Any
Milan fan that watched the Derby probably feels that all is lost. Coming off of
an international break during which the financials were released from Yonghong
Li’s Milan, it’s certainly not a fun time to talk about Milan. But with or
without the aid of alcohol, those who bleed red and black must carry on. You’re
welcome.
 |
| The Derby definitely felt upside down |
There
was a man down after that Derby, so my cohost and I were forced to carry on
alone this week. Despite our sorrows, immediately after the Derby, we talked
about:
• News of the Week: Trophée Kopa, more
changes, new player agreement, ciao again Gandini, Festival dello Sport,
another Milan derby, no passport for you, Montolivo’s addition, some bald guy
• Match Review: review of the Derby
• The Finances of the
Chinese Era:
mindboggling numbers
• Coming up: upcoming matches
AC Milan vs. Real Betis Preview: Dangerous
Milan fans might think that being at the top of our group and playing at home makes this match less tricky. But actually, Real Betis are just behind us in our group and at a very similar spot on their La Liga table. Given the mentality issues and the inevitable rumors about Gattuso, Milan are actually facing a dangerous team on Thursday.
| Beating Dudelange is something else we have in common |
Real Betis are second in our group on four points, having won one and lost one. They also sit in 11th place in their league on 12 points. In many ways, they are Milan’s Spanish doppelganger, having lost 1-0 to Real Vallodolid on the weekend, taking 20 shots with only four on target and maintaining 63% possession. That almost makes them more dangerous for us. For that match, Setién lined up Lopez; Bartra, Garcia, Sidnei; Francis, Canales, Carvalho, Firpo; Boudebouz, Inui; and Morón.
Gattuso is under more pressure than ever having lost the Derby with inexplicable subs and questionable tactics. Also because Montoliovo. And also the fact that the press dug up a name of an available coach again to replace him. But I’m sure he is more focused on getting his lineup right for this match. Caldara is back, although not 100%, yet Gattuso says he will get some playing time. He will be missing Biglia and Calhanoglu due to minor injuries they got on Sunday. But while Conti is slowly returning to training, he will have to play with the Primavera first, and is hopeful to return within a few weeks.
Complacency is our biggest enemy in this match. If Gattuso can find the right lineups and subs and tweak the mentality enough, we could end this match at the top of our group, too. But if anyone falls short, it could be dangerous.
Our next match is
Europa League
Milan vs. Real Betis
Thursday, October 25
• 6:55pm CEST (12:55pm EDT)