi’s seasons played, years as captain, and in my opinion the title of AC Milan’s best defender. No offense to Baresi, but Paolo is the man.
This pair forever linked in history of both club and country, were involved in another changing of the guard. This time it was here on American soil in 1994, after suffering defeat to Brazil in the World Cup final a teary eyed Baresi handed the armband to Paolo Maldini. For the next 8 years, two world cups and two euro cups, and no major victories Paolo led the Azzuri to a fantastic run of play, but it was never enough. In this time he even had the pleasure of being the captain to his father as coach, truly an amazing moment for any captain.
Azzuri fans have already seen the changing of the guard with Paolo giving way to Fabio Cannavarro, who four years later lifted the World Cup. It was a bittersweet victory for me as I knew that Paolo was not there to lift the trophy, much like Baresi path the Rossoneri will again have to watch a changing of the guard. Who will attempt to fill the shoes left by a legend, who would dare even.
Gattuso seems the most logical choice in my opinion due to his intensity and passion, but even he knows that it is job maybe far superior to anyone on the squad. Ambrosini has shown that he can fill, and if assured a spot in the starting eleven I could not be happier with the choice. Pirlo at 28 years old is another perfect choice, but his quite nature makes better suited for the role he occupies than one of a team leader. A choice that I find hard to swallow is Kaka, who has stated that he would love to wear the armband (a big time no no in becoming a captain, you don’t ask Ricky), but I cannot see a foreigner carrying the torch of the Rossoneri.
Who will answer the call? Maybe a new coach will make the decision…
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Category: Maldini Monday
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Comments
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Those interistas put stick on everything, for a winning bunch they can get rather defensive, signs of guilt if you ask me…
Posted from
United States
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Frankly, I think it should be Rino. He sure as hell has the heart, experience, and vocal ability for it, and he’s got some damn good skill as well. That would be my first choice. If not, Ambro has done a good job as well with this position.
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United States -
Baresi was great, but Maldini is better. Is it me or does Inter and its fans have an inferiority complex? Inter needs to be better in the Champions League on a regular basis or they will always be second fiddle to Milan.
Posted from
United States -
Question-Capello has recently been criticized in the English press for not taking the assignment of the Captain’s armband for England seriously and the reason given for his actions is that the role of captain is not taken as seriously in Italy as it is in England. Is this true? Regardless, I think it is safe to say that we have no one currently on the roster who comes anywhere near Maldini’s stature and at the rate the team is buying/playing only aged “experienced” players we won’t have anyone like him for some time. I suppose Ambro or Gattuso will split the armband (whichever of the 2 is playing that day) which is fine, they exemplify a sporting, competitive and hard attitude that is at the heart of Milan.
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United States -
I believe Gattuso will be a better captain than Ambro, first of all he interact and guides the team more and better. And soon i dont think Ambrosini will play regularly with 2 strikers and Kaka, Seedorf, Pirlo & Ringhio behind them. Therefore its not a good idea to have a part time captain. In addition Gattuso will stay for a long time, so hopefully another great Capitano. I just love the sight of Ringhio with an arm band and im sure it will even look great with him being the #1 captain of the team.
Posted from
Canada -
I dont think sharing it is a good idea, it losses its value a bit. And i thinks its pretty important in italian soccer. Actually the captain is the only player who can talk with the referee and the referee is obligated to answer him.
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Canada -
Traditionally speaking the captaincy in England is EXTREMELY important, which is why Capello is catching so much slack for not taking it seriously. I think it is more of a ploy on his part to rally the players and make the elite english players step it up to earn the band. Owen Hargreaves is my choice, but thats just me…
As for Italy, Fetyani you are corret the Captain is supposed to be the only player that can have discussion with the ref, but we all know that is a joke…
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United States -
Gattuso is wonderful but not exactly rational. He’s also already on the decline. Not ideal captain material.
Ambro has a good character, but he’s pretty damned inconsistent and isn’t a vastly skilled player.
Nesta turned his back prematurely on the national side. He’s also been inconsistent and injury prone. Not captain material.
Kaka should be given the captaincy to improve the sale price and then abruptly sold.
Andrea Pirlo should be the captain of AC Milan when Maldini retires.
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United States -
Tito, are you sure you are a Milan fan? That was some harsh stuff…
Posted from
United States -
I have no qualms with a non-Italian being captain. Kaka, if he stays at the club, is fit to be a future captain. But at the moment, Pirlo is that man. He plays like a captain even if he doesn’t talk much. But then which Milan player talks much? Maldini himself wasn’t much of a talker, ever.
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United States -
I disagree with Tito on Nesta not being captain material. He is an automatic choice when fit, is a senior player, vastly experienced and inspirational too.
I prefer Pirlo because he is the more senior Milanista and has a couple years more to give, probably.
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United States -
Thanks for the clarification on the captaincy in Italy. I feel that the captaincy for Milan holds more prestige than for other Italian clubs because of the class of Milan and the legacy that the position at Milan holds. Question-I completely agree that Pirlo embodies the style, grace, skill of Milan, is Italian, and holds worldwide stature and would thus be perfect for Captain-my question is:Does his having been on the books at Inter rule him out? Is this a breach of protocol?
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United States -
Let bygones be bygones. Baresi couldn’t make the grade at Inter and switched over, remember.
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United States -
Peter, he was on loan for 2 of those years, it was at Milan where he truly flourished and is developing into the legend he’s becoming today. If anything, if Pirlo became captain, it would be a complete slap in the face to Inter. Love it.
It’s no secret that I abolutely admire Pirlo for everything that he is. I feel that while my dear Rino Gattuso would bring the sheer heart and passion to the captaincy, Pirlo would bring the quiet class and respect without even trying. No to disregard Ambro, I’ve been impressed with his work ethic and leadership while he was captain when Il Capitano wasn’t there.
In reality, I think that we’re blessed to have such a classy, loyal team that offers so many viable options for the captaincy. We’ll see what happens.
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United States -
The arguments for Ambrosini are valid too. He is the most senior candidate and is even more established in the team than Gattuso this season. But Pirlo is untouchable as far as I’m concerned,and so gets my vote.
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United States -
Seedorf will never wear the armband because it I remember correctly he may have worn for Inter…and that would be blasphemy. As for Pirlo spending time at Inter, I feel sometimes that it was an afterthought, they did not even try to retain him on the team, so how much they know about talent. Even now the only true talent they have is Ibra, and even he can be a bit of premadonna, ala CRonaldo.
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United States -
Great, I appreciate the insight and thanks for answering my question. Pirlo it is then!
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United States -
the captain debate is a little more deeper than we imagine.
it has to include the charismatic leaders within the folds of the team itself. Maldini leads the team in stretching and runs etc.
the person who has a great outgoing personality that gels with everybody, and can lead the team with their personality, deserves to be captain.
although that stuff also comes with experience.
the best example can be gallas being captain of arsenal in his second season. gilberto (former brazil captain) and toure were looked over while wenger gave it to gallas. why? just watch the videos of the arsenal players’ crossbar challenge and you can easily see gallas is the team leader.
its a little more complex than just caps and appearances. or maybe it isnt and ambro will get it..
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United States -
yah i agree with shehan, thats why im sure what ever will the team decide for who to take the arm band will be the right choice.
Gattuso said a while ago, Ambro should have the arm band now because of the seniority.
Posted from
Canada -
Ferrari rumors anyone??
Posted from
United States -
i hope hes not Maldini’s replacement…
he’s consistently inconsistent, but on his good days hes a beast.
Posted from
United States -
i want barzagli right about….. NOW!
captaincy? it’s gotta be Ambro.. if not him, the Kaka..
and i’m getting really optimistic about Paloschi.. hopefully he doesn’t get too carried away..
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Canada -
Now thats Ringhioooo!! i was sure that he’ll recover earlier than expected. he’s already training with the team and in the list of called up players for Livorno’s game tomorrow and may even start tomorrow.
Carletto said Paloschi will play, but dont know if he’lll start or not. Ronaldo is most likely to be out. id like to see Pippo & Paloschi from start, then Gila in later. Still no Kaka or Pato.
As for defenders, Ferrari isnt that bad, but we should get Barzagli and whoever is out there in the market.
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Canada -
Oh Rino I’m so happy to have him back!!! I don’t think he should play a full 90 though…
I’m excited to see Paloschi play I hope he does good, and scores us another goal so we can win this…
As for Ferrari…my friends that are romanisti are opening bottles of champange and celebrating already…so doesn’t that tell you something? He’s probably at the equivalent of ronaldo…were he’s like shehan said he’s consistently inconsistent
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United States -
Haha, that’s Rino for you. Recovers in half the time expected. Gotta love him, glad to have him back.
Posted from
United States
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