Chapter 48: After the game

AC Milan defeated Lazio 2-0 at home with two goals from Degan. The team regained the sense of victory. The outside world puts forward the theory of Milan crisis.

To be poor is to change. To get six points in the first three rounds of the league is quite a lot for other teams, and it can even be said to be gratifying. It is absolutely unacceptable to be pulled three points by a competitor.

Ancelotti is obviously also aware of the crisis, and put up the banner of rotation. Maldini and Gilardino are on vacation, and the formation is changed to 4312. Nesta and Stam, the old Lazio partners Central defenders, Cafu and Karadze are on the wings; Ambrosini, Pirlo and Seedorf partner in midfield, Kaka in front, and Shevchenko and Digan as strikers.

For a team fighting on three fronts, it is obviously the right way to use the rotation system, because it can maintain a good state until the end of the season.

In the first half, there was basically no pressure on Milan's defense. Stam and Nesta controlled the penalty area. Lazio's most threatening attacks came from free kicks.

Kaka became the engine again, driving Milan's offense. On the forward line, Shevchenko's state was a little ups and downs, without a single shot. Degan, who was the first starter, was much more active than Milan's Zhengyin striker.

In the twelfth minute, Degan scored a goal. Kaka passed the ball behind Lazio's defense from the center. After receiving the ball, Degan passed Stentaldo on the left side of the penalty area and volleyed vigorously with his right foot. , the ball flew straight to the near corner.

Only 2 minutes later, Pirlo made a right pass and made a low pass. The ball touched the Lazio defender and changed the line. 2:0.

Regarding the crux of the consecutive conceding goals in the first three rounds, Milan has also debated for a long time. Milan's predecessor, Rivera, thinks it is a problem of the aging of the defense line, but look at the starting lineup of Milan's defense line. The youngest Karadze is also 27 years old, and Cafu is 35 years old, but the defense does not have a goal. Loss, this cannot but be said to be the victory of the old man.

Ancelotti obviously disagreed with Rivera's point of view: "You can't just blame a certain part, because we lost a lot of set kicks, which is also related to the midfield and striker. Older? The oldest is the one who performs the best. Okay. We've been playing like this for three years and they gave Milan luck."

Ancelotti also paid attention to praise Stam: "He is in good condition and very active."

But it is clear that this can not keep Stam's heart, the Dutchman has decided that after the expiration of the contract with Milan in 2007, he will return to Eindhoven.

In the end, even the 39-year-old Costacurta played for Nesta for ten minutes. Now Milan is waiting for another old man, captain Maldini, waiting for him to set a new record.

The 37-year-old man's charm has disappeared, and he was selected as one of the "50 Most Handsome Men in the World" in July this year. After playing the whole game of Siena, Fenerbach and Sampdoria, resting Maldini was also out of consideration for his knee. With another round of the league, Pony can surpass Zoff's record of 570 Serie A games and write his own history. Now his good day of breaking Zoff's record is postponed until Sunday to play Treviso.

Ancelotti insisted that, in fact, the team's performance this season has not been bad: "We were in a very good state against Sampdoria, but we were a bit unlucky. Today the team's performance is obviously better than three It was better a few days ago, and our state will further improve. In the past two seasons, our state has also been a bit slow, but then we are on the right track. A pessimistic attitude will create tension, which will inhibit the ball. The team is on the rise and luckily we have a great club who can objectively judge the facts and the players are good at adjusting themselves!"

Regarding today's victory, Ancelotti especially praised the team's defense: "In recent games, we have scored goals very quickly and created many opportunities at the same time, but it is very difficult to maintain the lead. The balance is We have to, today we improved very well, we didn't give the other side many chances, and at the same time found a solid defense, I think it's just a matter of concentration, we have to keep our spirits high at all times, and today, We've done a lot better with the overhead shots."

Of course, Ancelotti still has a topic that can never be avoided-Degan!

Degan made his first start for AC Milan today and scored twice. Of course, if he hadn't been substituted at halftime, he could have done better and scored a hat-trick, which is not impossible.

Obviously, when Degan was replaced at halftime, the reporters naturally thought of the conflict between the two. Of course Ancelotti couldn't admit it: "Vieri? With him, Vieri and Gilardino, Our striker has more power, and Inzaghi will return soon, our overall strength will become stronger, they can all contribute to the team, yes! Digan only played today Half game, because we still have a Champions League group match to play next, he needs to save his energy, I did not say, Degan will continue to start the next game, which requires him to show enough state and strength in the usual training Serious attitude, in comparison, I am more happy that Vieri is gradually regaining his form. Although Vieri did not score today, he had a good chance in the first half and the second half. We can all see it , His condition is gradually recovering! For Vieri! We have to be patient!"

patience!

Vieri has almost exhausted the patience of AC Milan. When Vieri joined, Milan fans cheered and felt that Milan would have the most terrifying striker in European football. Of course, it is more important. Yes, they can use this to disgust their rivals in the same city. Is there anything more satisfying than pulling the king of the sworn enemy into their camp?

However, Vieri's performance is really sorry for the cheers of the fans. Because of his poor state, he never got a chance. Soon the opportunity came, and Vieri himself couldn't grasp it. Everyone can see that the Italian bull is getting old. His old body could no longer run or bump.

This season, AC Milan's striker is basically fixed by Shevchenko, and Gilardino and Vieri sing "two-person turn". This is Milan's current rotation system. Gilardino has already scored goals. Eli also got a lot of opportunities, but this time, he failed again.

Vieri's first game for Milan was against Fenerbah. Although he was not brilliant, people can forgive him: time is short, the consciousness has not yet resonated with his teammates, and his body is not at his best.

Now, it was his turn again, replacing Degan at half-time, but Vieri still didn't have any outstanding performances, although Gilardino ran to the sidelines for the first hug after scoring against Sampdoria last weekend. One person is Vieri, although Ancelotti has repeatedly stated that "you must have the same confidence in Vieri as you have in Gilardino", but this is not the bride throwing colored balls, and the girls will get married next. , good luck did not patronize him.

Vieri's last league goal dates back to May 15, when Inter Milan defeated Wo Nuo 1-0. Against Lazio, at the beginning of the second half, he was in good spirits. He received a pass from Seedorf on the left side of the penalty area and blasted away with a cannonball. Then in the fifty-sixth minute, Pirlo made a long pass, Cafu stopped the ball in the chest and shot the goal, which was saved by Serene, and Vieri missed the left post with an undercut. Then, it will be difficult for people to find Vieri's shadow on the court.

In addition, Inzaghi, who has been troubled by his ankle for a long time, has returned to Milanello and started training with the ball. According to the Milan team doctor, the match against Cagliari on October 16 will be the starting point for Inzaghi. I'm afraid Vieri's life will be even more difficult.

Of course, we have to mention Degan. Although he has irreconcilable conflicts with Ancelotti, the staff of Milanello revealed that after the last game, Galliani went to the training ground and asked Ancelotti. , the two sides talked for a long time, and then Degan appeared in the starting lineup.

Obviously, the club is putting pressure on Ancelotti again, and according to Ancelotti's previous consistent style, he obviously chose to compromise.

Although only half of the game was played, Degan's excellent state, it is not difficult to get the support of the club, and there will definitely be more opportunities in future games.

Compared with the two, Vieri's time in Milan may not be too long.

Milan won the victory, and the points also reached nine points, and the ranking rose by two places, only behind Juventus. After defeating Atlanta, Juventus won four consecutive league victories and continued to lead.

However, Seedorf did not care about Juventus' four-game winning streak. In an interview after the game, he said: "AC Milan's performance today is satisfactory. We are sure that we can get such a victory. At the same time, we have also shown that we are actually far away from crisis. I am very happy that we played a good game, compared to the same period last season, we are actually better now, and there is still room for improvement. Standings? We just have to go our own way, don't worry about Juventus Points, the league still has a long way to go, and there is plenty of time to catch up."

Galliani, the club's vice-chairman, was as calm as when he lost to Sampdoria in the last round. He said: "We created a lot of opportunities, but we didn't fully grasp them, otherwise I would say that this game is perfect. I still think we had more chances than our opponents against Sampdoria, we should not have lost, the remaining two games at San Siro, we won both, there is nothing to say about the team, I even It was also very calm last Sunday. I have experienced too much in 20 years, 17 championships, and 7 league championships, so I can accept it calmly no matter whether I win or lose. And between victory and defeat, victory is obviously more important. More, I believe that AC Milan will still return to the top of the list, we have such strength."

Afterwards, Galliani emphasized Degan's performance: "Degan's performance today was perfect. He seized two opportunities and contributed to the team. Of course, I think he should get more playing time. The team makes a greater contribution, he has such quality, and he has always done a very good job!"

Maldini did not play today, and Ambrosini, who was wearing the captain's armband, still had a good performance. In an interview after the game, he also said: "I think, for the crisis, our performance today is a powerful one. Fighting back, we sealed the victory shortly after the start. There will be more games in the future, but we have adapted to such intensive combat. Today's game really made us take a step forward in the standings. Next, we will continue to fight like this Go into the game with a calm and tenacious mentality, Degan! His performance today is very important to the team, but the victory is not a matter of one person, we all gave our best!"

In the game against Lazio, Ambrosini took the captain's armband for the second time this season. Facing Lazio as an opponent, Ambrosini's feelings will be very complicated. In the 03/04 season, he A key header from Lazio allowed AC Milan to steal 3 points from Lazio's home court, but he also faced Lazio last season. His red card ruined his main position in that season. This time he also faced Lazio Lazio, what awaits Ambrosini?

Ambrosini was involved in this battle from the very beginning of the game. His position is the right midfielder, which is not his best position. He replaced Gattuso, mainly to block the opponent's offensive line, and at the same time take into account Coordination in offense.

In Ancelotti's words: "Ambrosini's outstanding performance proved that he is worthy of the captain's armband."

In fact, before 2002, people believed that the armband should belong to him in the future.

Cautious, hard-working, fighting spirit, few mistakes, occasional mistakes, will make up for themselves, this is the most direct portrayal of Ambrosini in this game, Ambrosini received a total of three applause from the audience.

One time was at the 35th minute of the first half, when the opponent took a free kick in the frontcourt, Karadze headed the ball to clear the siege, and Lazio's outside players then dropped the ball into the penalty area. This was actually the most chaotic moment. The first goal against Sampdoria That's how the ball appeared, but there was a flash of blond hair in the crowd, Ambrosini raised the ball high, pushed the ball out, then rushed out of the crowd, intercepted the ball against Dubbo, and then dribbled the ball at high speed to instigate a counterattack. Amid applause, Ambrosini handed the ball to Kaka.

The second time was 61 minutes, the opponent counterattacked and formed a three-for-three, but when Rocky dribbled the ball forward, Ambrosini came back from behind at high speed, with a sliding tackle on the ground, and stabbed the ball to the ground. The fans gave Stam another round of applause.

Before the end of the game, AC Milan was still sieging the opponent, and Ambrosini's task at the moment was to prevent the opponent's counterattack from the outside. In the 73rd minute, Cafu passed into the penalty area, and the opponent pushed out. Pandev wanted to He took the ball, but Ambrosini took a step forward, controlled the ball and handed it to Kaka. After Kaka and Kaladze cooperated, the pass was destroyed again by the opponent. This time it was Ambrosini again. Fredini fought for the top, but the ball still reached Shevchenko's feet. Such a performance, the fans couldn't help applauding.

But Ambrosini also has regrets. Two minutes before the end, Kaka's strong shot was saved by Sereni. A fake shot made a real dunk, a fake move knocked the latter down, and then he made a strong shot with his right foot, and the ball flew out of the baseline against the crossbar.

"That ball? It's a pity. It went out after rubbing against the crossbar. I didn't control the position when I shot. I should have scored, but I need some patience." Ambrosini was obviously still thinking about that ball after the game. feel annoyed.

In fact, he has nothing to worry about. Ambrosini has already secured a main position this season. From the perspective of AC Milan's trajectory this season, the only loss this season is exactly that Ambrosini did not play. Against Sampdoria, this will certainly make Ancelotti pay more attention to the use of Ambrosini in future games, and the importance received, as well as the captain's armband, clearly enhances Ambrosini His self-confidence, some relief when he got the ball, including the fake dunk and true pass before the shot before the end, are all things that Ambrosini has rarely seen in the past.

In addition to defending in the game, Ambrosini also frequently sent through passes. According to OPTA statistics, Ambrosini made 69 passes and only made 8 turnovers, 32 of which were in the frontcourt. pass the ball.

In the first three rounds of scoring by Gazzetta dello Sport, Ambrosini became second only to Shevchenko in the team. After this round, the rating may continue to improve.

Ambrosini is also aware that he is in good shape now. He said with a smile after the game: "I am in good shape during this time, and I am very happy, but first of all, it is the interests of the team. Individual success is subject to the team's success." ."

Maybe this kind of answer lacks a little personality, but this is Ambrosini, a player who absolutely serves the team, otherwise, why did Brockey leave, Dorasu left, and he stayed on the bench after three years? it's here? Of course his loyalty was best rewarded.

Ambrosini deserved applause for his outstanding performance, but there was another person who deserved applause even more, but enjoyed a full forty-five minutes of boos during the game.

But obviously Degan didn't take this seriously. The conflict with Milan fans has now turned into a war. Milan fans have noble stubbornness. Even though Degan is now the player with the most goals in AC Milan, But this still can't change his status in the hearts of fans!

"He disgraced Milan!"

"Such thugs are not worthy of playing in Milan!"

"He scored goals, of course, that's his job, but that still doesn't speak for my opinion of him!"

"I don't like that man, he made Milan lose its nobility, this is the worst, I just hope he can leave here as soon as possible! He does not belong to Milan, nor is Milan his home!"

"He thinks he is the king of the world, but in our eyes he is just a clown. He scored two goals, but we will not thank him at all. In the next game, the war will continue to escalate. Knowing him Get out of Milanello!"

As the team's scoring hero, Degan actually received such a treatment, I have to say it is really weird.

"Of course I heard the boos, but those idiots would be naive if they thought it would interfere with my performance. I scored two beautiful goals today, thanks to Ricciardo. He knew my thoughts and believed in my ability, so he passed the ball to my feet, and then I scored. It was a delicate moment. Now there is no need to think about who is ahead in the standings. But I want to say that Milan has never been in crisis, we just lost a game, what we need is a winning streak to regain confidence. Ancelotti? I don't want to judge him, he is not a coach I admire, mine I have plenty of energy, I am eager to play, but Ancelotti obviously does not think so, he replaced me, this is his right, of course he can do it, but I will still score goals, I will use goals to let him Know what is right!"

Kaka is obviously also supporting his younger brother. He said that his tacit understanding with Degan is advancing with the times: "I now know what to do on the court. I strive to improve every season. With Rhodes, We already have a tacit understanding on the field. In fact, our tacit understanding has existed since Rhodes was seven years old and when he first came into contact with football. I understand his thoughts, and he also knows when I will pass on. Ball, his performance today is unbeatable, those two goals are very important! Crisis!? We have never had a crisis, it is normal to lose a game in a difficult league, the same happened last year, AC Milan has a strong Team, I think we will still do a good job in the next game, especially Rhodes, I believe in his strength, he can bring goals in any game, if I were to make a selection, Rhodes is definitely the leader in the world One of the best strikers in football!"

Of course, in this game, apart from AC Milan's victory, there is another phenomenon that is more worthy of people's attention, that is, the conflict between Degan and the fans. The fans also booed, and this kind of retaliation obviously made their already tense relationship more delicate.

"I don't care what they think of me, and I won't change to adapt to Milan's 'noble' blood, I just want to be myself, I'm not a nobleman, I just want to be Robin Hood who robs nobles! Yes! I have never been I don't think I've done anything wrong, I have my character and that's very important to me, if the San Siro boos don't stop, I'll still fight back, they think it's going to knock me down, I just have to Call it wishful thinking!"