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Crunch tie approaching Milan in doldrums as Bayern roar on
01.02.2006 Bayern boss Felix Magath would naturally deny sparing any kind of thought for the forthcoming Champions League first knockout round tie against AC Milan, given the first meeting between the sides in front of a full house at the Allianz Arena does not take place for another three weeks. The Reds contest four Bundesliga fixtures before the European showdown, the first of them this Saturday against Bayer Leverkusen.
However, the do-or-die meeting with the Milanese giants briefly took the spotlight on Wednesday morning when a visiting Italian TV reporter quizzed the Munich coach for his views on the two clubs' contrasting fortunes this term.
End of an era in Milan?
The difference could hardly be more extreme. Bayern lead the Bundesliga by a commanding eight points, and are well on course to defend their DFB German Cup trophy after reaching the semi-finals, but the mood in Milan is one of crisis. The Rossoneri are languishing 12 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus with little realistic hope of reeling in the Turin outfit, a situation compounded on Tuesday when coach Carlo Ancelotti's star ensemble exited the domestic Cup competition with a 3-0 defeat in Palermo.
The Italian media swiftly pronounced the death sentence. "Capitulation" trumpeted Italy's biggest sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport, predicting "the end of an era" at the club. "The music's been switched off and the party's over," the paper declared. Ancelotti described the situation as "precarious", blasting his team for "making too many mistakes and not concentrating" in Palermo.
Ancelotti keeps faith with team
The shaky defence has taken a barrage of flak. "This is the kind of situation where we'll see this team's true colours," experienced centre-half Alessandro Nesta commented. "I'm convinced they'll bounce back," Ancelotti insisted in defence of his players. Some Italian commentators have even questioned the once untouchable coach's hold on his job.
Back in Munich, Magath maintained Milan were one of the few teams capable of lifting the Champions League trophy. "They would normally have had it wrapped up at half-time last year," the Reds boss recalled. The Milanese led Liverpool 3-0 at half-time but ultimately lost a dramatic match on a penalty shoot-out.
Last chance to redeem season
A wounded team is often the most dangerous, many people believe, and Magath wasted no time warning his men not to underestimate their opponents. "They'll be concentrating fully on the Champions League, and that's a very dangerous situation for us." Europe's elite competition offers AC a last realistic chance of ending the season with silverware.
"We have to fight our way out of this situation," Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani declared - doubtless with the Bayern clash in mind.
No way Gilardino was a waste, he's got more goals then Sheve. Plus if they didn't get him Juve or some other major club would've. Better them than anyone else.
But I do agree, some investment in youth in the back would have been great. Stam should play in centre not as right back. I'm sure this summer though after the WC they'll be spending big. Maybe even sign Kaebi if he impresses to take over Cafu's spot. The rumours will be starting soon...I can feel it.
STADIO OLIMPICO, 8 FEBRUARY 2004
A.S. ROMA 4-0 F.C. JUVENTUS
I really hope Bayern beats them
I mean common.....
think about it.....Bayern deserves it more..
Milan got very lucky against PSV last year were Bayern were missing Makaay and a couple of more players and got very unlucky against chelsea.
No way Gilardino was a waste, he's got more goals then Sheve. Plus if they didn't get him Juve or some other major club would've. Better them than anyone else.
But I do agree, some investment in youth in the back would have been great. Stam should play in centre not as right back. I'm sure this summer though after the WC they'll be spending big. Maybe even sign Kaebi if he impresses to take over Cafu's spot. The rumours will be starting soon...I can feel it.
inazaghi and sheva r enough ..gila was so expensive ..waiste of money i dontthink juve would have gone for him ..since juve has trez and zalatan ...u wouldnt pay so much and bench a player ...anyways well see what happens
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