Italian Serie A Scandal

[Royal Flush]

Cassano has been at Madrid since Christmas hasn't he? I've definately seen him play in the white shirt. Was it a loan deal then?

I agree Milan still have a shot. Depends if any big names leave them though.

You may be right, i didnt follow too much last year. If he was on loan then certainly he will stay given Capello's now in charge.

I can't see the big guns leave Milan, why would they? They might not win the league this year but for the next 2/3 they are nailed on.

Some players at 28+ wont want a year without Champions League football.

Although to be fair Gatuso, Kaka and Gilardino are staying already.

I disagree, most of the Milan players have already won the Champions league and i cant see them wanting to leave just becuase of 1 season without CL football. They are a great team and know they will be back.

Trez is a class striker, he just doesnt score the amazing goals, he is a poacher. He has 32 goals from 66 games for France (11 of those caps are as a sub). Henry is 36 goals from 85.

In club football he has played 244 games and scored 147 goals (60%). Again compare too Henry who has had 499 games and scored 245 goals (49%)

He wont win the 'goal of the year' award but he is always the fave for top goalscorer, people keep underestimating him and he just keeps firing in the goals.

[The Baron]

Cassano has been at Madrid since Christmas hasn't he? I've definately seen him play in the white shirt. Was it a loan deal then?

I agree Milan still have a shot. Depends if any big names leave them though.

You may be right, i didnt follow too much last year. If he was on loan then certainly he will stay given Capello's now in charge.

I can't see the big guns leave Milan, why would they? They might not win the league this year but for the next 2/3 they are nailed on.

Some players at 28+ wont want a year without Champions League football.

Although to be fair Gatuso, Kaka and Gilardino are staying already.

I disagree, most of the Milan players have already won the Champions league and i cant see them wanting to leave just becuase of 1 season without CL football. They are a great team and know they will be back.

Trez is a class striker, he just doesnt score the amazing goals, he is a poacher. He has 32 goals from 66 games for France (11 of those caps are as a sub). Henry is 36 goals from 85.

In club football he has played 244 games and scored 147 goals (60%). Again compare too Henry who has had 499 games and scored 245 goals (49%)

He wont win the 'goal of the year' award but he is always the fave for top goalscorer, people keep underestimating him and he just keeps firing in the goals.

I agree Milan will keep their players. 4 big guns have now said they will stay.

As for Trezeguet.... he NEVER turns up on the big stage. (Except one goal in Euro 2000)

Champions League? Useless.

International competitions? Useless.

[Royal Flush]

In fairness, the French strikers dont have a great strike rate in Intl. comps, all the goals come from midfield.

Champions League he has scored shed loads of goals, he has also scored in some very important serie A matches.

As it turns out it looks like Liverpool are going to get him!!! At least try to on a loan deal.

I hope they do so you can see what a great striker he is. The one man you want to have the ball in the area with is Trezegol

[Rod Paradise]

(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed at MonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any football club ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals (Arsenal) 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!

I think Ferguson is excellent but Nemesis has a point. Since that youth team got old/sold Man Yoo haven't won much have they?

Ferguson's transfer record isn't exactly as shrewd as Wenger's either.

Finally, do not forget the drink culture, bad diets habits etc of English football were rife under Fergie's Man Utd. It was Arsene Wenger who changed the way footballers look after themselves in this country. Ferguson just followed suit.

Remember Ferguson took a middle rank team to the top in Scotland & won a  european trophy with them before he even came to Man Utd. He didn't exactly walk into a successful side there either & had to bring the kids through to take the final step to the CL - and while he got a bumper crop through with Giggs Butt Beckham (sounds like a request ) - the kids were youngsters when he took over and changed the youth system around.

I think 3 European trophies with 2 clubs is a not bad record for the knighthood (if you're going to give that kind of thing out for sports managers).

As far as the drink went - he came into Man U & that was the culture and it took him time to change it, but the worst culprits were away before Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal.

[The Baron]

(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed at MonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any football club ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals (Arsenal) 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!

I think Ferguson is excellent but Nemesis has a point. Since that youth team got old/sold Man Yoo haven't won much have they?

Ferguson's transfer record isn't exactly as shrewd as Wenger's either.

Finally, do not forget the drink culture, bad diets habits etc of English football were rife under Fergie's Man Utd. It was Arsene Wenger who changed the way footballers look after themselves in this country. Ferguson just followed suit.

Remember Ferguson took a middle rank team to the top in Scotland & won a  european trophy with them before he even came to Man Utd. He didn't exactly walk into a successful side there either & had to bring the kids through to take the final step to the CL - and while he got a bumper crop through with Giggs Butt Beckham (sounds like a request ) - the kids were youngsters when he took over and changed the youth system around.

I think 3 European trophies with 2 clubs is a not bad record for the knighthood (if you're going to give that kind of thing out for sports managers).

As far as the drink went - he came into Man U & that was the culture and it took him time to change it, but the worst culprits were away before Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal.

Fair point about Ferguson but maybe the game has moved on from the late eighties and early nineties? Some managers can't change with the times. Clough couldn't. Dalglish couldn't.

It is also possible Ferguson stood out amongst an average crop. Now some of the best are in the EPL, Mourinho, Wenger, Benitez, even up and comers like Jol. In the past he had Wilkinson, Big Ron, Roy evans, Bruce Rioch and Kevin Keegan to deal with - bet he was shaking!

Anyway, I think the Knighthood is deserved I just think Paisley should have had 3!

As for the drink culture you are correct of course, except that Arsene Wenger changed the Arsenal drink policy single handedly. The first thing he said on his tour of Highbury was "That bar will have to go!" - although it wasn't in the press as much as before, he was still "shocked" at the diet and drinking culture within Highbury. Liverpool still had the "spice boys" and Keano was still on benders long after Wenger had arrived. Arsenal players weren't. He is also responsible for the way we look at diet, training etc.

[The Baron]

In fairness, the French strikers dont have a great strike rate in Intl. comps, all the goals come from midfield.

Champions League he has scored shed loads of goals, he has also scored in some very important serie A matches.

As it turns out it looks like Liverpool are going to get him!!! At least try to on a loan deal.

I hope they do so you can see what a great striker he is. The one man you want to have the ball in the area with is Trezegol

He's coming to Liverpool? Oh well, there's another season out the window! 

[Nem]

(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed at MonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any football club ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals (Arsenal) 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!

I think Ferguson is excellent but Nemesis has a point. Since that youth team got old/sold Man Yoo haven't won much have they?

Ferguson's transfer record isn't exactly as shrewd as Wenger's either.

Finally, do not forget the drink culture, bad diets habits etc of English football were rife under Fergie's Man Utd. It was Arsene Wenger who changed the way footballers look after themselves in this country. Ferguson just followed suit.

Remember Ferguson took a middle rank team to the top in Scotland & won a  european trophy with them before he even came to Man Utd. He didn't exactly walk into a successful side there either & had to bring the kids through to take the final step to the CL - and while he got a bumper crop through with Giggs Butt Beckham (sounds like a request ) - the kids were youngsters when he took over and changed the youth system around.

I think 3 European trophies with 2 clubs is a not bad record for the knighthood (if you're going to give that kind of thing out for sports managers).

As far as the drink went - he came into Man U & that was the culture and it took him time to change it, but the worst culprits were away before Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal.

Fair point about Ferguson but maybe the game has moved on from the late eighties and early nineties? Some managers can't change with the times. Clough couldn't. Dalglish couldn't.

It is also possible Ferguson stood out amongst an average crop. Now some of the best are in the EPL, Mourinho, Wenger, Benitez, even up and comers like Jol. In the past he had Wilkinson, Big Ron, Roy evans, Bruce Rioch and Kevin Keegan to deal with - bet he was shaking!

Anyway, I think the Knighthood is deserved I just think Paisley should have had 3!

As for the drink culture you are correct of course, except that Arsene Wenger changed the Arsenal drink policy single handedly. The first thing he said on his tour of Highbury was "That bar will have to go!" - although it wasn't in the press as much as before, he was still "shocked" at the diet and drinking culture within Highbury. Liverpool still had the "spice boys" and Keano was still on benders long after Wenger had arrived. Arsenal players weren't. He is also responsible for the way we look at diet, training etc.

Good post.

[The Baron]

Benitez has complimented Zambrotta in the media - now THAT I would love!

[Royal Flush]

Benitez has complimented Zambrotta in the media - now THAT I would love!

A very underrated player.

[Nem]

Benitez has complimented Zambrotta in the media - now THAT I would love!

A very underrated player.

?

Underrated by who?

[Royal Flush]

By a lot of pundits pre world cup

[Royal Flush]

So Fiorentina and Lazio are back in Serie A, Juve have gone from 30 pts defict to 17. Milans penalty on last season is 30 not 44 points so they qualify for the CL.

Rumour also has it Milan are about to offer a bid of £85.5m for Ronaldinho (meets his release fee clause)

[Graham C]

£85.5m

wow

[Nem]

So Fiorentina and Lazio are back in Serie A, Juve have gone from 30 pts defict to 17. Milans penalty on last season is 30 not 44 points so they qualify for the CL.

Rumour also has it Milan are about to offer a bid of £85.5m for Ronaldinho (meets his release fee clause)

Like trying to buy Rooney from Man U.

Absolutely no chance of Ron leaving Barca. Not yet anyways

[Royal Flush]

So Fiorentina and Lazio are back in Serie A, Juve have gone from 30 pts defict to 17. Milans penalty on last season is 30 not 44 points so they qualify for the CL.

Rumour also has it Milan are about to offer a bid of £85.5m for Ronaldinho (meets his release fee clause)

Like trying to buy Rooney from Man U.

Absolutely no chance of Ron leaving Barca. Not yet anyways

Well if he wants to do so and Milan offer £85.5m then he will!