The fact that AC Milan have changed to a 4-3-3 formation over the summer is one of the reasons why the club was willing to accept Atalanta’s offer for Charles De Ketelaere, a report claims.
As has been reported by Milan News, the offer that Milan accepted from Atalanta would see them make a loss on the fee they paid for the Belgian last summer.
Milan invested €35m in De Ketelaere last summer but Atalanta will only pay a €3m loan fee and then €23m to make the move permanent next summer. There is another potential €4m in bonuses, and Milan will get 10% of any future resale.
Given the move to a 4-3-3 formation leaves no place for De Ketelaere, who is at his best behind the striker in an attacking role, there is no logic in keeping him at the club this season.
With that in mind, Atalanta or another club were never going to bid higher than what Milan paid last summer.
If he impress — Atalanta will buy + bonus and then they will sell from which Milan will get 10% which will make this transfer a small capital gain actually.
And if he does not Atalanta will not buy and we did not loose anything (but will need still to find buyer for 20 mln including amortization.
Either way there is no loss projected yet.
Milan loss already on Ketelaere. First year 10 million (7mil amortisation +3mil gross salary), and in this year difference between ammortisation- income for loan that will be payed – circa 3 million.
In future resale Milan will just cover rest of ammortisation which is 23 million.
“The fact that AC Milan have changed to a 4-3-3 formation over the summer…” Ummm did I miss something in the last couple weeks? When did we change formation absolutely? Last time I recalled in the Barca game we played a 4231 from the start. Maybe we played a 433 in the second half but I’ll have to check that. We DEFINITELY played a 4231 in the first. From what I gathered, I thought that was the starting formation and players for the new season. And I’m guessing the interchange between the two formations can come after if we didn’t have a solution from the 4231
Milan play 433 when attacking . And a 4231 when defending. Take close look of our game approach.
So then Dave we played most of the game as 4231 seeing as Barca had most is the possession. I’ll have to go check back the second half again and the setup in attack as u mentioned but I clearly remember the first half 4231. I know Pioli has disguised his 433 in the past by making one of the double pivots stay back (likely Krunic) and then the other roams upfield when in attack making it look like 4123 variant but it’s still imo a 4231. We didn’t look comfortable with the setup being a straight 433 in attack and defense in the first few games. I guess with practice we’ll get the hang
It’s the same 4-2-3-1. Nothing has changed. Pioli knows no other way. Which is not bad if he can master it and impart his players well. And work on details like set pieces.
Last season for example, it was clear we should have played a typical 4-3-3 but we didn’t. Looking at the signings this season, 4-2-3-1 would suit best. Which I’m will be surprised (well actually not) if Pioli is considering something different. The problem has always been the AM position. Get Pioli the AM to fit his system (I believe Tijjani is that player) and the 4-2-3-1 is good to go.
Yes @Bill N that’s my impression too. There hasn’t been a shift but it seems this site keep repeating it and some fans think we’ve moved to a 433. Look at the Barca game …timestamps 5:13, 27:48 and 43:30 which is sampling the first half tactics/formation and that’s clear as day a 4231 setup.
“who is at his best behind the striker in an attacking role….” I have no clue where David Bowie’s best role is. Why do all his fans keep saying Pioli’s a dumba** for not playing him as a striker?
Pioli always make one common mistake which is very bad 4-3-3 does not suit our system at all we are used to 4-2-3-1 that’s why we can counter attacks from our opponents and our wingers can flow but in 4-3-3 is obvious leao can’t flow if Pioli don’t want to play 4-2-3-1 instead play 4-3-2-1 than 4-3-3
The switch to a 433 is to give the team the balance needed. Going forward we have 3 midfielders operating in the midfield. That’s why he puts RLC as t the offensive side due to his physique. So we have 3 players in the middle doing the tackling when off the Ball.
Formation change or not, it doesn’t seem like he was going to play for Milan. People who try to equate CdK’s first season with Leao and Tonali’s debut season are totally sentimental.
It’s a shame that it didn’t work out. Whether it’s Pioli’s fault or not – I don’t know. The truth is, once this present mercato started, it was clear that there was no plan for CdK to stay. Same for Adli, sadly.
They could have been left out of the US tour like Origi and co. CdK, Adli, Messias and Saelemaekers were taken to US for whatever reasons, but it was clear to anyone who had discernment to know Milan was ready to let them go.
Even Krunic only went because he was more or less the only midfielder left – apart from Pobega, who is going to remain for depth and mainly because of academy product quota.
Now, it’s about two weeks to the season’s opener. Pioli has his work cut out.
I’ll have to raise my hand as one of the biggest defenders of cdk during the season but as it went on I couldn’t do it anymore. He’s just not there mentally. As u said, its not comparable to Tonali and Leao. They at least showed something. Adli is more confusing because he showed something too but is clearly not in Pioli’s plans. They have to move on. Even if CDK does we’ll elsewhere good for him but it’s clear that he’s not in favour with management’s plans. Can’t win em all
What is this continuous talk of 4-3-3. So far I’ve not seen it. If we do indeed play a 4-3-3 tomorrow, could someone be kind to point it out to me. ? And I don’t mean when the players are running here and there in the course of the game and in one frame-freeze moment, the players fall into a 4-3-3 shape. I mean A WELL STRUCTURED 4-3-3 FORMATIONAL SYSTEM, WITH SPATIAL INTERACTION AND PLAYER MOVEMENT ACTUALLY RESEMBLING A 4-3-3. Thanks
Oh see my response above but also agree with this.
Now you’re talking my language. It’s easy to say 433 but so far it’s been so basic. Basic triangles on the wings and nothing but a standard approach, no special movements in attack. Pioli’s 4231 is vastly more innovative, he has many levers to press and it’s dynamic. There’s no need to change it tbh but it’s up to him getting the team to do what he wants which is an insane press that won us the title. So far it’s an underdeveloped 433 if anything.
Exactly IKWYDLS . There’s nothing wrong with the 4-2-3-1 if we master it and fix a few issues here and there; Defence, set pieces (attack n defending) , and the problematic AM position.
I still have doubts if Pioli is the man. I honestly don’t see him holding up with these new guys this season
433 and we dont have a proper DM
Exactly . There’s nothing wrong with the 4-2-3-1 if we master it and fix a few issues here and there; Defence, set pieces (attack n defending) , and the problematic AM position.
I still have doubts if Pioli is the man. I honestly don’t see him holding up with these new guys this season