The Rumour Commode XXIX: The real Maldoban era.

[BreadPitt]

Granted, Bennacer may have that potential but he's still a long way from world class. Not just that - I don't feel like he has the environment to become world class right here. He needs someone to grow along.

We can't merely rate players for their potential. It's not even a 50/50 chance of them reaching it. If we constantly pin our hopes on potential then yeah no wonder we keep getting disappointed because we're constantly relying on low probabilities.

So when you compare Theo and Bennacer and point out that Bennacers position is harder to master, then it's clear why one has to value Theo because it's much likelier that he'll realize his potential and make the step up.

I'd love for Bennacer to simply wow me next year and I like what I've seen from him sans the dumb cards but I won't count on it.

And as much as I've been a Roma fan boy, he's really been worrying me in recent times. Now I'm certainly not going to venture into insanity territory like his detractors and call him mediocre or worse but he's somewhat stagnated and made crucial errors. Here's hoping that it's the level of the team and lack of proper management has dragged him down and not actually him being the issue. Time will tell - or maybe not if we don't sort out our management issue.

A logical response, IF Theo is able to keep these performances up. I still regard this as potential. Several defensive lapses and poor positioning are areas he needs to work on.

Bennacer is in the same category imo. If he proves himself over 2 or 3 seasons his value will surpass Theo due to his difficult postion.

I don't get it we have two great young players, equal in my eyes. How they develop from now on is the real question. We shouldn't be having a conversation on value just yet, they've barely done it for half a season all I see is great potential.

Understood about Roma but let's be honest this is hardly the perfect environment to play your best football.

 

[CanUNoTouch]

No homo though

https://twitter.com/JadakissBars/status/206575673232457728?s=09

 

[Ronin]

So, it seems that Locatelli wasn't such a snake after all. We pushed him out... and only sold for 12m

“The biggest blow I suffered when the club told me that he didn’t believe in me, I had to make another decision and it was the right one.”

Tbh, I'm a bit surprised that Maldini/Leo were behind his and Cutrone's transfers. One would assume that club legends would be pro keeping homegrown talent.

 

[CanUNoTouch]

So, it seems that Locatelli wasn't such a snake after all. We pushed him out... and only sold for 12m



Tbh, I'm a bit surprised that Maldini/Leo were behind his and Cutrone's transfers. One would assume that club legends would be pro keeping homegrown talent.

For all of his endeavor, Cutrone just not good enough. At best 3rd choice striker/impact off the bench for any team who wants to do anything at the top end of the table. Most likely another Paloschi.

 

[MilanBG]

For all of his endeavor, Cutrone just not good enough. At best 3rd choice striker/impact off the bench for any team who wants to do anything at the top end of the table. Most likely another Paloschi.

Absolutely. Cutrone's ball control is horrendous

 

[MilanBG]

Some people are serious underestimating this team's potential.
Donna - world-class potential
Theo - world-class potential
Bennacer - world-class potential
Leao - world-class potential

Romagnoli is already established as a player. May not be the second coming of Nesta but is pretty good. Same goes for Rebic.

4 potential world-class players + 2 of very high quality. That's a pretty good base to work with. If we manage to keep these players and add a few more of this caliber as well as a coach who actually knows what to do, this team will look pretty good in just a few months.

 

[sheva]

This team needs what it has needed for years- a solid coach that can work with what he has (unlike muppets such as Inzaghi& Brocchi and the man of grit) and depth.

4th place in Italy isn't that hard, we would have been in a constant relegation zone in the EPL.

 

[MilanMB]

CL 07 final on TV right now, still 0-0

Feels surreal.

 

[MilanMB]

Damn this game was 13 years ago.

I watched the game at my friend's restaurant after closing time. Lots of beers and food.

Anyone else remember where they watched the game?

 

[MilanBG]

Damn this game was 13 years ago.

I watched the game at my friend's restaurant after closing time. Lots of beers and food.

Anyone else remember where they watched the game?

I always watch the games at home. I want to have my private time and I never enjoyed going to pubs or restaurants to watch a game. After the game I went to the balcony and screamed like a bitch

 

[MilanMB]

Why like a bitch?

 

[Omer]

It will be third time lucky for AC Milan regarding talks with Ralf Rangnick, a report claims, while there has been a key update regarding Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future.

According to Monday’s edition of il Giornale (via MilanNews), Ivan Gazidis and Rangnick have known each other for a long time and the South African admires the German so much so that he has already tried to bring him to Milan twice already.

The first attempt dates back to last summer after the farewell of Gennaro Gattuso, but Maldini and Boban objected because they wanted to bet on Giampaolo, while the second dates back to October when Giampaolo was sacked.

The paper reports the words of a well-informed German source, stating: “On that occasion Gazidis asked Maldini and Boban at least to meet Rangnick and to evaluate his candidacy afterwards. The two didn’t even want to talk to him.”

Despite the no of Maldini and Boban, Gazidis did not let go and subsequently organised a meeting between Rangnick and the American fund Elliott (represented by Giorgio Furlani, a Milan fan), in which the outcome was very positive.

Gazidis’ third attempt to bring Rangnick to Milan will therefore be the one that does the job, although it remains to be seen what role he will have.

The permanence of Paolo Maldini beyond the end of this season is therefore impossible, while a glimpse would have opened regarding the future of Ibrahimovic: Gazidis has in fact let the player and his agent Mino Raiola know that he is ready to discuss a renewal.

 

[Nevermore]

********** - Milan, Gazidis wants to further lower the number of engagements: 25.7 million already saved in January
In recent weeks, there is often talk of Ivan Gazidis' willingness to lower the number of AC Milan engagements. In reality, the work of the AC Milan player to lower the outputs to pay the players already started in January when, thanks to the sales of Suso, Reina, Caldara, Piatek, Borini and Rodriguez, there was a saving of 25.7 million euros for the coffers of the club in via Aldo Rossi.

CHE SFORBICIATA - To report it is this morning ********** who explains that, despite the arrival of Ibrahimovic and the other purchases of the winter market, the total salaries paid by Milan to its players has dropped in a very significant way: from about 96 million euros the current 79.8 (-16.2 million). This is a very important scissor kick that has occurred thanks to the sale of some of the Rossoneri with the highest salary of the AC Milan squad. In the summer, the release of another heavy-hitting footballer is already scheduled, namely Lucas Biglia which costs almost 6.5 million gross and to whom the contract expiring in June will not be renewed.

COSTS AND REVENUES - Given the difficulties of the Via Aldo Rossi company in increasing revenues, lowering costs becomes fundamental, but the Rossoneri salaries still weigh almost 40% on turnover and therefore new cuts will be needed and the new players who will arrive will have to sign happy. For this reason, in the summer Milan will take into consideration above all young players who do not earn much: this will have to be done until the revenues rise decisively and it will therefore be possible to raise the bar again.

For once something trustworthy from tutto. It will be mercato of many young and relatively cheap players who we haven't heard about. That's why Elliot want Rangnick

 

[Nevermore]

Serie A today approved a common line for the reduction of 1/3 wages of the total gross annual salary (i.e. 4 all-inclusive average monthly salaries) in the event that it does not resume playing or 1/6 of the total gross annual salary (2 monthly salaries) if he resumes playing

 

[MilanBG]

********** - Milan, Gazidis wants to further lower the number of engagements: 25.7 million already saved in January
In recent weeks, there is often talk of Ivan Gazidis' willingness to lower the number of AC Milan engagements. In reality, the work of the AC Milan player to lower the outputs to pay the players already started in January when, thanks to the sales of Suso, Reina, Caldara, Piatek, Borini and Rodriguez, there was a saving of 25.7 million euros for the coffers of the club in via Aldo Rossi.

CHE SFORBICIATA - To report it is this morning ********** who explains that, despite the arrival of Ibrahimovic and the other purchases of the winter market, the total salaries paid by Milan to its players has dropped in a very significant way: from about 96 million euros the current 79.8 (-16.2 million). This is a very important scissor kick that has occurred thanks to the sale of some of the Rossoneri with the highest salary of the AC Milan squad. In the summer, the release of another heavy-hitting footballer is already scheduled, namely Lucas Biglia which costs almost 6.5 million gross and to whom the contract expiring in June will not be renewed.

COSTS AND REVENUES - Given the difficulties of the Via Aldo Rossi company in increasing revenues, lowering costs becomes fundamental, but the Rossoneri salaries still weigh almost 40% on turnover and therefore new cuts will be needed and the new players who will arrive will have to sign happy. For this reason, in the summer Milan will take into consideration above all young players who do not earn much: this will have to be done until the revenues rise decisively and it will therefore be possible to raise the bar again.

For once something trustworthy from tutto. It will be mercato of many young and relatively cheap players who we haven't heard about. That's why Elliot want Rangnick

80 m gross?

 

[Alec]

Damn this game was 13 years ago.

I watched the game at my friend's restaurant after closing time. Lots of beers and food.

Anyone else remember where they watched the game?

At a friends place who didn't understand football but loves the Azzuri but his dad was a big Milan fan.

Great redemption with fine wine for a fine evening.

 

[Kojak]

What's laughable is the fact that you clearly looked over the flaws in Theo's game. Is he a great player? Yes. Is he world class yet? No. I think that applies to Bennacer also, he carried Algeria in the AFCON and has carried our midfield this season.

It's not about bursting my bubble, I live in reality. You live in some world where you think every club is desperate for Theo. He still has to prove himself, half a season doesn't make a WC player.

Lol did you even bother to read what I originally wrote? For the record, I NEVER said that Theo was already WC or that Bennacer didn't have WC potential. What I actually said was that from a NEUTRAL standpoint, based on the current + previous seasons performances, Donna, Roma + Theo had the HIGHEST PROBABILITY of becoming WC one day e.g. 75% followed by Bennacer, Paqueta and Rebic e.g. 50%. In other words, from our entire 24 man squad, I identified them both amongst the 6 players with the highest potential. That's it plan + simple.

Now, if you disagree with my assessment or want to argue about it I could care less. However, if you take off your blinkers and look at the indicators e.g. market values and transfer rumours you'll quickly realise that the football world in general feels the same. For example, category A have all been linked to top clubs like Juve, Barcelona, RM lately unlike category B. Also, category A are our 3 most valuable players by market value which is indicative of their quality.

It's funny actually, you remind me of one of those posters who used to kiss Kessie's ass back in the day and refer to him in the same way you're talking about Bennacer now only to eat an entire cake full of humble pie a season later

 

[Nevermore]

80 m gross?

yes

 

[Ronin]

Some people are serious underestimating this team's potential.
Donna - world-class potential
Theo - world-class potential
Bennacer - world-class potential
Leao - world-class potential

Romagnoli is already established as a player. May not be the second coming of Nesta but is pretty good. Same goes for Rebic.

4 potential world-class players + 2 of very high quality. That's a pretty good base to work with. If we manage to keep these players and add a few more of this caliber as well as a coach who actually knows what to do, this team will look pretty good in just a few months.

I agree that the squad isn't too bad. But as Ibra/Kjaer transfers have proven, we lack some maturity / experience.

Also - I'd say Leao is yet too raw to be considered as WC potential. I haven't seen anything spectacular from him so far. I'd say he's close to Niang's level when he was here at the beginning.

 

[joyrider]

Borussia Dortmund player Mario Gotze has been offered to both Milan and Roma, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

The former Germany international has struggled to make an impact at the Signal-Iduna Park and has not convinced Die Schwarzgelben enough to renew his current deal expiring in June.

The World Cup winner has reportedly been offered to both Milan and Roma, but the newspaper claims that none of the two Serie A sides have been tempted to negotiate with the former Bayern Munich star.

Gotze has been capped 67 times by Germany and contributed 17 goals in the process, including the match winner goal against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup Final.

He has scored 105 goals in 379 games in the Bundesliga and a great start to life at Dortmund earned him a move to the reigning champions, but he returned to BVB after three seasons in Bavaria.

Bring back Bierhoff too

 

[joyrider]

Former star Alexandre Pato has revealed a return to Milan 'would be nice' and claimed the club should keep hold of both Paolo Maldini and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The forward recently moved from China and returned to Brazil, where he currently plays for Sao Paolo, but it became clear during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that he has followed the Rossoneri closely since he left the club in 2013.

The 30-year-old played 150 games for the Diavolo and contributed 63 goals in the process during his five and a half years at the club.

“I would like to return to Europe, and it would be nice to do it at Milan,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “I’ll win the Copa Libertadores and then I’ll come back.”

Pato, who helped Milan to their last Scudetto in 2010-11, has encouraged the fans to stay ‘confident’ the team will rise again after a difficult period.

“I have been sad to see them in such a critical condition for years,” he added. “But the club is trying to start again, and the fans must have confidence.”

Zvonimir Boban was fired from his position as sporting director this winter but Pato would like to see Paolo Maldini get to continue and they should focus on keeping Ibrahimovic too.

“The club has to let him [Maldini] work,” Pato said. “He knows what this club means and will be able to bring them back to the top.

“And Milan must focus on Ibrahimovic, he is too valuable for the young players and lethal in front of goal.”

I wouldn’t mind this duck

 

[Kojak]

I agree that the squad isn't too bad. But as Ibra/Kjaer transfers have proven, we lack some maturity / experience.

Also - I'd say Leao is yet too raw to be considered as WC potential. I haven't seen anything spectacular from him so far. I'd say he's close to Niang's level when he was here at the beginning.

Leao has to be considered an Andre Silva level flop based on the current season. 30m paid with just 2 goals to show for it plus a bunch of hit and miss performances. Also, apparently he’s being asked to cough up 16.5m for walking away from Sporting Lisbon which could make him our most expensive flop ever

Having said that, he definitely has potential and is technically stronger than Niang so hopefully a new coach can bring out the best in him.

 

[Kojak]

********** - Milan, Gazidis wants to further lower the number of engagements: 25.7 million already saved in January
In recent weeks, there is often talk of Ivan Gazidis' willingness to lower the number of AC Milan engagements. In reality, the work of the AC Milan player to lower the outputs to pay the players already started in January when, thanks to the sales of Suso, Reina, Caldara, Piatek, Borini and Rodriguez, there was a saving of 25.7 million euros for the coffers of the club in via Aldo Rossi.

CHE SFORBICIATA - To report it is this morning ********** who explains that, despite the arrival of Ibrahimovic and the other purchases of the winter market, the total salaries paid by Milan to its players has dropped in a very significant way: from about 96 million euros the current 79.8 (-16.2 million). This is a very important scissor kick that has occurred thanks to the sale of some of the Rossoneri with the highest salary of the AC Milan squad. In the summer, the release of another heavy-hitting footballer is already scheduled, namely Lucas Biglia which costs almost 6.5 million gross and to whom the contract expiring in June will not be renewed.

COSTS AND REVENUES - Given the difficulties of the Via Aldo Rossi company in increasing revenues, lowering costs becomes fundamental, but the Rossoneri salaries still weigh almost 40% on turnover and therefore new cuts will be needed and the new players who will arrive will have to sign happy. For this reason, in the summer Milan will take into consideration above all young players who do not earn much: this will have to be done until the revenues rise decisively and it will therefore be possible to raise the bar again.

For once something trustworthy from tutto. It will be mercato of many young and relatively cheap players who we haven't heard about. That's why Elliot want Rangnick

If he can repeat his past success then we should be good...

Werner 14m
Haaland 7.2m
Forsberg 3.7m
Mane 3.6m
Firmino 3.6m
Upamecano 2.2m
Sabitzer 2m
Keita 1.4m
Klostermann 1m
Kimmich 0.5m
Konate 0m

TOTAL 39.2M

 

[AC Kid]

Damn this game was 13 years ago.

I watched the game at my friend's restaurant after closing time. Lots of beers and food.

Anyone else remember where they watched the game?

Don Cherry’s on Freshwater Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland. Lots of friends and my best friend was next to me he’s a die hard Liverpool fan. Stuff of dreams

 

[SpartanMilan]

De Paul was horrible in the first half of this season and only started finding his form in January.

Also, Paredes flopped hard at PSG (unlike Icardi who’s killing it) and is an expensive bench player which is why Leo’s desperate to offload him.

No thanks to either.

I think that De Paul plays at a significantly higher level than his teammates, and that you frequently see him make smart moves that his teammates don't match. On a team with better players his qualities should be more noticeable.

I'm honestly not particularly interested in Paredes, because while I think he is a very good player, I don't see him as that big an improvement over Bennacer, and I don't think they have the qualities to play together.

 

[SpartanMilan]

I think if we made a few of the moves that have been rumored recently, we would have an excellent chance at top 4-

Swap Paqueta for Florentino
Odriozola on loan from Madrid
Sign De Paul and Icardi (yes he is a prick, but he is also a two time Capocannoniere and is only recently turned 27)

We'd still need a CB, but-

Donna
Odriozla-new CB-Roma-Theo
Florentino-Bennacer
Samu-De Paul-Rebic
Icardi

Is a very solid lineup that should be far better than what we've seen recently.

 

[MilanBG]

Bundesfodder teams resumed training today

 

[MilanBG]

I think if we made a few of the moves that have been rumored recently, we would have an excellent chance at top 4-

Swap Paqueta for Florentino
Odriozola on loan from Madrid
Sign De Paul and Icardi (yes he is a prick, but he is also a two time Capocannoniere and is only recently turned 27)

We'd still need a CB, but-

Donna
Odriozla-new CB-Roma-Theo
Florentino-Bennacer
Samu-De Paul-Rebic
Icardi

Is a very solid lineup that should be far better than what we've seen recently.

Icardi will cost over 50 m. Probably 55-60 m given his situation. Also he will ask for 7-8 m wage. I don't think Gazidis will give a green light for such a transfer.

I will vomit if I see De Paul as Milan player. If we are switching to a formation with AM it makes more sense to keep Paqueta than buy the Argentine fodder

 

[SpartanMilan]

Icardi will cost over 50 m. Probably 55-60 m given his situation. Also he will ask for 7-8 m wage. I don't think Gazidis will give a green light for such a transfer.

I will vomit if I see De Paul as Milan player. If we are switching to a formation with AM it makes more sense to keep Paqueta than buy the Argentine fodder

Icardi should be available for a bargain. He is insisting on going back to Italy, and Inter doesn't want him. Out of the teams that can afford him, we are the furthest from being title contenders, so would be the most logical for Inter to sell to. We'll see what kind of salary we can get him to take, but there is no other player we can realistically buy that all but guarantees us at least twenty goals.


De Paul has more mental strength in his little finger than Paqueta has in his entire body. He actually produces an end product, whereas Paqueta takes too many touches before losing the ball.

If the rumors are true and we can actually swap Paqueta for Florentino, I would do it in a heartbeat

 

[MilanBG]

Icardi should be available for a bargain. He is insisting on going back to Italy, and Inter doesn't want him. Out of the teams that can afford him, we are the furthest from being title contenders, so would be the most logical for Inter to sell to. We'll see what kind of salary we can get him to take, but there is no other player we can realistically buy that all but guarantees us at least twenty goals.


De Paul has more mental strength in his little finger than Paqueta has in his entire body. He actually produces an end product, whereas Paqueta takes too many touches before losing the ball.

If the rumors are true and we can actually swap Paqueta for Florentino, I would do it in a heartbeat

De Paul is 3 years older and has 3 seasons more in Italy. It's unfair to judge a young player in this Milan. The club is a shitshow and plays ugly football. Give the kid good coach and stable environment and then judge him. There's a reason why he was regarded as a great prospect

Same goes for Leao. Too early to say anything for him apart. The talent is there though