Lot of interesting comments regarding yesterday’s UEFA Cup fixture. Some positives, some negatives, and a fair amount of banter as well. We were also graced with the presence of some Inter fans, smarting after their superb CL performance I believe, as well as some Pompey fans. I was not able to watch the match due to Thanksgiving Obligation, but I was able to review a few different highlights as well as read some recaps. In lieu of a proper review I want to make some observations from the comments as well as the match itself…
- Sure this was “only” a UEFA Cup match, but regardless of the type, location, opponent, or personnel every single match is important. This is a team of players that should be able to win regardless of who is called upon, therefore it is imperative that every 90 minutes is hard fought, well organized, and strongly played. Playing to win only Serie A games or only Champions League is the single most ignorant thing I have ever heard, and what makes matters worse is that I have heard it from coaches and media pundits alike. To steal a phrase from American Football fame, you play to win the game, and by doing so you foster a culture of winning that will only make you stronger comes the next match. How does Pato feel when Pippo bags a brace in the UEFA Cup, maybe some pressure to perform better!? Milan must to play to win game in and game out; there is no simpler statement on the planet.
- Missing chances on net is the black plague of AC Milan. For all the Pompey fans that found solace and comfort in yesterday’s performance, please realize that score of that much could have been 5-2 with Pippo Inzaghi blowing a chance at a four goal outbreak. Pompey played well; you scored two very solid goals and did your best to impose and control the game, however you neglected to realize your luck when Pippo missed not once, not twice, but thrice. Pat yourselves on the back, but this draw rests squarely on Milan’s inability to finish. While I am at, Torino and Lecce fans please do the same, because if Milan would start burying the ball then these discussions would be extinct.
- Speaking of finishing, let this be a bit of a warning to all our friends at the Palermo Blog, your team is playing well and very capable of beating Milan, however once has to believe that this team is a game or two away from an all out goal landslide. It reminds me of a film quote from Poolhall Junkies, a worthy view for any fan of film, discussing a lion and goes something like this,
“You watch those nature documentaries on the cable? You see the one about lions? You got this lion. He's the king of the jungle, huge mane out to here. He's laying under a tree, in the middle of Africa. He's so big, it's so hot. He doesn't want to move. Now the little lions come, they start messing with him. Biting his tail, biting his ears. He doesn't do anything. The lioness, she starts messing with him. Coming over, making trouble. Still nothing. Now the other animals, they notice this. They start to move in. The jackals; hyenas. They're barking at him, laughing at him. They nip his toes, and eat the food that's in his domain. They do this, then they get closer and closer, bolder and bolder. Till one day, that lion gets up and tears the shit out of everybody. Runs like the wind, eats everything in his path. Cause every once in a while, the lion has to show the jackals, who he is.”
The Torinos, Lecces, and Palermo’s of the World and any other team for that matter consider yourself warned, it is only a matter of time before the lion takes it’s rightful place at the top of Serie A.
MUSINGS…
-The sale of Kaka could potentially fund the purchase of a whole new defensive line. Mexes, Ramos, Santcroce, DeSilvestre…the list goes on. 150M for Kaka means some quick spashes of cash and any defender our hearts desire, any thoughts!? The notion that Dinho’s return to form makes Kaka expendable is preposterous to me considering Kaka has is younger and has proved more durable, but the discussion will never end. Sell Dinho while his stock is up, Kaka played well for Milan before his arrival, maybe they are hawking the wrong guy…
-Speaking of Mexes, it said that Roma will part ways with him for 25M. I have nothing against Phil, he has proved serviceable though susceptible to the occasional error of judgment, but than again what defender hasn’t. The problem with the price is that Roma is hurting for cash and if you put their face to the fire, Mexes may be had for less, I just hope Milan doesn’t over pay when their transfer partner is a bit more desperate than we may first think. Mexes however is far preferred over William Gallas, who has more screws loose lately than any defender on the planet. Sure he has talent, but I have never seen a player emotionally and mentally implode on more than one occasion than this guy. Gallas is damaged goods and I hope Fester realizes this before it is to late and we are harboring two Arsenal castaways instead of just one…
-On a side note, I will be leaving the country shortly and returning to regularly scheduled postings on 12/8/08. I need a vacation and a chance to bring my frenetic life to a crawl once again. I will have access to my Milan, but not to my computer. Scheduled pre canned posts will go up throughout my week away, but I trust you will all do what you do best. Engaging discussion and comments and the blog will run seamlessly, have a good week and FORZA MILAN!!!!!