Muntari at risk of missing Milan derby
January 20, 2010
Ghana midfielder Muntari Sulley could miss Sunday’s crucial Milan derby after pulling up during training on Wednesday with a thigh injury, his club Inter Milan said.
Muntari’s loss would add to an already lengthy list of injury problems for Inter who are also without Samuel Eto’o on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Thiago Motta, Dejan Stankovic and Rene Krhin are all struggling to be fit for the match that will see the top two in Serie A clash at the San Siro.
Coach Jose Mourinho responded by calling up five youth team players – Giulio Donati, Sebastian Carlsen, Lorenzo Crisetig, Felice Natalino and Alen Stevanovic – to train with the first team.
AC Milan are not without problems themselves as Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato has been ruled out of the game and centre-back Alessandro Nesta is considered doubtful.
Inter are top of the table with a six point lead over Milan, although the rossoneri do have a game in hand.
Earlier in the season Inter handed out a 4-0 drubbing to Milan.
ROME (AFP)
Tags: ac milan, Africa, africa cup of nations, alen, Alessandro Nesta, Alexandre, alexandre pato, carlsen, club inter, dejan stankovic, donati, drubbing, Felice Natalino, ghana, inter milan, Jose, jose mourinho, Lorenzo Crisetig, midfielder, Milan, muntari sulley, natalino, nesta, Rene Krhin, ROME, rossoneri, samuel eto, samuel eto o, san siro, Sebastian Carlsen, Thiago Motta, thigh injuryRelated posts
‘Beckham is a great acquisition, just like last year’
January 7, 2010
David Beckham made his return for Milan on Wednesday night in the home match against Genoa (5-2).
Injuries to Alexandre Pato and Clarence Seedorf meant second-placed Milan had to start the Englishman further forward than usual on the right of a front three.
“He had a week where we tried him in every role in training,” coach Leonardo said after the match.
“I think that is the synthesis of what he is all about. He has an absolute willingness to help, extraordinary quality and tactical intelligence.”
34-year-old Beckham hopes to secure a World Cup spot during his loan spell at Milan. National coach Fabio Capello advised the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder to continue his career in Europe.
Beckham produced some superb crosses, went close with a drive and worked hard defensively in front of Capello.
“Beckham, just like last season, has been a great acquisition,” Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said.
“He earns very little from us. He came to Milan for all different reasons than money.”
Tags: acquisition, adriano galliani, alexandre pato, capello beckham, chief executive, clarence seedorf, coach fabio capello, crosses, David Beckham, different reasons, englishman, Europe, fabio capello, genoa, home match, leonardo, Los Angeles, los angeles galaxy, Milan, national coach, tactical intelligence, wednesday night, willingness, world cup spotRelated posts
Leonardo pleased with Beckham
November 4, 2009
Just a few more weeks and then Leonardo will be able to select David Beckham for his team. The LA Galaxy midfielder joins AC Milan in January 2010 on a loan base just like last season. “I’m very glad to have him on my team within a few weeks,” said Milan boss Leonardo after the match against Real Madrid (1-1).
Beckham already declared he wanted to return to Milan, to keep his chances of playing at the World Cup in South Africa alive. “The coach (Fabio Capello) made it clear to me that I have to play on an European top level if I want to play in South Africa next year,” according to Beckham. “And I’ll do anything I can to accomplish that, otherwise I will regret it.”
A return to the Premier League was rumoured but in the end only Milan made a serious offer. On Monday, LA Galaxy and the Rossoneri reached an agreement.
“We’re very satisfied with that,” said Leonardo. “Last season, he was very important for us. He has enormous talent, a great charisma and a good motivation.”
Leonardo felt mixed emotions, regarding the draw against Real Madrid. The result itself was quite positive but Alexandre Pato’s canceled goal caused a bad taste in the mouth for Milan. Afterwards, Leonardo refused to criticise referee Felix Brych.
“These kind of things just happen. The most important thing is my team made a next step and continue to improve their game every match.”
Paul Haring
Tags: ac milan, alexandre pato, bad taste, boss, coach fabio capello, David Beckham, fabio capello, Felix, Felix Brych, la galaxy, leonardo, MADRID, match, midfielder, mixed emotions, motivation, Paul Haring, premier league, real madrid, referee, rossoneri, South Africa, World CupRelated posts
Milan and Madrid draw to move closer to qualification
November 4, 2009
AC Milan and Real Madrid took a small step towards qualification for the Champions League knock-out rounds following a 1-1 draw at the San Siro on Tuesday.
Ronaldinho’s penalty cancelled out Karim Benzema’s opener for the visitors as the stalemate left both teams a point clear of Marseille, who thrashed FC Zurich 6-1, at the top of Group C.
There was no revenge for Madrid for their 3-2 defeat to the Italians at the Bernabeu two weeks ago but they were the better side, particularly before the break.
It was all Real at the start of the first half as the visitors dominated, much like they did in the early stages of the home match.
On 6 minutes a deflected Benzema shot was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Dida while Sergio Ramos fired just wide in the 13th minute.
Just after that Gonzalo Higuain made space for himself on the edge of the box but curled his effort over before Benzema held off Alessandro Nesta in the area after latching onto Marcelo’s pass in the 20th minute but fired wide of the far post.
Milan finally came to life in the 24th minute with a quick break as Clarence Seedorf fed Alexandre Pato who cut inside Alvaro Arbeloa but Iker Casillas came out and spread himself well to block the Brazilian’s shot.
Real deservedly went in front in the 29th minute as former Milan star Kaka beat Seedorf on the edge of the area and fired in a fierce daisy cutter that was too hot for Dida to handle, allowing Benzema to fire the rebound into the far corner for his first goal in seven matches.
But 10 minutes from the break Ronaldinho equalised from the spot after Pepe was harshly penalised for handball when he slid in rashly to block Zambrotta’s cross, the ball hitting his arm from barely a yard away.
Moments later Pato brilliantly took a long ball from Andrea Pirlo on his chest, held off Raul Albiol and shot past Casillas and in off the far post but he was penalised for a foul that was not clear, although the Brazilian didn’t protest.
The first clear chance of the second period went to Milan but captain Massimo Ambrosini somehow headed Pirlo’s free-kick miles wide from five yards out.
Just as they had done in Madrid, Milan were giving a much better account of themselves in the second half and Marco Borriello rose highest in the box but glanced his header from Pirlo’s corner well wide.
In the last 10 minutes Filippo Inzaghi came on for Borriello and he came within inches of scoring a winner when Pato’s right wing cross found him eight yards out but falling over he directed the ball up and onto the roof of the net.
And another sub, Raul of Real, was denied in the last minute as Dida, making up for his gaffe in Spain, made a stunning one-handed save to deny the Spaniard,
MILAN, Italy (AFP)
Tags: ac milan, Alessandro Nesta, alexandre pato, alvaro arbeloa, andrea pirlo, C. There, clarence seedorf, daisy cutter, dida, far corner, far post, filippo inzaghi, home match, iker casillas, Italy, Karim Benzema, knock out, MADRID, Marco Borriello, Marseille, Milan, raul albiol, Real, real madrid, ronaldinho, San, san siro, sergio ramos, Spain, stalemate, ZURICHRelated posts
Milan sign youth World Cup hero
November 3, 2009
AC Milan has signed Dominic Adiyiah. The Ghanaian striker will join the club in January. Adiyiah dominated the recent Under-20 World Cup, ending up with the Golden Shoe as top scorer with eight goals, the Golden Ball for player of the tournament and of course the winners’ medal.
“There is a deal with the Norwegian club Fredrikstad FK. Now he needs to get the work permit to enter Italy and we will deposit the contract on January 1,” said Milan’s vice president Adriano Galliani.
“Naturally he has to pass his medical first and then he will be our player. We bought him because he is a wide striker who can play in place of Alexandre Pato or Ronaldinho.”
“Our system has changed now and we needed a wide forward who could train with those we already have at our disposal, so we made a move.”
Paul Haring
Tags: ac milan, adriano, alexandre pato, dominic, Dominic Adiyiah, golden shoe, Italy, january 1, Milan, norwegian club, Paul Haring, ronaldinho, striker, top scorer, vice president, world cup hero, youth world cupRelated posts
Should Leonardo listen to Berlusconi about Ronaldinho?
September 8, 2009
After putting Leonardo in charge of AC Milan, owner Silvio Berlusconi has been trying to help the novice coach get to grips with the job with advice on how to tease the best from Ronaldinho.
The Italian premier, who has again denied he is considering selling a stake in the club, thinks Ronaldinho can be Milan’s “Usain Bolt” and fill the gap left by his Brazilian compatriot Kaka if he is used as a second striker rather than an playmaker.
Although Berlusconi has been careful with his transfer spending, and Milan could struggle again this term judging by the 4-0 derby hammering by Inter, he knows a thing or two about soccer and might have a point about Ronaldinho.
Leonardo is using his fellow Brazilian in the hole behind two strikers, probably his best position if he were in peak condition as it exploits his ability to conjure up chances for others and gives him room for his individual charges towards goal.
But he has not looked 100 percent fit for some time, so those wonderful runs are thin on the ground and the midfielders are having to do overtime because he does not chase back.
Using Ronaldinho as a striker might restore the team’s balance and lower the physical demands on him, simply because he would be nearer to goal and have less galloping to do. Being closer to the danger zone could lead to more goals too, which would bolster his fragile confidence.
Leonardo could pair him with powerful centre forward Marco Borriello or a goal poacher such as Filippo Inzaghi or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Alternatively he could make up a front line with in-form Alexandre Pato — a partnership that would be potentially unmarkable.
The advice might be good but if Leonardo takes it, he risks looking like the owner’s puppet. So next time Berlusconi has some tips, he might be better whispering into his coach’s ear instead of yelling them via the media.
PHOTO: AC Milan’s coach Leonardo (R) walks with Ronaldinho at a practice session before their World Football Challenge match against Inter Milan on Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts July 25, 2009. REUTERS/Adam Hunger
Tags: ac milan, Adam Hunger, alexandre pato, compatriot, danger zone, filippo inzaghi, football challenge, kaka, klaas jan, klaas jan huntelaar, leonardo, Marco, Massachusetts, media photo, midfielders, Milan, physical demands, playmaker, practice session, ronaldinho, silvio berlusconi, striker, strikers, world footballRelated posts
Pirlo happy at Milan
August 20, 2009
Italy and AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has admitted that he has been hotly pursued by Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti this summer but is happy to stay with AC Milan.
Pirlo has been linked with a move to the Premier League after coach Ancelotti left Milan for Stamford Bridge at the end of last season.
Speculation was finally brought to an end at the beginning of the month when club and player revealed Pirlo, who is under contract until June 2012, would remain at the San Siro.
And the 30-year-old is delighted with the decision and revealed that it was indeed Ancelotti who led the pursuit.
“It was a strange summer, with all the rumours that had me almost officially at Chelsea,” said Pirlo.
“But then, at the end with the club we decided by mutual agreement to continue here at Milan.”
“It all started at the end of the season, almost as a joke.”
“He (Ancelotti) told me to follow him to Chelsea, it was more or less like this for the whole summer.”
“Then, instead, the president came and told me I wouldn’t go anywhere.”
“I don’t know if I would have gone. There were a lot of things to consider. above all Milan. But at the end, the aim was to continue here.”
“If the club wanted to send me away, it would have been one thing, but I understood that their wishes and mine were to stay. So, it’s better like this.”
It has been a summer of change at the San Siro as not only did Ancelotti, Kaka and Paolo Maldini depart, but there has been continued speculation the former Milan coach would carry out a raid on the Rossoneri players with Pirlo and Alexandre Pato the favourites to join him in London.
Reports also suggested Silvio Berlusconi was set to sell the club with vice-president Adriano Galliani and a United Arab Emirates consortium were among the interested parties.
Pirlo, who has been at Milan for eight years, admits all that played a part in him seriously considering leaving.
The Italy international said: “There were a lot of departures, several rumours too, also contrasting ones on the future of the team, of the club, even my future.
“But at the end I understood the club didn’t intend to let me go.”
“So, it was a nice thing for me.”
Abhimanyu Rajput
Tags: AC, ac milan, alexandre pato, andrea pirlo, carlo ancelotti, CHELSEA, consortium, departures, favourites, Galliani, Italy, joke, kaka, london, midfielder, paolo maldini, premier league, rumours, san siro, silvio berlusconi, speculation, stamford bridge, strange summer, united arab emiratesRelated posts
Buck backs Blues’ spending
July 8, 2009
English giants Chelsea’s chairman Bruce Buck has revealed that the club remains confident on landing one of their two big transfer targets this summer.
The Blues, who are still interested in Alexandre Pato, David Villa and Wesley Sneijder, have not given up hope of buying Franck Ribery from Bayern Munich.
With the French international insisting that he wants to join Real Madrid only, has been priced £70million, asum that Real’s general director, Jorge Valdano, claims they are not prepared to meet and hence the subsequent withdrawal of signing the playmaker.
Having already made three signings, Ross Turnbull, Daniel Sturridge and Yuri Zhirkov, Buck has claimed that the London side is far from spending big this summer.
“We said before the transfer season started that we expected four or five players in and a couple out,” said Buck.
“That is still our expectation. We are looking for a marquee name and are chasing a few but most of the big clubs are chasing the same players.”
“We are only going to get one of those top-notch players if the price is right and he fits into our team appropriately. But we are optimistic.”
“We think we know the right price for these players and there is still a lot of time left in the transfer season so let’s see how things work out.”
By:
Tags: alexandre pato, Bayern, bayern munich, bruce buck, Buck, Daniel Sturridge, DAVID VILLA, English Premier League, expectation, franck ribery, french international, giants, Jorge Valdano, london, marquee name, playmaker, real madrid, ross, Ross Turnbull, top notch, transfer targets, turnbull, Wesley Sneijder, yuri, Yuri ZhirkovRelated posts
AC Milan: Pato not for sale, turn down ‘monster’ offer
June 26, 2009
Italian giants AC Milan have reportedly turned down a ‘monster’ offer for their teenage striker Alexander Pato.
Milan vice president claimed that, while the club had turned down a ‘monster’ offer for the Brazillian, the club is now preparing to offer him a lucrative contract extension.
The Brazilian wonder-kid had been linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester City, but Galliani has insisted that the majority of speculation surrounding Pato was nonsense.
“Pato will get a contract extension. We have always spoken to Pato and the comments that arrive from other continents are usually incorrect,” Galliani said on the club’s website. “There were no doubts and there are no doubts regarding his future.
“The only offer that has arrived at our club was a monster offer from England for Alexandre Pato. I continue to believe that there isn’t a player in the world that is as strong as him at his age.
“In any case, no one should worry because he is under contract until June 2012.”
The 19-year-old, who is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup, said there were still a number of goals he wanted to achieve with Milan, echoing Galliani’s sentiment’s.
“Pato will be at Milan always,” he said. “I am part of Milan and the club decides on my life. I am happy at Milan and I am here to work for Milan.
“The past year and a half for me has been very great, I want to help Milan win the Champions League.”
Tags: ac milan, Alexander, alexander pato, alexandre pato, brazillian, champions league, CHELSEA, CITY, confederations cup, contract extension, England, Galliani, giants, lucrative contract, Manchester, manchester city, Milan, monster, no doubts, sentiment, Serie A, speculation, striker, wonder kidRelated posts
Berlusconi unsure about Pirlo’s future
June 21, 2009
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has expressed his doubts whether Andrea Pirlo will stay at the club or not.
Although the Italian Premier, who is the current club president, is sure Alexandre Pato will stay but there have been suggestions that Pirlo might not be the only star player, who could leave San Siro this summer following Kaka’s switch to Real Madrid.
The departure of former Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is now managing Chelsea FC, has led to linking of several players to the London club.
However, Berlusconi is confident Pato will enjoy an impressive season at Milan while he is hopeful playmaker Pirlo will also stay.
“We are going to see what we do with Pirlo, I hope that he is going to stay and I was the first to say so, but we must assess the situation,” Berlusconi said on Milan Channel.
“Pato is going to complete an amazing career and I think that he can replace Kaka.”
On the futures of Brazil forward Ronaldinho and experienced midfielder Massimo Ambrosini, Berlusconi said: “Ronaldinho will be fine this year.
“There is no problem with Ambrosini, who wants to extend his contract to another season.”
Berlusconi also feels the club, under new boss Leonardo, will return to winning ways next term.
He added: “This year we have a great team, last season we wasted our finish by giving the ball away too often in decisive moments.”
Written by:
Tags: ac milan, alexandre pato, andrea pirlo, brazil, carlo ancelotti, club president, current club, decisive moments, doubts, impressive season, Italian, leonardo, london, london club, MADRID, massimo ambrosini, Milan, milan channel, new boss, rajput, real madrid, ronaldinho, San, Serie A, silvio berlusconi, star player, winning waysRelated posts
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