New "Kid" On The Block: The impact of Jérémy Ménez

The arrival of Jérémy Ménez to Milan for free this past June was, at the time, a questionable move for Galliani. Questions surrounding his work ethic and the impact he would provide swirled throughout the summer. But with 3 goals in 2 Serie A matches (both wins), Ménez is all ears, asking "and you were saying?"

Mnez arrived to Milan this past June for free in the hopes of lighting a fire under the rear of his career which seemingly started to decline a bit. PSG didn't have a place for him and when Pippo Inzaghi and management met with the player, Ménez instantly felt Milan was the right place to go to prove to the world that at age 27, he can still be a dynamic player. Of course, Milan had a few wingers already penciled in to be given ample time so Ménez would have to prove his worth both in training and in friendly matches leading up to the Serie A campaign. Ménez showcased himself at the summer tournament, International Champions Cup. This was his "tryout" for Pippo to see how much he could be relied on this season being as Milan lacked the amount of quality wingers needed for Inzaghi's 4-3-3 formation. Despite the club underachieving at the ICC as a whole, Ménez showed determination and energy which were two of the main concerns with him coming in. Still, most Milan fans wouldn't think much of just a few decent performances in friendly matches with little meaning. Milan is in a downfall and unless the club starts winning, individual performance don't really mean much. Postitive results are what Milan fans desire. Simple. We all wanted quality play in games with meaning and with the Rossoneri opening up the season with three tough opponents, one being the Juventus, this is the stage.

Match day one arrived and Milan opened up the season v Lazio. Ménez got the nod from Pippo to start up front in the false 9 position, a spot he typically doesn't play. Throughout the game, we saw the "grinta" and passion of not just Ménez but the entire squad. Pippo appeared to have instilled a different type of motivation into this squad that we haven't seen in some time. The club looked genuinely thrilled to be playing for Pippo and Milan. Ménez earned a penalty and scored it with ease, netting his first goal in his debut for the club. The result was a 3-1 win for Milan and Ménez, being asked to play out of position, performed extremely well and was Man of the Match in the eyes of most Milan supporters. At this time, Milan fans witnessed just a glimpse of what this player could provide.

On match day two v Parma, Ménez again played as a false 9 due to Torres not being active for the match. Again, it was the Frenchman providing the spark in the attack and even at times dropping into the midfield to retrieve passes. He was doing it all for Milan and the confidence Pippo instilled into Ménez paid dividends. He earned another penalty and punched it in but it was his second goal that caught the attention of not just Pippo, Milan and Serie A but also Europe. Ménez took advantage of a
poor back pass by the Parma defender to Mirante and he took a delicate touch brilliance to beat the keeper before finishing off the play with a nifty, out of nowhere back heel goal that had the manager erupting on the sideline. Milan hung on to beat Parma 5-4, earning 6 points in two matches.

Through two Serie A matches with Milan, Jérémy Ménez has netted 3 goals from the false 9 position. Yes, you read that correctly but in case you don't believe me, rub your eyes and read again. 3 goals in 2 games and he has instantly earned the confidence of Pippo. His motivation to score, the drive he shows up and down the pitch and his immediate love for the crest has ignited the Milan fans already. With a huge contest this weekend v Juventus, Ménez will surely get the nod to start regardless of whether or not both El Shaarawy and Fernando Torres are fit. Currently, Ménez is clicking on all cylinders and if this is what he will bring to Milan week in and week out, he will no doubt be the best signing Milan had of the summer.

"El Niño" Rossoneri-bound?

If you haven't heard, Milan have sold their best player in Mario Balotelli earlier this week to Liverpool as the Italian signed a contract with the Anfield tenant. Balotelli made a €20M move (£16M) and in the blink of an eye, Milan were faced with the tough challenge of replacing a player who scored the most goals and had the most assists last year for a poor side that finished 8th in the Serie A league table. With the departure of Mario, who will be the main man up top for Inzaghi?

Several names have been mentioned by multiple reports throughout the week including Roma's Mattia Destro, Liverpool's Fabio Borini and the now frontrunner to fill the vacant centre-forward role, Chelsea's Fernando Torres. After Destro's asking price exceeded what Milan wanted to dish out, he was ruled out. Borini, although a player Milan liked, wasn't considered a player the club was convinced with as he has been disappointing with both Liverpool and Sunderland who he played for last season on loan. So, Fernando Torres is the favorite to be Milan's number 9, also the number he wore for Liverpool when he was in the best form of his career. Let's discuss Milan's potential new signing.

Fernando Torres ( now 30 years old) has been nothing short of a disappointment since arriving to Chelsea in January 2011 for a record £50M fee from Liverpool. At the time of the move, "El Niño was 26 and despite the major leg injury he suffered around the time of the World Cup 2010, he was still one of the world's best at his position. There is no need to go into detail how bad he has been at Chelsea. All you need to know is that he has scored a grand total of 20 league goals in 110 matches. That is about 1 goal every 5.5 matches which isn't exactly impressive when you factor in his past scoring rate. What is perhaps more shocking is that he is still with Chelsea, particularly because they are a rich club who don't hesitate to go out and spend to reinforce the squad. Now that Demba Ba has been sold to Besiktas, Drogba has returned from Galatasaray and the big arrival of Diego Costa as the main hit man, Torres has finally been shown the door as he is no longer an option for Mourinho.

Of course, Milan need a striker and Chelsea want to allow one to leave. Seems like a match made in heaven for Berlusconi and Galliani right? Fernando Torres has become Galliani's top target for the number 9 role and talks have ignited between Chelsea and Milan officials as they both look to come to an agreement for the Spaniard to make a move to San Siro before the summer transfer window shuts. Let's just say Milanisti aren't too fond of this news and based on the current form and wages of the player, who would be?

Torres has reportedly agreed to make a move to Milan but only on a permanent basis, not a loan. Also, his extraordinarily high wage pay has put a snag in a deal to Milan as well as the contract length demands by the player. Torres currently earns about €6M/yr but it appears he could be set to take a pay cut of around 50% to join Milan if Chelsea agree to pay the severance package to cover the wages he is reducing. Torres' agent, Chelsea and Milan officials are to meet tomorrow to negotiate and fine tune the deal. According to Sky, Milan have offered Fernando Torres a 3 year contract worth €3.5M + bonuses per year.

Aside from the business view of the whole negotiation, Milanisti have taken to social media, Twitter in particular, to express their dissatisfaction with Torres as the replacement. After selling the club's best player for less than par value for a player of Mario's age and ability, fans feel that Torres isn't the man to help Milan win matches. Of course, we feel the same. Torres is a player we respect simply because he gives it his all on the pitch and he will take the field with no issues about work rate. However, most feel that he has little to give a club and he is far past his Liverpool days when he was one of the world's most prolific scoring threats. At the moment, we are disappointed in the reality that Torres could be leading the attack come opening match day v Lazio but Milan fans are veterans when it comes to questionable moves. However, once (or if) he becomes an official player of Milan, I will welcome him to the squad with optimism and open arms which is what all Milanisti should do as well. Remember, club first over player. Put your disgust aside and wish for the success and positive results of the club.

The Italian transfer window shuts on September 1st, 2014 so stay tuned to Twitter in the coming days as Milan could find a deal with Chelsea that would bring Fernando Torres to the Rossoneri. Forza Milan.

UPDATED: (as of 08/29/14)

According to Sky Sports, Milan have reached an agreement with both Chelsea and Fernando Torres. Torres reportedly won't receive any severance package. The length of Torres' contract with Milan will be for 2 years with a reported annual pay of €3.5M. Torres is believed to be arriving to Milan on a free transfer but it has not been confirmed so stay tuned to the usual reliable sources on Twitter (Di Marzio, Amoyal, Milanello etc)

Milan Channel are also reporting that Torres could undergo the medical tests tomorrow in Milano. The player should arrive tomorrow morning in Milano to take the medicals, the first at La Madonnina clinic and the second at the Milanello training ground, via @Milanello.

Is There Time To Save The Summer?

Late last summer, Milan made some major moves at the end of August, adding and subtracting from the squad. Milan sold Kevin Prince Boateng to Schalke but of course, Kaká returned back to Milan for what would be his final season with the Rossoneri. But with Milan supporters pleading for a revamped squad that can contend, can Galliani and the Berlusconi's save this disappointing summer transfer window?

Earlier this week, Milan were busy trying to regain the respect from the Milan faithful as they made some key subtractions with a few additions as well. Kevin Constant was sold to Trabzonspor for a fee north of €2mil and to fill the void, Pablo Armero has been brought in from Udinese on a season loan. Perhaps the most important move was the deal to send Robinho on loan for the season to Santos which could help get the ball rolling for Milan to address some areas of need this summer. Milan are also in heavy talks to bring in Real Madrid keeper Diego Lopez. Lopez is a player Milan surely need as Abbiati is nearing the end of his career and Agazzi already showing to be a disappointment in just a few friendly matches. Diego Lopez is a very good goalkeeper who would be welcomed with open arms unless of course his wage demands exceed what Milan is willing to pay.

The three areas Milan need to address before their first league match v Lazio on August 31st are the midfield, goalkeeping and of course, right wing. Milan appear to be getting close to securing Lopez but what about the midfield and right wing? Let's take a look.

Starting with the midfield, its quite clear that an upgrade is needed. The projected 3 midfielders to start for Inzaghi are Poli, de Jong and Saponara. Of course, Cristante and Muntari are options with Montolivo not expected to return until the winter months. In all honesty, I doubt this area gets addressed. Inzaghi will have to get creative and understand how his former Primavera players fit into the squad.

As for the right wing, Milan remain a suitor for Alessio Cerci with Atletico Madrid also courting him. With Robinho out, the time is now to pursue Cerci as he is the prototypical option to play right wing in Inzaghi's 4-3-3 formation. However, Niang has been showing signs of quality in the past few weeks particularly in the match v Chivas earlier this week where he scored the first Milan goal of a 3-0 win for the Rossoneri. The Frenchman is still a young 19 years of age and his better years are certainly ahead of him but perhaps this year isn't the year to become a starter for Milan. Honda is also an option outside although most would say he is playing out of position. Milan could also look to bring back Adel Taarabt who played well under Seedorf last season when he made the loan move to Milano.

Here is the bottom line: Cerci needs to be acquired. He is left footed and has tremendous pace which is just one of his many skills. Robinho is out on loan, making the move more likely. But will Milan dish out the €18-20mil for Cerci? Will they look to match the asking price for Taarabt? Or will they find the solutions from within the current squad? The final month of the transfer window could either be disappointing or enjoyable. Stay tuned. Forza Milan.

Grazie di tutto, Kaká.

When we heard the news that Kaká was coming back to Milan, we couldn't believe that one of our all-time favorite players was returning home where he should be, in the red and black jersey. The moment he stepped onto the pitch, flashbacks filled our heads, flashbacks from when he patrolled the midfield with such poise and grace. Although it wasn't the greatest of seasons for Milan this year (Milanisti would agree), there were bright spots. We got to see a legend grace the pitch one more time. Kaká scored his 100th goal in his Milan career on January 7th, 2014 vs Atalanta. He would later on finish the match with a brace.

  As we watched the matches on TV at home or with other fellow Milanisti at Legends (Bar in New York City), we couldn't help but notice exactly how many Kaká #22 jerseys there were. It was truly amazing. That showed the love and respect that we as Milan fans have for Kaká.

   I'm sure we have all heard by now that Kaká has agreed to a move to Orlando City SC and will be loaned out to São Paulo FC in Brazil, where it all started. Upon his arrival in Orlando, Florida, the airport was flooded with fans in support of Kaká. It was absolutely astounding to see how much love and support he has, especially in the United States where soccer is not nearly as popular as it is abroad.

We truly are happy for Kaká to go back to Brazil where his soccer career began so that São Paulo fans can get one more chance to see him and his brilliance. We are also very excited for the Orlando City fans because they can see what a great player and class act Kaká truly is.

In closing, Kaká is starting a new chapter in his career with Orlando City after his loan spell with São Paulo comes to an end. São Paulo supporters get to enjoy Kaká and say "our boy is returning home." Orlando City fans see Kaká as "We get to see a legend play in the United States." However, for the Milanisti, we see Kaká as the model soccer player that kids look up to. Not only on the pitch, but off. He will always be remembered in our hearts as the man who wore the number #22 on his back and more importantly, the Milan crest on the front.

Good luck Kaká on the rest of your career. We love you...


Grazie di tutto, Kaká.

Alex and Menez already in. Is Rami next?

Earlier this month, Brazilian international and former PSG defender Alex joined Milan on a free transfer after his contract expired with the Parisian club. The 31 year old arrives to Milan looking to add to his trophy case after winning the Ligue 1 title the past few seasons. The move is beginning to grow on us as Alex has been a solid contributor to Chelsea and most recently PSG. Alex gives Milan a formidable central defender who was given the nickname "The Tank." A big-bodied, physical defender like Alex who will hopefully partner up alongside Adil Rami next season in Inzaghi's starting squad, could be a key addition to an otherwise lackluster defensive unit for Milan.

In addition to Alex joining, his former teammate has decided to make the move with him. The French winger Menez has also joined Milan on a free transfer from PSG. The 27 year old arrives to Milan where he hopes to somewhat revive his career, similar to what Adel Taarabt did when he arrived at the San Siro on loan last Janaury. Jeremy Menez, winger, joins Milan as perhaps a reinforcement in the event Taarabt does not return. Taarabt and Milan are currently negotiating a permanent move for the Moroccan. However, the fee appears to be too much for Galliani's liking so the move is something that should be monitored throughout the next month. Menez has ability but sometimes he appears lazy and not motivated. Sounds familiar to Taarabt right? With free transfers, the risk in taking in such players as Menez is minimal with the exception of the player's wages under the contract agreement.Alex isn't the player I'm worried about, its Menez but I was wrong about Taarabt so hopefully I'm wrong here too about Menez.

With Galliani getting an early start on the rebuilding process for next season after bringing in Alex and Menez, is Rami next? Rami had a tremendous loan spell with Milan after joining in January from Valencia. His buyout option is €7mil and if Galliani wants to retain Rami, that would have to be matched unless of course Galliani doesn't want to come across with that money and decides to renegotiate the terms of the move. According to several sources, Galliani appears to be sitting around €3.5-4mil for Rami which would be an absolute steal for Milan given the scarcity of quality central defenders available on the market. Keep in mind, David Luiz moved to PSG with a record breaking fee of around €48mil so securing Rami for about 1/12th of that fee would be huge for Milan given their unwillingness to spend. Stay tuned.

Seedorf out, Inzaghi in

Clarence Seedorf has been relieved of his managerial duties just 5 months into his coaching career as Milan replace one former player with another, Pippo Inzaghi. Inzaghi was named as the new Milan manager this week when it was made official by the club. Inzaghi's contract will be a two year deal with an annual salary of €700.000. 

The news angered many Milan fans as the ongoing fight to keep Seedorf on for next season came up short. Milan will continue to pay Seedorf the remainder of his wages. But of course, Seedorf wasn't fired with class by Milan, according to some reports.

News came out earlier this week that Galliani and the Berlusconi's fired Seedorf via e-mail and failed to provide a "thank you" for Clarence's services.  Additionally, it was also reported that Seedorf was dismissed from the club's Hall of Fame, according to the official web page of the club.

First, if the news about Seedorf being fired from an e-mail is confirmed, Milan will have lost a ton of respect from fans. Second, a simple "thank you" would have sufficed. The class act retired from a game he loved with all his heart just to manage a club free falling. Third, to remove Seedorf from anything Milan-related speaks volumes about how disrespectful management truly is. But should we be surprised by the way they treated Seedorf, a legend of the club? They did the same to Ambrosini when he departed from Milan for Fiorentina as well as Maldini. 

Now that the Seedorf saga has officially ended, it's time to welcome in another novice manager (at least at the first team level) in Filippo Inzaghi. Inzaghi managed the Primavera side last year and has always been a candidate to manage Milan. However, it comes at time where the club is not in a major European tournament and when the club is no longer a dangerous side. Inzaghi comes into Milan in similar fashion to how Seedorf took over and one thing is certain, it won't be easy. 

Inzaghi will surely shake up the squad and the tactics for next season. Some players will be added and some will be sold in order to suit Pippo's game plan. With Alex and Menez already confirmed, it appears Inzaghi will be asked to field a squad that has a minimal amount of money pumped into it. Both Alex and Menez arrived on free transfers as their contracts expired with PSG. Rami and Taarabt's loan deals are still being negotiated by Milan as they look to retain them for....wait a minute....cheap. 

One manager out and another in. We welcome Super Pippo with open arms and we hope he can bring Milan back to being a major European side. Forza Milan. 

Milan: A Club Being Destroyed By Management

According to several reports this past week, Milan Primavera manager Fillipo Inzaghi is set to take over the managerial role for Milan, replacing Clarence Seedorf.  It has not been confirmed but it appears to be made official once Seedorf's severance package can be agreed upon.

This move is negative in the eyes of  many Milan fans as they want Seedorf to be given a fair trial. A legend of the club and one who hung up his boots to serve Milan when they were in turmoil this past January deserves a lot better. Because Seedorf doesn't obey every direction sent from upper management, he is being pointed to the door. They want a puppet but Clarence shouldn't be treated like one. What hurts is that it forces us to root against Pippo becoming a manager. We adore Inzaghi and appreciate what he has given to Milan. However, we don't want him to take over the managerial role at Milan because a club legend like Seedorf simply deserves a fair chance to prove himself.

Many have expressed their concern for a lack of direction and have become irritated with the treatment of club legends like Maldini, Ambrosini and now Seedorf. As a result, a social media revolt has erupted and many have made it clear that they will not attend the upcoming ICC matches this summer as well as refraining from purchasing club merchandise for next season.

As owners of the Milan Brothers Twitter and Instagram accounts, we have decided to not attend the International Champions Cup match this summer at Citi Field between Milan and Olympiacos. In addition, we will not purchase any more kits if Mario Balotelli, Mattia De Sciglio or Stephan El Shaarawy are sold this summer. This is a legitimate stance against management and what they are doing to a club that once dominated the soccer world. If you agree with us and will support our stance against the current direction of the club, please spread the word.


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