Says Who?

When in 2008 Ronaldinho was signed, we were really ecstatic.
Because we thought, well, if Kaka is the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, Ronnie is the most talented player in Football since Zidane emerged in mid '90s.

Ronnie came as an overweight, lazy, demoralized and unfitted to Ancelotti's tactical setup.
Once more, just like Rivaldo's case, we observed a conflict between Berlusconi's fancy signings and Ancelotti's pragmatic way of seeing things.

But then, many argued that Ronnie is here to adapt, and not perform, in a year that proved to contain the most acute of twists in our recent history.

Captain Paolo Maldini left us crippled in many areas, fans favorite golden boy Kaka was sold to balance the books, a move which meant Ronaldinho was the playmaker in chief and Ancelotti finally stepped down after 8 years of coaching and Leonardo took the helm.

Ronaldinho was brought back to his favorite left-wing position he always excelled in and excel he did again, as he relived his most eye-catchy Barca moments in reality on many occasions.


Anyway.


Why did Ronaldinho not succeed alongside Kaka? While Kaka performed whenever he played with or without Dinho on the pitch? Because they both wanted to be the boss? Maybe, but this answer isn't comprehensive.

I believe since Ronaldinho was a proven champion, he could just play his usual game, but he did wrong when he tried too much to prove this and things didn't work out for him.

The result was the Ronaldinho who began as an enthusiastic and motivated Rossonero, gradually grew frustrated and depressed and finally gave up trying. Which led to his constant bench-warming under Ancelotti.

What happened in Leo's era is irrelevant, we got more important fish to fry.


Now, we got an opportunity when many say it's either Ganso or Kaka, no other way.

I oppose that theory.


Ganso is a totally different player when compared to both Ronaldinho and Kaka.

First of all, he's a midfielder through-and-through, unlike 2005 and 2007 FIFA player of the year award winners.

secondly, he's so young and still untried in Europe, which reveals his need for a good mentor, one who can play next to him for a year or two if possible.

In Allegri's formation, we got two creative roles: One s the LCM, occupied by Seedorf, and one the CAM, occupied by Boateng.

While Seedorf is 35 and can only perform once a week, for all his skills, technique and battling nature, Boateng is simply not creative enough to play in a role which requires an immense vision of the game and a sharp eye for empty spaces to send attackers through.


Kaka may or may not come, but my impression is he will. He won't be playing 50 games like good ol'days, but he is Kaka, and Kaka is one of the smartest guys around in world Football, so much so he provided almost as many assists as Xavi last season despite playing almost half as many games as the Barca genius did.

Kaka and Ganso can both play behind the attackers, while Ganso has always been comfortable deeper in midfield too and Kaka as supporting striker.

Ganso could be on the pitch at LCM while Kaka is behind the attackers, or Ganso could play behind Kaka and a focal point in attack.

This could be a dreamlike opportunity for Paulo Henrique to learn the ropes from experienced Ricky and Clarence, while he calmly adapts to Italian and European Football under no crushing pressure to perform week in, week out.

A nice rotation between Van Bommel/Ambrosini, Boateng/Gattuso, Montolivo/Seedorf and Kaka/Ganso is something we can boast by January, and before that i.e. before Ganso's arrival, Kaka is replaceable by both Seedorf and Boateng (even Monty) up front.

Now the financial side of things:

We haven't spent a dime in this transfer window yet. El Shaarawy and Paloschi were financed by Roma's idiotic move in buying Borriello outright and Mexes and Taiwo are free transfers.

We spent 72m last year, if we are to spend that much again, Kaka, Balotelli, Montolivo, Ganso and Mister X are all affordable, Ganso could even be considered a purchase for next season. And let's not forget that we could offload a few too.

Kaka for free, Balotelli for ~20m, Montolivo for ~7.5m (plus half of 5m-rated Paloschi), Ganso for ~30m (in January only), and Mr.X for ~30m to 40m (depending on his identity).

That is 90m-100m spent, and we have Emanuelson, Flamini, Cassano (and deadweight Oddo) surplus to requirements.

Emanuelson is valued at 8m, Flamini 12m and Cassano 10m, which is a good 30m to count on, so what we have to do is simple.



Fantasy Football is played often and a lot in off-season, this ain't one. I'm talking based on last year's transfer performance, this year's ambitions and the most repeated reports on players we are heavily linked to.

kaka is history. I would have totally agreed with you if you had mentioned a younger playmaker instead of him. Kaka is 29 and wont leave for less than 25m considering his age, present form, wage and price tag, i dont think that will be a good deal. Moreover, we should be focusing more on youth and if kaka arrives, stephan wouldn't see enough playing time.

cripsy dipsy wrote:kaka is history. I would have totally agreed with you if you had mentioned a younger playmaker instead of him. Kaka is 29 and wont leave for less than 25m considering his age, present form, wage and price tag, i dont think that will be a good deal. Moreover, we should be focusing more on youth and if kaka arrives, stephan wouldn't see enough playing time.

First of all, a team can't possibly survive without experienced players.

Yes, we got Inzaghi, Nesta, Ambrosini, Seedorf and others, but they won't last long. It's funny to say that, we should look for new experienced players!

I knew someone would bring up the 29 thing and I already have an answer.

Inzaghi, Yepes, Seedorf and possibly Ambrosini will spend their last season in a Milan shirt in 2011-12, we should be looking to replace them somehow.

The problem arises when you build everything on experienced players, the fatal mistake that we did back in 2007 and you know what? We didn't even qualify for Champions League the following season.

I have nothing against buying Drogba, because he has two good years in him and at 7m he has the right price.

I have nothing against buying Kaka, because firstly he will only arrive on a free loan and we have the option to not make it permanent if he didn't perform, and secondly his class is undeniable, he could be the part-time difference-maker that Giggsy is at ManUTD. No pace, no durability and no freshness, but lots of brain-activity and leadership skills in addition to creativity and pure quality.

Kaka could well be 35-year-old Seedorf's replacement, couldn't he?

Barcelona have 31-year-old Xavi and 33-year-old Puyol as their absolute linchpins, couldn't we have one more over-30 player in our starting XI (only sometimes)?

IrasMaldinista wrote:First of all, a team can't possibly survive without experienced players.

Yes, we got Inzaghi, Nesta, Ambrosini, Seedorf and others, but they won't last long. It's funny to say that, we should look for new experienced players!

I knew someone would bring up the 29 thing and I already have an answer.

Inzaghi, Yepes, Seedorf and possibly Ambrosini will spend their last season in a Milan shirt in 2011-12, we should be looking to replace them somehow.

The problem arises when you build everything on experienced players, the fatal mistake that we did back in 2007 and you know what? We didn't even qualify for Champions League the following season.

I have nothing against buying Drogba, because he has two good years in him and at 7m he has the right price.

I have nothing against buying Kaka, because firstly he will only arrive on a free loan and we have the option to not make it permanent if he didn't perform, and secondly his class is undeniable, he could be the part-time difference-maker that Giggsy is at ManUTD. No pace, no durability and no freshness, but lots of brain-activity and leadership skills in addition to creativity and pure quality.

Kaka could well be 35-year-old Seedorf's replacement, couldn't he?

Barcelona have 31-year-old Xavi and 33-year-old Puyol as their absolute linchpins, couldn't we have one more over-30 player in our starting XI (only sometimes)?

Of all the teams in the world, I think Milan should be among the least worried about not having enough experience. We have Abbiati, Nesta, Zambrotta, Oddo, Ambrosini, Gattuso, Seedorf, Pippo, Ibra etc etc. Most of these people are not only champions but leaders. Signing young players should be a priority.

I know you will hate me for saying this but Kaka 2011 is not even a shadow of Kaka 2007. From what I have watched of Real Madrid's pre-season, he has looked sluggish and lacking the confidence and sharpness needed to be that threat that he was at Milan in the final third. What made Kaka' great at Milan? His speed? Gone. His confidence? Gone. His accuracy on the ball? Deteriorating...

We should replace our players when the time comes. Not beforehands. Galliani has already said we are looking to reduce our squad, not increase it.

You are too idealistic. Real Madrid would not let Kaka' move on a free loan. His value would just depreciate further and his wages of 10+m are simply unpayable for Milan in our current financial situation, especially with Berlusconi's recent courtroom loss. They would want an upfront payment of at least 25-30m euro's for the player.

Kaka' will not be arriving this summer, no matter how much we wish it to happen.

Hey Iras, I really don't think bringing back Kaka would be a good decision. It's my opinion that you are too emotionally invested in the whole idea (sorry that's just my impression), while not considering the player's recent injury, transfer value, wages, etc. Besides, we have Boateng, Robinho, Cassano to play behind the strikers already. There are plenty of options in attack, and if Kaka were to arrive, his position would almost certainly be ACM. We would have to offload at least two attacking players, because with 6 strikers already there would be much less playing time available for Boateng, Robinho, and Cassano

Kaka has great skill and vision, but what made him top class was his speed. After injuring his knee, it has been said that he will never be able to run as he once did.

Kaka returning and succeeding would be the greatest footballing tale ever told, and Gattuso seems convinced that his old friend still has the quality to bring championships to Milan. Unfortunately, Real Madrid would never allow the player to leave on a free loan. Kaka was brought to the Bernabeau for no less than 65 million euros; it would be an embarrassment to let him leave now.

I want Kaka back big time
I do want Ganso
I do want Montolivo
I'm all for a Fabregas move

And you PinePhresh, Cripsy and Brigate all are thinking he's in the past. And I fully understand what you're saying.

But, for arguments sake, imagine the day. It's the San Siro. Packed to the brim with 80,000 rossonero. And the goldenboy returns hoisting his #22 jersey up high. Would that not bring a tear of happiness to your eye? because that's what will be happening to me

If Kaka returns, you know what he'll receive? confidence. motivation. support. Mourinho and Madrid have said they want Kaka to stay and that he'll be back to his best. But its obvious, if they had the chance then and there Kaka would be out the door first. There is next to no room left up front at Madrid and at Milan he would reunite with Pato and Nesta and Seedorf and Gattuso and Ambrosini.

As the casual footballer that I am on a Sunday afternoon, I know that confidence and motivation is everything in a match. You can be fit, you can have the talent but if you're not motivated and confident, then you're not being the player you CAN be. Kaka's determination will DEFINITELY return and under Allegri and his philosophy of football, I can see Kaka's fitness improving also.

Doesn't matter if Kaka arrives permanently or on loan,
the fans, the players and Kaka will be very happy to see the 22 jersey BELONG to its rightful owner

Also Iras, I COMPLETELY agree on your transfer targets (however I wouldn't mind keeping Flamini)

I actually believe Balotelli will arrive sooner than some people think

When Kaka left, I cried. If he comes back and I once again see him running with that smile on his face with number 22 written on his back in red and black colours, I'll cry again, but this time in joy. But this is just a dream. Mourinho has total faith in Kaka and Kaka is one of those people who will never give up no matter what. He wants to stay at Madrid and justify his 65 million price tag and Mourinho wants him to stay.

And something tells me Balotelli will be our big January signing.

You know what? I'm tired of this "finished" thing.

I DO NOT BELIEVE IN IT UNTIL I SEE IT!

How much has Ibra changed since his Barca days?
He is one year older than Kaka and he lost his place to Bojan(!!!) toward the end of season, how is Kaka finished and Zlatan is not?

I know, Kaka has been out injured for too long, he looks to be lacking confidence and he doesn't scream and smile like he used to in Milan, but he is Kaka, he needs games and as soon as he's back on the pitch for a period of over 3 months, he will find back his match rhythm.

He won't run like the 2005 Kaka of course, time takes its toll on everybody, but he is more creative than anybody in our squad and he still runs at defenders with such a fearsome style.

Our golden boy will face competition, but he is better than every single player capable of playing in his role in our squad, he should only be himself both mentally and technically, no need for any extra effort. He will be indispensable again, absolutely unrivaled.

You know what? Boateng is just an interim solution in AM role, he just isn't really one despite his huge interest to play there. He is physically excellent and quite energetic, a stamina-freak and a long ranger, but he is not creative, he is not delicate in his moves and is a bit too sloppy to play there.

Robinho simply isn't made for that role and only occasionally performs well there. He is a winger/SS, known for his incisive, destructive runs on either flank near the penalty box.

Cassano is dead in Milan, SS or AM, he won't perform and even if he did, he will be a sub at best. He just needs to find a smaller club to thrive, where they would give him the opportunity to be a prince and not a 6th option.

And Seedorf is too old and slow to support Zlatan and Pato regularly.

Our main man should be Kaka, with Boateng and Robinho as his replacements until January when Ganso's long-awaited transfer takes place.


As for the deal, Brigate, (happy to see you back) Zlatan was and is more expensive than Kaka and Barca let him loose on free loan, Real are richer and Kaka is more of a deadweight to Real than Ibra was to Barca, so, it's quite a possible deal.

For his permanent move, we'll see next year.

The comparison to Ibrahimovic is unsound. Ibra didn't play, because Guardiola didn't know how to handle him. He has no history of injury, has never lacked confidence on the ball and has always been world class.

Boateng is Allegri's choice at ACM for a reason. I agree with you that he doesn't belong there but I'm not the coach. Allegri wants his attacking midfielder to help out in the midfield area, marking the opponent's defensive midfielders and launching counter attacks with direct passes to Robinho/Ibra/Pato. Boateng has a slick first touch, but besides that he is not technically sound enough to run at defenders and make the sorts of passes that a true trequartista would.

Robinho is not made for the attacking midfield role? A second striker is essentially an attacking midfield player. They do the same things.

Cassano is dead in Milan? We shall see. He only arrived in January. Funny how you dismiss THE MOST TALENTED ITALIAN so easily, yet seem convinced that an unfit Kaka will return to dominate football.

It's shameful that Madrid keep Kaka around just to rot on the bench and play in games that Mourinho really doesn't care if he wins or loses (league games when Barca has it all wrapped up, copa del rey, teams that they can beat 8-0). Despite this, Kaka cannot return. Madrid paid so much money for him and got absolutely no return on it. How dumb would they look to sell him back to us? How dumb would they look if he succeeded? You must really have your eyes in the sky if you think he's coming on free loan. How much is his salary? 10 million? That's already an expensive ask.

btw, Ibrahimovic is NOT on free loan. He is on a three year loan deal, in which we will pay Barcelona 8 million euros per annum, Barcelona will pay half of his salary, and we will have full rights to the player after the final payment is made.



I found this youtube channel last night. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00vJflz_hEM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jg4-ZSyxsc&feature=related

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3isEqiuqNA&feature=related

PinePHresh wrote:btw, Ibrahimovic is NOT on free loan. He is on a three year loan deal, in which we will pay Barcelona 8 million euros per annum, Barcelona will pay half of his salary, and we will have full rights to the player after the final payment is made.

Ibrahimovic's deal was indeed a free loan as in no initial loan fee was paid..

I mean we paid 4.5 m loan fee to napoli to acquire quags..

Ibrahimovic's deal was initially a loan with an option to purchase him outright for 24m over three years...And Milan have taken up that option..
And i dont think barca are paying his salary..
According to a report ibra has taken a paycut and he reportedly nets around 9m euro per annum..

IrasMaldinista wrote:

You know what? Boateng is just an interim solution in AM role, he just isn't really one despite his huge interest to play there. He is physically excellent and quite energetic, a stamina-freak and a long ranger, but he is not creative, he is not delicate in his moves and is a bit too sloppy to play there.

Robinho simply isn't made for that role and only occasionally performs well there. He is a winger/SS, known for his incisive, destructive runs on either flank near the penalty box.

Cassano is dead in Milan, SS or AM, he won't perform and even if he did, he will be a sub at best. He just needs to find a smaller club to thrive, where they would give him the opportunity to be a prince and not a 6th option.

And Seedorf is too old and slow to support Zlatan and Pato regularly.

Our main man should be with Boateng and Robinho as his replacements until January when Ganso's long-awaited transfer takes place.

Iras,

I must say, I agree on most of your points. YES, KPB cannot be our permanent CAM. YES, robinho's natural position i ss and cannot be our main CAM. and YES, cassano is dead in milan. But kaka isn't the solution. As much as I would cry seeing him smile in the #22 black and red jersey, it's just not feasible. Something like that, is fantasy. Dreamland. Its something every single milanista wants but all know cannot happen for a couple of reasons. the main one however is:

Price. As many stated, madrid will never give him to us on a free loan. thay paid 65 EUROS for hi, for gods sake. they won't give him to us a free loan, and buying him on a permanent deal is just not worth it.

IrasMaldinista wrote:You know what? I'm tired of this "finished" thing.

I DO NOT BELIEVE IN IT UNTIL I SEE IT!

How much has Ibra changed since his Barca days?
He is one year older than Kaka and he lost his place to Bojan(!!!) toward the end of season, how is Kaka finished and Zlatan is not?

I know, Kaka has been out injured for too long, he looks to be lacking confidence and he doesn't scream and smile like he used to in Milan, but he is Kaka, he needs games and as soon as he's back on the pitch for a period of over 3 months, he will find back his match rhythm.

He won't run like the 2005 Kaka of course, time takes its toll on everybody, but he is more creative than anybody in our squad and he still runs at defenders with such a fearsome style.

Our golden boy will face competition, but he is better than every single player capable of playing in his role in our squad, he should only be himself both mentally and technically, no need for any extra effort. He will be indispensable again, absolutely unrivaled.

You know what? Boateng is just an interim solution in AM role, he just isn't really one despite his huge interest to play there. He is physically excellent and quite energetic, a stamina-freak and a long ranger, but he is not creative, he is not delicate in his moves and is a bit too sloppy to play there.

Robinho simply isn't made for that role and only occasionally performs well there. He is a winger/SS, known for his incisive, destructive runs on either flank near the penalty box.

Cassano is dead in Milan, SS or AM, he won't perform and even if he did, he will be a sub at best. He just needs to find a smaller club to thrive, where they would give him the opportunity to be a prince and not a 6th option.

And Seedorf is too old and slow to support Zlatan and Pato regularly.

Our main man should be Kaka, with Boateng and Robinho as his replacements until January when Ganso's long-awaited transfer takes place.

As for the deal, Brigate, (happy to see you back) Zlatan was and is more expensive than Kaka and Barca let him loose on free loan, Real are richer and Kaka is more of a deadweight to Real than Ibra was to Barca, so, it's quite a possible deal.

For his permanent move, we'll see next year.

Haha I just new you would say that but that is exactly why I made sure to not say finished, but declining. Zlatan was still a top striker through his Barca days, the fact that the system he was forced to play in brought out the worst in him does not make him a finished striker and we have seen that this season. In contrast to this, when Kaka' plays, much of the play surrounds him and the system he plays in fits the bill to what type of system he thrives in.

I never denied his creativity, just his ability to execute the passes he envisions in his head.

Allegri does not want creative players who are not physically agile. We had a perfect AM in Ronaldinho and look what happened to him. He was forced out of the squad by Robinho and Boateng. I just do not see the sense in paying to make a player leave and then bringing in another that will be much more costly both in transfer fee and wages. Allegri has a system and as long as it is working (at least as well as it has been up intil now) I see it highly unlikely for his system to change.

I think you underrate Robinho and Cassano. Robinho is much more the athlete and although I have never questioned Kaka''s (two apostrophes?) workrate, I think Robinho would work much harder with only a small reduction in quality on the ball. Cassano is unfit and if he can motivate himself to get into top shape, Robinho won't even smell a starting XI spot until Pato is again injured.

This deal smells too much like the Shevchenko deal, with the obvious differences, for me to get excited over it.

1. Ibrahimovic is absolutely a Milan player and all his wages are paid by us, his loan deal expired on June 30th and he will be a Rossonero until 2014 unless he decides to extend or leave.


2. Kaka will not be counted upon as the unrivaled 60-game-a-season player in Milan IF he comes, he will be Seedorf's heir in terms of experience and pure class and quality that God's spared him.

Kaka has declined physically only in areas that all players do.

Seedorf was even more energetic than Boateng is, but he, in a way, changed his identity in 2008. In 2007 we saw a Seedorf who was on top of his playing career, the Seedorf whose constant running, intelligent movement off the ball and unbelievable composure and confidence killed Bayern in quarters even before the start of 2nd leg game.

Now Kaka is still able to run at defenders incredibly well, but not as effectively and fast as he used to.
Fine.
We just need him to outclass opponents in every aspect he is able to, we want the Kaka KAKA, not the injured, sluggish Kaka.

Other examples of changing in style of play include Figo, Giggs and Zambrotta. They didn't get much worse, only became a bit different.


3. His price might be an issue NOW, but won't be anymore come late August.

You are Florentino Perez: You got a luxury sub who earns twice (or even more) as much as starter Ozil does, he gets injured more often than not, he's lacking in confidence and happiness, while he's 29 and couldn't have much of a bright future in such a young team.

What would you do? CUT YOUR GODDAMN LOSSES!

In Persian we say: "Whenever you stop losing you will have benefited."

OK, let's assume Florentino does reject Galliani's sly, steal-like offer.
What would he do then? Is there any club that attracts Kaka and offers as much as Real demand? No, no. Hell no.


It's only a question of whether we (i.e. Allegri, players, fans and Galliani) want him back or not, the rest is already all done.

I like the idea as long as:
1) He is not the promised Mr.X
2) He understands and knows there is a possibility for him to be on the bench.

As for the fees I am not that concerned, Galliani once said if KAKA is to return to Mlan he should accpet a HUGE pay cut, which mean he has already sorted out how hw wants to deal with RMs' managment.