Champions League Round of 16 Preview: Milan v Atletico Madrid

As we all know, Milan will face current La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 this month. The first leg is Wednesday, February 19th at the San Siro with the 2nd leg being Tuesday, March 11th at Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid.

Milan are coming off a 2nd place finish in Group H with Barcelona winning the group. Atletico Madrid finished atop their group rather convincingly.

Milan are fully aware of the monster that is Atletico Madrid. When you surpass Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in the league table, you certainly have caught the attention of Europe. This club led by Diego Simeone hasn't shocked anybody with their performance this season. The talent is obvious. The quality is world class. To those who think Atletico Madrid are a notch below Barcelona and Real Madrid, you need to re-evaluate your thoughts. This club is the real deal. Here is a breakdown of their squad:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois- The young Belgium international is among the elite keepers in Europe. On loan to the Spanish side from Chelsea, the 21 year old has certainly made a name for himself. One of the reasons Simeone's side has become a defensively sound club is because of this guy.

Defending: CB Diego Godin, LB Filipe Luis, CB Miranda and RB Juanfran- This unit, in the eyes of many football experts, is the best back line in all of Europe. The 27 year old Uruguayan Diego Godin is a rock. Very strong in the air, clears his line often and likes to dribble. Miranda likes to play the long balls and has a great chemistry with Godin. They work off each other exceptionally well. The Brazilian Luis might be their best defender. A technically sound left-back who likes having the ball at his feet, looking to create. Due to a right adductor muscle tear he is currently working his way back from, he is questionable for the first leg. Finally, there is the Spaniard, Juanfran. The right-back tends to cross the ball a lot in the attack. At times, he can be exploited in the air. Overall as a unit, this back line is solid.

Midfield: CM Tiago, CM/LM/RM Koke, AM Arda Turan, DM Gabi, AM Diego- These are a few of the midfielders Simeone has to play with. Just because their last name isn't Iniesta or Fabregas doesn't mean they aren't legit threats. The crop can flat out play and has showcased top-flite ability this season. Turan and Koke, I feel, will provide Milan with the most headaches. Both have the ability to score and have shown that this season. Turan is arguably the club's best midfielder. He is a plus passer and dribbler. The Turkish international is a creator in the attacking mid role. The young Spanish international Koke has few flaws to his game. Simeone can deploy him in several attacking midfield roles. Where he plays v Milan is up to Simeone but he can be moved around and be effective. Simeone has an array of midfield options with some not even mentioned here.

Attacking: FWD's Diego Costa and David Villa- These two forwards have been the best for Atletico Madrid in terms of getting on the scoresheet this season. Costa has netted a total of 24 goals this year, 4 coming in the group stages of the CL alone. Villa has 11 goals in all competitions in his first year with Madrid. The former Barcelona man has had another solid season. He has a knack for scoring big goals, whether it be around the box or from set pieces. Villa remains an elite finisher and one who has burned Milan from a free kick before. At age 32, he still has goals left in his boots. Arguably the most coveted forward this summer will be the 25 year old Brazilian Diego Costa. The now Spanish international has broken out this year. He ended 2013 on fire. However, 2014 started off slow for Costa, scoring only 2 goals after the break. Still, he remains the target man for Madrid and one they will rely heavily on to take them to the next round of the Champions League. Costa is exceptional on the counter attack and with a supporting cast like his, its no surprise.

Milan has their work cut out for them. February 19th v Atletico Madrid is Clarence Seedorf's CL debut for Milan as a manager. Under Article 18 (18-21) of the UCL regulations, clubs can register up to three new players by February 1st and Seedorf made good use of this regulation as he included Michael Essien, Adil Rami and Adel Taarabt into the 25 man roster. Essien and Rami should be key for Milan as they will need a great defensive effort in order to contain Simeone's squad. In the Milan attack, a key performer returns in the name of Giampaolo Pazzini. Pazzini is an aerial threat and does well in holding possession. In last year's 2-0 win over Barcelona at the San Siro, Pazzini did an exceptional job holding the ball and drawing fouls that slowed the flow of the game, something Barcelona doesn't enjoy. They like to pass the ball around, keep the gaming moving and they bring the game to their opponent. Obviously, the Milan defense is the biggest concern especially when you have to defend a squad like Atletico Madrid. The player Milan needs the most from is? You guessed it, Mario Balotelli. His talent level speaks for itself but his attitude has always been a question mark wherever he's played during his career. Look for him to carry Milan in attack. I fully expect him to prove to the world why he's a world-class player.

Coming up with a probable formation v Atletico Madrid is difficult being as Montolivo and Muntari are suspended plus the absence of Honda because he is cup-tied. Seedorf could experiment with either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-2-1. Here is how both formations could look:

Our Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Abbiati; Abate, Rami, Zapata, De Sciglio; De Jong, Essien; Taarabt, Kaka, Poli; Balotelli

Our Predicted Starting XI (4-3-2-1): Abbiati; Abate, Rami, Zapata, De Sciglio; De Jong, Kaka, Essien; Taarabt, Birsa; Balotelli

Milan's January Transfer Window Report Card

Here is the list of players that arrived to Milan and those who departed (both sold & loaned)

Arrivals

DEF Adil Rami (loan) from Valencia
MID Michael Essien (free) from Chelsea
MID Keisuke Honda (free) from CSKA Moscow
MID Adel Taarabt (loan) from QPR
FWD Andrea Petagna (from loan) Sampdoria

Departures

FWD M'Baye Niang (loan) to Montpellier
MID Antonio Nocerino (loan) to West Ham
DEF Jherson Vergara (loan) to Parma
FWD Alessandro Matri (loan) to Fiorentina
MGR Massimiliano Allegri was fired

Report

With the additions of Keisuke Honda, Adil Rami, Michael Essien and Adel Taarabt for virtually nothing except the Giannino dinner tabs, Galliani made out pretty well given the low-risk, low-cost for a few players that are both eligible for Champions League play v Atletico Madrid and who can help propel Milan into yet another late season push towards European qualification. The one questionable addition was Adel Taarabt, who carries a bit of an attitude as well as a reputation known for being lazy and selfish as a player on the pitch. Factor in his comments from December of 2012 and you get another risky move. Time will tell if the move pays off for Seedorf as he tries to find a spot for Taarabt.

Milan were rumored to have been in on several players, a list that includes now Inter and Napoli players Danilo D'Ambrosio and Jorginho as well as Radja Nainggolan who made the switch from Cagliari to Roma. Other players included Parma's speedy winger Jonathan Biabiany, Manchester United's Nani and Porto's Fernando. In the end, none of the players mentioned above arrived, with some staying put and others moving to clubs higher than Milan in the table.

Given that Milan failed to add a defender, the mercato rating took a hit. Only reason why Galliani can't be completely criticized about this is because the defender market appeared stingy, with little available to help the squad this season. Another objective high on the list of many Milan fans was the goal to offload high-wage players and excess baggage like Mexes, Robinho, Muntari, Constant and Zaccardo. They did well in loaning out Matri and Nocerino. However, Galliani could have done a bit better in cutting wages. January wasn't a bad month for Galliani in terms of the mercato but it wasn't a great one either. Expect more money to spent this summer as Galliani looks to provide Seedorf with handpicked players he can build with.

Milan's January Transfer Window Rating: C or C+

OFFICIAL: Adel Taarabt is a Milan player

Fulham's Adel Taarabt (on loan from ) is headed to Milan and it happened quickly. According to sources, the Moroccan international has passed his medicals and he is officially a Milan player on loan until the conclusion of the season with an option to buy for reportedly €7mil.
QPR

Adel Taarabt has spent most of his career in the Premier League with Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers before going to Fulham on loan. The 24 year old brings with him to Milan a bundle of talent and quality that many clubs would enjoy to have. However, speculation surrounds the playmaker.  Is he a team player and will he give it 100% on the pitch? In December of 2012 when he was linked to a Milan move, Taarabt shared his take on Milan, stating that they were a club no longer at an elite level. He went on to say "however, if I joined Milan then it would open up the doors for me to great clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona." For most Milan fans, these statements were degrading. His remarks translated to mean that Milan could be his "stepping stone" to more "elite" clubs. Being as he spent the majority of his career with QPR, one would think a Milan move would be his dream move.

In the few matches I've seen Taarabt play for QPR last season, I saw several promising qualities. Seedorf's 4-2-3-1 formation. On the other hand, the Moroccan appeared to play selfishly, shaking off teammates call for the ball in build-ups. At times, a manager calls on his stars to be selfish and take control of a match but Taarabt isn't a star despite his ability.
He has great skill with the ball at his feet and he is a plus passer, two qualities Milan could surely use in

Taarabt will most likely play as a left-mid in a 4-2-3-1 formation where he will be asked to work together with Kaká and Honda, setting up goal chances for Mario Balotelli. The playmaker wouldn't have made the switch to Milan if Seedorf didn't approve of the player and his potential role in his formation. Seedorf must see something in him. Is he a project player who, with some guidance and seasoning, can help the squad in both the Champions League and Serie A?

You can guarantee that if Taarabt doesn't put forth his best efforts and attitude, Seedorf, Kaká and the Curva will let him hear it. The one thing that remains constant for troubled players: if you perform well for the club and give it your all, people will forget the bad and embrace the good. Let's hope Adel Taarabt turns it around at Milan.

One Era Ends, Another Begins: Seedorf replaces Allegri as Milan manager.

 

 One day after suffering a disappointing loss at the hands of 19 year old Domenico Berardi and Sassuolo, Milan finally made the move so many Milan fans across the world demanded. Monday, January 13th was judgement day for now former Milan manager, Massimiliano Allegri. The manager was fired after failing to get Milan back on track. 

After being given one more year to prove his worth at Milan this past summer, Allegri and the club have been nothing short of embarrassing. A bottom table club for most of the season, Milan has failed to get going and to make a push back towards European qualification, something they did in dramatic fashion on the final day of the 12/13 campaign. 

Massimiliano Allegri, in his fourth year as Milan manager, has managed one of the more horrific Milan clubs in recent history. Milan, a club known for excellence, a laundry list of pure legendary talents and a trophy case many clubs dream about has taken a turn for the worst. While many believed they wouldn't win the league title, most felt confident in their ability to maintain European qualification. Milan sit in 11th place in Serie A with 22 pts, 6 pts above the horrific relegation zone that has given Milanisti nightmares all season long. Disappointment is an understatement. Sure, one can make the argument for Allegri that he wasn't supplied enough talent to contend for the title. However, Milan are far better than 11th place and the 30 pts behind league leaders, Juventus. Most fans believed that Allegri would finish out the season after publicly admitting that he will not be back next year. Barbara and Silvio were left with no choice but to sack Allegri in an attempt to find a solution. A savior. A leader. But who?

Rumors have been flying around Italy since last summer about the possible replacements for Allegri. Everyone from current Azzurri manager Cesare Prandelli to former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas to Roberto Di Matteo. However, most believed the two likely candidates for the position were two former Rossoneri players, Botafogo's Clarence Seedorf and Milan Primavera manager Pippo Inzaghi. Roughly two years removed from playing for Milan, both Seedorf and Inzaghi were attractive options to take over Milan. Inzaghi, who manages the Primavera, has no prior managing experience while Seedorf has none. Inzaghi the more logical choice right? Not so fast.

Silvio spent little time naming Allegri's replacement as Milan manager as the owner got in contact with the Botafogo player Seedorf to offer him the position. Seedorf could not pass it up. Everyone knew he wanted to manage one day. The opportunity to manage a club you played for and won with in Milan was too good to let slip despite the current issues. Clarence Seedorf confirmed Tuesday, January 14th that he will be the next manager of Milan and will sign a contract for 2.5 years to fill the role. 

Clarence Seedorf retired from playing football after 22 successful years. He is a true professional, winner, leader and mastermind of the game. Few players have the football intelligence that Clarence has. He speaks 84 languages and has a great feel for the sport he loves so much. Silvio hand picked Clarence Seedorf. This is his guy and he has a massive amount of confidence in him. The Milan faithful have confidence in him and believe he will bring the red and black to glory. 

Let's not forget that Clarence has a lot to learn about this club from the managing point of view. He has played with several players on the current squad but many of the players do not fit in. To expect an instant turnaround isn't fair. Clarence will have the rest of the season to understand the tactics of Milan as well as the personalities of the players. Clarence will be given his choice of who he wants to go to war with when he selects his coaching staff this summer. Most believe Stam and Crespo will be among those he recruits which would be fantastic. Being patient is important in the rehabilitation process for Milan. Having his back and continuously supporting the club is what we must continue to do. Milan are in a huge hole. Together, we must dig ourselves out. 

It brings us great pleasure to welcome Clarence Seedorf back to Milan. We are pleased to have him as our coach. He is the leader this team deserves. The turnaround starts now.

January Transfer Window: Update

Here is an update on some of the moves that have been finalized and some of the latest rumors swirling around Italy (as of 1/31/14)

Completed transfers/loans (with club & est fee)

Cagliari DEF Lorenzo Ariaudo >----> Sassuolo (buy)

Genoa MID Francesco Lodi >-----> Catania (undisclosed)
Cagliari MID Radja Nainggolan >-----> Roma (€3mil loan w/ opt to buy for €6mil)

Boca Juniors MID Leandro Paredes >-----> Roma (loan)

Roma MID Michael Bradley >-----> Toronto FC ($10mil)
Roma FWD Marco Borriello >----> West Ham (loan)
Roma DEF Nicolas Burdisso >----> Genoa (undisclosed)
Manchester United MID Anderson >----> Fiorentina (loan w/ buy out clause of €6.5mil)
Milan FWD M'Baye Niang >-----> Montpellier (loan)
Milan FWD Alessandro Matri >----> Fiorentina (loan)
Milan DEF Jherson Vergara >----> Parma (loan)
Milan FWD Andrea Petagna >----> Back From Sampdoria loan
Milan MID Antonio Nocerino >----> West Ham (loan)
Valencia DEF Adil Rami >-----> Milan (loan)
CSKA Moscow MID Keisuke Honda >-----> Milan (free)
Chelsea MID Michael Essien >----> Milan (free)
QPR MID Adel Taarabt >----> Milan (loan w/ option to buy for €7mil)
Genoa DEF Thomas Manfredini >----> Sassuolo (buy w/ undisclosed fee)
Udinese MID Alexander Merkel >----> Watford (loan)
Hellas Verona MID Jorginho >----> Napoli (€5mil)
Juventus DEF Paolo De Ceglie >----> Genoa (loan)
Juventus DEF Marco Motta >----> Genoa (loan)
Al-Ain FC MID/LW Michel Bastos >----> Roma (loan for €1.1mil)
Catania MID Panagiotis Tachtsidis >----> Torino (loan)
Catania FWD Maxi Lopez >----> Sampdoria (free)
Torino DEF Danilo D'Ambrosio >----> Inter (€1.5mil)
Inter DEF Alvaro Pereira >----> Sao Paulo (loan)
Napoli FWD Eduardo Vargas >----> Valencia (loan)
Napoli DEF/FWD Pablo Armero >----> West Ham (loan)
Parma DEF Djamel Mesbah >----> Livorno (undisclosed)
Barcelona B FWD Antonio Sanabria >----> Sassuolo (€4mil)
Lazio FWD Sergio Floccari >----> Sassuolo (€1.9mil)
Lazio MID Hernanes >----> Inter (€20mil pending medicals)
Southampton FWD Pablo Osvaldo >----> Juventus (free loan)

Rumors (a handful of many. Many have cooled of late)

Lazio's Marchetti or Genoa's Perin to Milan this summer
Parma's Biabiany to Milan
Manchester United's Nani to Milan or Inter

If we forgot any, please notify me via our twitter page @ACMilanBros

2013 Wrap-Up/2014 Preview

2013 Wrap-Up: Milan v Inter, December 22nd

The final match of the calendar year for Milan was a critical one as they faced off against their hated rival, Inter. After a disappointing draw v Roma earlier in the week, it was Milan's last chance to salvage something from such a poor season.

The Derby della Madoninna between Milan and Inter was neck and neck for nearly the entire match. Each side had chances to take control of the 3 points at stake but failed to do so until Chelsea target Fredy Guarin assisted an 86th minute Rodrigo Palacio back-heel goal to give Inter the lead late, leaving Allegri's side scrambling to grab a point.

In the 90 +3 minute, Sulley Muntari was dealt a red card after knocking down Inter's Kuzmanovic in support of teammate Kaka. A few chances late but nothing to show for it as Inter took 3 points away from the first of two meetings between the sides. Milan go into the break with a big loss to Inter, 19 pts from 17 matches and a 13th place spot in the league.

2014 Preview

Milan go into the break in 13th place. Disappointment isn't enough to describe this Milan side, a side former Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban stated "used to be a serious club." Former players coming out and publicly bashing the club once feared by everyone is not a good sign. Milan open up 2014 v Atalanta on January 6th.

As for the January transfer window, there are a few players that have already been announced as official transfers: Adil Rami and Keisuke Honda. Milan hopes these two players can help propel them back to the top of the table. One player already loaned out as of this past week is M'Baye Niang, who will finish the season with French side Montpellier. The teenager hasn't quite lived up to the hype placed upon him but you can say he hasn't received the proper minutes to showcase his ability. A loan move abroad should help him develop and regain his confidence.

Two players rumored to be headed to Milan are Torino's Danilo D'Ambrosio and Cagliari's Radja Nainggolan. D'Ambrosio is reportedly nearing a move to Milan in a potential player exchange, which could see Antonio Nocerino or Riccardo Saponara going to Torino. Nainggolan could be headed to Milan in a move that would give them 50% of the Belgium international while Cagliari receives 7million euros + 50% of highly-rated midfielder Bryan Cristante. Details of the negotiations are still being worked out.

January 2013 saw the arrival of Mario Balotelli from Manchester City. His arrival meant so much to Milan and their push to Champions League qualification. I don't think the Milanisti are expecting such an impact to be made by any of the incoming players. However, there is hope that the additions pull Milan out of the Serie A cellar and ignite some sort of push back to the top. At this point, it remains to be seen.-MS

1,000 Strong. Grazie

In November of 2012, two brothers from New Jersey decided to create a Twitter account dedicated to their love and passion for Milan. This page was started so that we would have a place to discuss the red and black with other fellow Milanisti and provide some of those around the world with news and information on Milan, news that perhaps was unavailable to them. We wanted to bring our love for Milan to social networks and make some friends along the way.

Once we started this page, we made it our goal to reach at least 1000 followers from all over the world and share some great times with them along the way. We understood that it would take time to reach this goal and we really needed to be on top of this account when major news broke about Milan. We have live tweeted during matches and have really enjoyed sharing the excitement with the other Milan fans, whether it was a win, loss or draw. We first met a large group of our followers this past summer at Metlife Stadium for the ICC Cup featuring Milan. They welcomed us with open arms to the Milan family and we couldn't have been more appreciative. This is what the page was all about. A family of loyal, diverse Milan fans from all ethnicity, races and ages united on one network.

On December 10th 2013, we finally accomplished our goal. 1000 followers strong. We set a goal, at times, questioned if it was attainable but with help of everyone on Twitter supporting us and spreading the word about our page, we were successful. On behalf of the AC Milan Bros, we thank each and every one of you who have made this possible. From some of our very first followers (you know who you are) to those who joined the party late, we appreciate your continuous support for what we do. A special shoutout to our Northeast friends, AC Milan Club NY/NJ and Milan Club Philly for really helping us get our foot in the door and gain some recognition. Not only are they great  Milan fans but also great people. Grazie to everyone and here is to more good times in the future! FORZA MILAN!!!!!-MS