#i'm not sure what tomori is from my bad | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

nian-7 · 6 months

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mygo tomori/taki and a full fluff alphabet? this is my first time requesting so hehe thank you

i left out taki because i'm still trying to figure out her personality but i hope you enjoy tomori's!

Tomori Takamatsu x gn!reader

✧fluff alphabet

Affection

Tomori is very awkward with affection. She's not really sure when or if she's allowed to give you any affection so it's usually you initiating the kisses or hugs with her.

Beauty

She fell for your personality, the fact that you didn't label her as weird and just simply accepted her awkwardness and all made her fall in love with you. She absolutely adores your personality.

Crush

Even more awkward than she is now, it's super easy to tell that something is up because she gets nervous around you and conversations seem to go awkward.

Dates

She enjoys going out for dates but she feels a little embarrassed about the fact that she's actually on a date! Sometimes it doesn't process that she's actually dating someone she loves so much and it'll set in while you both are on a date.

Emotions

She's expressive even if she doesn't realize it and so it's pretty easy to tell what she's feeling in the moment and she doesn't have to tell you.

Fight

Tomori tends to get pretty upset when you both get into any sort of conflict, immediately blaming herself for it. She really wants to just hug you and tell you how sorry she is even when it wasn't her fault.

Gentle

Super gentle no matter what, whether it be verbally or physically, she always tries to be gentle with you. She cares about your feelings and wellbeing after all!

Hugs

She can get a little flustered over any sort of physical affection but she does enjoy it! She really likes hugs and forgets to let go sometimes.

Impression

She liked you a lot at first for not labelling her weird or anything of the sorts and just tried to be her friend! She didn't have any bad impressions of you at first.

Jealousy

It's not like she gets jealous, it's more of the fact that she gets in her head about it. She just gets upset thinking you might leave her for someone else!

Kisses

Very short and sweet, nothing much more happens after that because she gets too embarrassed to give you another or hold the kiss longer.

Love Language

Tomori prefers words of affirmation (receiving) but since she's a bit awkward about love, she prefers acts of service when showing her love for you.

Mornings

You always get a happy good morning message from her and it's always sweet to wake up to.

Nicknames

It's a little too embarrassing for her and so she prefers not to use of have them used on her unless it's a play on her name. Lovey-dovey nicknames are what embarrass her.

Open

Tries her best to be open but she's also very easy to read. It's not as if she's going to hide anything from you and so she tries to be open as possible.

Patience

Very patient and she appreciates it when you are also patient with her!

Quality Time

Her second favorite way to show her love for you! She loves to spend quality time with you no matter what you both are doing, as long as you're having fun together!

Romance

She'll try to be romantic but please just reassure her that she doesn't have to force herself to be romantic!

Security

She doesn't outright show that she's protective but she doesn't want you to leave her for anyone else. She doesn't do much either even if she is protective, she's a little too embarrassed.

Try

Puts her all into the relationship no matter what, you can count on her to put everything she has into it!

Understanding

Tomori is pretty understanding, she tends to forgive you a lot for your mistakes but won't be as forgiving with herself.

Vanity

She's concerned a normal amount about her appearance, it's not as if it bothers her unless she feels inferior to someone who's making her feels as if you might leave her for them.

Whole

100%. She feels so much more confident and happy around you and like she can do anything. The realization sets in a little while after but she still does feel complete when she has you.

Zzz

Falls asleep pretty fast, she doesn't like to stay up super late either so she feels bad for falling asleep early if you're a night owl.

please do not repost any of my work without my permission, thank you for reading.

#x reader #fluff #nian-anon #gender neutral reader #bang dream #bang dream girls band party #bandori #tomori takamatsu #tomori x reader #tomori takamatsu x reader #sfw alphabet

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another-dr-another · 1 year

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eat your breakfast!!! remember to stay hydrated and eat well, maeda! -iris

Maeda, narrating - It was easier when I carried a backpack with me...

Maeda - I'd have water and food on me, so it was readily available.

Maeda - Now, I need to stop what I'm doing and go to a completely different place just to get a glass of water...

~*~

//Breakfast is quiet this morning.

Iranami - ...

Iranami - It feels... like things are stagnant...

Taira - Hm?

Iranami - ...Like...

Iranami - ...I feel like I'm just waiting for something bad to happen.

Hatano - Hey, Iranami, you didn't tell me about any of this...

Hatano - Cheer up, yeah?

Iranami - It's...

Iranami - ...

Maki - ...Well, it's not like we've gone all that long without something bad happening yet.

Tsurugi - That's true... Iranami, it could be a response to the danger you're in; because people keep dying, your brain's fight or flight reflex is on high-drive.

Tsurugi - At least, that’s a theory...

Hatano - ...

Hatano - Iranami, do you want to work out with me?

Hatano - We both have athletic talents, and I know you like gymnastic stuff, and if you’re in good shape, it’ll help you feel more safe!

Iranami - It’s not- I don’t necessarily feel unsafe, I just...

Maeda - ...It almost looks like she’s struggling to breathe...

Uehara - ...

Uehara - I’m going to be right back, I think I’m dehydrated.

//Uehara heads to the kitchen, moving quickly, and rubbing at his head as he walks. Tsurugi watches him go.

Tsurugi, sighing - Jeez, I feel like a broken record...

Tsurugi - Everyone, be sure you’re drinking water, and try to eat a variety of foods, as well as things that make you happy to eat.

Kobashikawa - ...Actually, I’m going to go make something to drink...

Kobashikawa - Ōtori, do you want more coffee?

Ōtori - I- I’m good, Kobashikawa.

Ōtori, quietly - I think it’s making me anxious..

Higa - Christ, everything’s really falling apart, huh?

Higa - Fucking babies, can’t handle anything...

Tsurugi - Higa, stop it.

Higa - I’m just being honest! What, did I hurt your feeeewings? Boo-hoo.

Tomori - ...

Tomori - Let’s all hang out in the Rec Room tomorrow, yeah?

Tomori - We can play games, and bring snacks... should we do it for lunch, or dinner?

Tomori - Could even do it after dinner...

Tomori - But let’s just...

Tomori - I think we’re all tired, with all of what’s going on.

Tomori - This one... stupid motive has to be worn out by now-

Tomori - We’ve all seen what happens, no one is thinking about trying to kill because of their video anymore, right?

Tomori - Let’s do things as a class more often.

Tomori - There’s no reason to be afraid, or to be upset.

Taira - She has a point… the lack of fresh air is getting to us, right?

Taira - We’re on edge. Let’s decompress, and bond.

//Uehara is back, while Kobashikawa can still be heard making noise in the kitchen.

Uehara - I mean, everything is a learning experience, right?

Uehara - It’s good for us to all be together, it’s really when we split up that things go wrong.

Uehara - The first time, we didn’t really have a system to make sure we knew where everyone was.

Uehara - The majority of us were doing our own thing, except Kurokawa and Tsurugi, one of whom was drugged.

Uehara - And the second time, the issue was that we split into two groups.

Uehara - If we’d sent Mekaru alone, she’d be fine;

Uehara - It seems counter-intuitive, but now we know.

Uehara - …We couldn’t have known before, so we’ll learn from what happened.

Tsurugi - …

Uehara - It’ll be fine, so let’s do it.

Kobashikawa - …

//Kobashikawa knocks on the half-wall between the kitchen and the cafeteria to gain the class’s attention.

Kobashikawa - I can look in the store for games to play.

Tomori - That sounds great!

Tomori - Can I go with you, and we can do that after breakfast?

Kobashikawa - …A bit later today?

Kobashikawa - I want to shower, and if I wait too long, my hair won’t dry by the time I fall asleep.

Tomori - Yeah, that sounds good-

Tomori - I think your hair is the same as my sisters used to be, but hers flattened when she got older.

Tomori - Anyways, let’s talk about details after breakfast?

//Kobashikawa gives her a thumbs up, and goes back to the kitchen.

Iranami - …

Maeda - …We didn’t really address how Iranami feels, did we?

Iranami, startled - A-Ah, no, it’s fine, I’m good…

Hatano - No, that’s right.

Hatano - Uehara said he had a headache, making Tsurugi talk about nutrition, which set Higa off.

Hatano - You didn’t get to finish, Iranami. What’s going on?

Iranami - I- I didn’t have more to say, I was done, I…

Hatano - Hey, calm down, no one’s coming after you…

Hatano - I just want to understand.

Hatano - You’re okay, yeah?

Iranami, panicked - …

Iranami, overwhelmed - I-I’m fine, yeah…

Hatano - Good!

Hatano - We should still work out together, okay?

Iranami, miserable - Okay.

Taira - …

Taira - Well, anyways then…

Tsurugi - …I want something to drink…

Tomori - Could you make me a cup of tea, Tsurugi?

Tsurugi - Oh! Yeah, sure. What type?

Tomori - Vanilla black tea, please.

Tsurugi - Got ittt…

Tomori - Thank you!

//Kobashikawa had just left the kitchen when Tsurugi walked past; after a moments pause, Kobashikawa follows him back in.

~*~

Maeda, narrating - I drank my water, like Tsurugi asked…

Maeda - Why are we supposed to drink water when we have headaches?

Maeda - My head feels… tight, for lack of a better term.

Free Time: Start

#dra #sdra2 #au #yuki maeda #kiyoka maki #mitsuhiro higa #kizuna tomori #ayame hatano #kinji uehara #haruhiko kobashikawa #satsuki iranami #akane taira #teruya ōtori #tsurugi kinjo #fangan #fanganronpa #chapter 3 #daily life #daily life 3

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aneenasevla · 2 years

Text

Heavy Bakery - Chapter 10

MasterList / Kanami’s Profile /Previous Chapter

Chapter 10 - Gym Rats

“Ready?” she was already out of the house when Koga arrived, with his sports bag in tow. He seemed in a better mood than when he was at the table.

“Yes” Koga adjusts the bag, focused “I'm ready now” he straightens up and sees her wearing a pair of black leggings and a blue tank top over a purple top. Colorful running shoes completed the look.

“Uh... - he blinks, as he watches her warming up "Miss Kanami, it looks like you're going to run..."

“Oh, not exactly. I've already been told that you and Mr. Kazuo likes to go to work on foot. So I just got the gym clothes already on. And I have an extra outfit for after training, so…” she sighs, “huff… I haven't exercised in a while, that stab really killed me. But it doesn't hurt as much anymore, and at least I can stretch now.”

“I'm glad you healed quickly, but don't you think it would be better to take it easy for now?”

“Yes, I will, I will not mess with the muscles of the region when working out. Not yet.” She picks up her own bag, one in her shoulder. She observes his manner, still a little shy, “ what is it?”

“Oh, no, nothing” he starts to walk. Kanami follows him, wondering what it could be. "Maybe he's the type who isn't used to seeing women at the gym, I've seen this type before, especially when Kazuo-sama said that the matches he attends don't have a women's league...". She decided to take a risk.

“Hmmm… are the clothes revealing too much? I can change if you think so.”

“No, no, you look great” he smiles sheepshly, “it's just that I'm kind of…”

“He only sees women of your body type in american magazines, you are just like some of them”, Says a voice behind them. Koga looked like a cat jumping in fright.

“Oh, really?” She laughs, looking at the other boy cringe in shame.

“That's not all true!”, Koga growls, red “And where did you come from, you bastard?!”

“I was here the whole time” Ryuki says as he walks to be with them, wearing normal clothes and carrying a bag on his back, “I checked those zines out last night, they're pretty, but they have the same bad taste in clothes as you, Koga.”

“You who are basic!” Koga frowns, he wants to bury his face in the ground.

“Guys, don't need to make a fuss about that”, Kanami laughed, “in fact, women's gym attire is kind of revealing, but it's simply because, unlike you, we can't be shirtless. And as women are beautiful in whatever you put on them, they end up attracting attention anyway”, she sighs, thinking about the experiences she has had the past months she started to workout in Japan, “maybe one day I'll go with you to a mixed gym, then you can meet other buff girls…”, she smiles mischievously, “they would love to know you.”

Koga widens his eyes, and then smiles. He seemed to like the idea a lot, scratching the back of his head, “Ohhh, do you think so?”

“The only thing that spoils him are these ugly clothes” Ryuki blurts out, making Koga catch fire with rage.

“Oh, you're asking, kid!”

“Calm down, firey boy”, Kanami holds his shoulder, “and clothes don't define character, Ryuki-san. He just looks aesthetically ugly, but I'm sure with a good personality, his muscles will jump out.”

“That sounded very wrong,” Koga mutters, grimacing.

…

Kanami, Koga and Ryuki arrived at the academy. Kanami's eyes widened.

“ But… but this is the SJPW training center!”

“Yea, it is”. Koga turns his head, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

“My God… Tomori will really be jealous…” she smiles, already thinking about her friend's screams.

“Is she a buffy girl too?” Ryuki asks, having a popsicle he bought on the way.

“No, but she is crazy about Wrestlers, she loves watching when they have a match on TV.”

“Heh, apparently she'll be even more jealous when she finds out that you at least saw them training.”

Kanami smiles. Koga went first, Ryuki right behind. She stared at the entrance, a little intimidated, until the brunette turned around.

“Hey, are you okay?”, Ryuki raises an eyebrow.

“Oh yeah… I’m just mentally preparing…”

She almost didn't see him approaching, only saw when his fist was inches from her face, Kanami almost didn't dodged in time, her eyes wide.

She felt the slash of air, that wasn't a light punch!

“HEY! Are you crazy, man?”, Kanami exclaims, she had dropped her bag, now instinctively in the strike pose. She is surprised.

The boy's face no longer had an innocent and cute face, it was the complete opposite, it was cold and calculating, making Kana jump back, shivering.

“There’s no mental preparation in combat” he says, with the same expressionless voice, which made her more alert, “or in life.”

“What the fuck, man, what happened to you?”

Suddenly Ryuki blinks, eyes returning to “normal” for a moment, “Hey, didn't you say you wanted to get ready? Now you seem well prepared now”

Kanami blinks too, not quite understanding, until she notices that her body is tense, muscle memory immediately asking her to move her feet.

“Damn.” She tried to stop the combat pose, but felt like she would have more.

“You should have more confidence, almost got light-punched by me. Usually bad guys have no mercy”.

Light punch?! Was that force a light punch? If she hadn't swerved…she looked at the guy, he was absolutely calm, he didn't move an inch less than necessary, his feet were moving as if they had specific marks. He really was the type that was made for the thing.

“Ryuki! Jeez, she's not our level yet, and she's a lady, goddamn it!”, Koga exclaims, approaching.

Kana soon notices that it's not just the three of them in the scene anymore. Other fighters heard the commotion and came to watch, or help if necessary.

“Lady, Woman, Man… does it matter?” Ryuki shrugs “fighting is something everyone should learn.”

“But that's not how you start to teach, damn it…” Koga sighs.

“What's going on up there?” they hear a deep voice, and the footsteps of a giant approaching draw the attention of the fighters. Kanami looks away for a second, and almost loses sight of Ryuki, giving him time to at least prepare for the high blow with a defense, but he quickly spins around to be behind her and trips her, causing her to fall if he didn't have holded her arm. Suspended in midair, she looks at him, unsure how to react, and Ryuki slowly drops her to the ground.

“Koga told me not to take the fight seriously. But if it were, you'd be scrunched up in your face” ,he calls attention to the opposite fist, ready to strike.

“Damn, I know”, she sits down, when he walks away “I know I'm not strong, but don't humiliate me.”

“That wasn't humiliation, you managed to see my blows this time.” he smiled.

“Ryuki!” she only sees one arm, no… a wooden log, holding the boy by the shoulder and shaking him lightly “What did I say about getting into trouble in the gym?!”

“Hi Mr. Sekibayashi”, he lets himself be shaken, adjusting the glasses that had come out of place.

“Don't say "hi" kid, it's the third time”, he then looks at Kanami, who finally looks at his face, “hey miss, are you ok?”

She'd seen big guys before, but this… no, that was a mountain made of meat. That's when she saw the brown dreadlocks and the already middle-aged face she recognized.

“Ah, yes… I…”, she gets up without ceremony, “I am…”

“Kanami, are you okay?”, Koga asks, a little worried, “Ryuki is a little unpredictable sometimes, sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing? I didn't really attack her”, Ryuki breaks free from the giant “she said she wanted to prepare, I was helping.”

“Guys, calm down… I'm fine” she defends herself, gesturing with her hands, “it's not like I've never been punched either. I came to train, not to admire.”

“Ahhhh… So you are the girl that Koga said he was going to bring to meet our training…”, Seki approaches, “Nice to meet you…I am-”

“Jun Sekibayashi, recurring SJPW wrestler…” she bows. She wouldn't even want to shake that guy's hand, “my friend is a fan of yours and told me a lot about your records.”

“Heh, my fame precedes me” - he smiles immensely, “And you are?”

“Oomori Kanami, sir…”

The giant gave her a quick glance, nodding in satisfaction.

“Well, Miss Oomori, I can already see that there's something already conditioned, we can start doing some exercises without teaching you something very basic.”

“Hey boss” one of the men starts to say something.

“What?”

“Sir, she is a lady…”, One of them turned red.

“So what, you chicken? She has muscles, and here, we work them.”

“But we don’t…”

“Are you telling me that a grown man your size is afraid of a woman?”

“It's not that…”

“Sir, I think it's because of the rules…”, Koga tries to start.

“I know the rules, I'm no newbie to this gym, you morons”, he laughs “ok, she's going to have a separate area, satisfied, you fags?”

“If I'm bothering you, sir, I’ll go somewhere else…”

“Relax”, he says more quietly, “I know the details. The seaweed was careful and told me personally this morning. It's all arranged, your custody is safe.”

Kanami blinks, unresponsive. So at the end of the day, Ohma wasn't that dense for some things.

“Since you're part of the gym rat crew, you're safe with us and won't get bored, right?”, Jun smiles, giving her a light pat on the back.

“Wow, thanks… If there's anything I can do to help you too…” She blushes.

“Just stick with me, do your work, help me motivate them, and then we'll all have curry for dinner. Is that good?”

“Perfect. I love Curry”

“Excellent.” he turns to the others, “What are you doing standing there, you bitches? The recess is over, let's pull iron bars!”

He claps his hands once and everyone else - except Ryuki - walks in as if they've been running from a monster - which, given the circumstances, was actually true.

Kanami lags behind a bit. Ryuki looks at her.

“There it is. Introductions made with success” he smiles.

“Did you plan all of this?”, She raises an eyebrow.

“No, but at least it worked out in the end”, he shrugs, “I'leaving now, Miss Kanami.”

“Where are you going?”

“I have other things to take care of, I'll meet ya’ll later at home.”

“Okay…thanks,” she nods, as he reciprocates and turns away, taking his bag, which he'd dropped on the floor. She stops, “Hey, Ryuki”

He turns around.

“Next time, I won't lose to you.”

He laughs softly, waving his hand as he heaves “All right, let’s see then...”

She then, finally with her bag, headed to the gym, feeling strangely more at home after this ruckus.

…

“Aaannnd… thirty!”, a fighter named Jose counts, removing the bar from above Kanami's chin, “Haha, that’s nice to see, chica. Three sets of ten with forty kilos, not bad.”

He was one of those Lucha Libre fighters, in fact, he was even wearing a typical mask, and even the name, he had confirmed, was indeed of Mexican descent. He had a long, black hair pulled back in a ponytail. He was smiling at her, with a hint of pride.

“Ugh…” - She smiles, standing up, flexing her shoulders, “Thank you, but I'm still out of shape…”

“You used to lift even more than that? I'm already starting to like you”, he laughs, “I think it's good for today. The boss told you to take it easy after he found out he had just been stabbed, but we know you can handle it.”

“Actually, it's been a few weeks since I even set foot in a gym…” - she catches her breath, “so I'm still not in my top shape, but I'm happy to know that I'm not a beginner anymore…”

“And I'm proud of that”,he smiles,“in a little while it will be dinner time, let's go inside to rehydrate, enjoy and see how the pendejos are doing.”

“I'm in,” she smiles, following the guy to the main area.

She hears Sekibayashi's screams before she even sees him "instructing" the other fighters (and Koga), and in a very witty way.

“Come on, girls, I want to see how you sit!” He did the squats together with the others, but seemed way less tired than the rest.

Kana struggles to keep from laughing, seeing the guys, in fact, groaning from the physical exertion. “Indeed” she thinks “riding is no joke” and lets out a small snore.

Sekibayashi couldn't help but notice this, and turned his head to her. Kanami's eyes widen at the mischievous smile he lets out.

“Apparently it's hard today for you, huh?!”, the giant makes fun of the others “Miss Kanami, do you want to come here and show these soft-butts how it's done?”

Jose holds back a laugh, giving the girl a light push on the shoulder.

“Me?!”, Kanami exclaims, her voice suddenly getting high.

“Yes, you, kid. Stay here on my side, see if it raises the morale of this bunch.”

“Oh my god,” she mutters, suddenly embarrassed. Ending up approaching, staying next to the giant.

“Hell Yeeah!”, Seki celebrates, making a “yes!” with the arm, “Jose!”

“Send it, boss.”

“Put on “that” music, to warm things up.”

Some fighters growled and groaned but with sudden shame and protest, Koga scratched the back of his head, his face already red from the exercise, now even more, muttering something like 'oh maan, not that…'. Kanami raises an eyebrow.

“Song?”

Then suddenly a sound of trumpets in a danceable rhythm and well… embarrassing, for the male audience.

“Let’s goooooo, folks, I want to see you doing well now!” - he starts the exercises again, Kanami laughs very loudly before starting to imitate him.

“Let's go boys! One two three four…!”, she yells, joking along, laughing while imitating Sekibayashi, who seems to be having the time of his life, “Y.M.C.A!”

The men had no choice but to do it, some suddenly letting go of their fear and riding along. Soon, some began to laugh together, first with friends, then with their own misfortune, then with adrenaline.

The song ended and she was left celebrating with the others, Sekibayashi laughing at the top of his lungs.

“Hey guys, I enjoyed seeing it! That’s the spirit”. he smiles a lot, “That's today’s lesson! Who is macho doesn't need to be cringing because of a song, put Britney Spears there, chamaco!” he imitates Jose's accent, who laughs loudly while everyone protests, but this time from fatigue.

Kanami laughs a lot, and congratulates the others for their effort, receiving smiles and a red cheek in return.

“Relax, damn it, I'm kidding. Well done guys, you deserved today's Curry! To the cafeteria!”

A joyful collective scream sounded through the gym, especially the largest of the students – whose name she recognized as “Haruo” – jumped up for joy.

As everyone made their way to eat, Seki caught Kanami's attention:

“Thanks Kana. It was starting to get awkward around here with these guys commenting shit about our no-women rules and stuff, even you being a really different exception.”

“Thank you, Mister Seki. I appreciate your effort to break the ice.”

“Show up here whenever you can, when you're on your toes again, we can even have some spares.”

“I would really appreciate it. I'm unable to go to my regular gyms due to circumstances, so that would be most welcome.”

He let out a half chuckle.

“Did you see how they started to show off?”

“Yes I did. I'm not a novice at this male shit. One even kissed the biceps thinking it was a good way to woe me. I even saw the little heart coming out.”

The two laughed out loud, finally walking to join the others.

Of course Kanami took the opportunity to get his autograph. Tomori was going to rip her head off if she didn't.

Next Chapter Here

#kengan ashura #kengan omega #kenganverse #heavybakery #kengan oc #fanfiction #jun sekibayashi #sekibayashi #koga narushima #gaoh ryuki

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fossadeileonixv · 1 year

Text

Milan 2 Fiorentina 1

Needed all 3pts...

...and somehow got all 3pts...

Back to regular programming here with some ratings and then a little commentary at the bottom.

TATARUSANU 6 One of his more shaky games which means most of us were sh*tting our pants when Fiorentina got near the 18yd box. BUT this will hopefully be the last time we see him aside from a Coppa clash

KALULU 7.5 Solid game and you could tell Pioli told him to get forward. Ended up moving back to CB once Thiaw was subbed out for Dest. Oh, and Milan locked him down until 2027. Couldn't be more deserved

THIAW 6.5 Only a 6.5 but not because he didn't play well (although 6.5 isn't a bad score), it's more because the rest of the team formation/playing style impacted my ability to gauge him. But looked promising again

TOMORI 6.5 We got 2022-23 season Tomori and not 2021-22 season...again. I hope he uses the break to rediscover his level of play. He's too good to be this inconsistent

HERNÁNDEZ 6.5 Needed to do more going forward but game plan and execution likely impacted and limited his effectiveness. Still, solid game

BENNACER 7 Solid again. Probably his best first half of the season if you ask me. Was as active and dominate as he's ever been but greatly reduced his bookings and absolutely took a physical beating

TONALI 7 Another solid outing. Him and Bennacer have been so good so far. I know some people have shared they miss Kessie and some of the things he did, but I don't. It doesn't mean Milan has filled those traits, it just means I think they've been able to compensate to where it's not the detriment some thought it would be

DIÁZ 6.5 Just an ok day for Brahim, which I blame on him being out on the RW. Still looked sure of himself while on the ball but the attack was so piss-poor on the day that none of the forward players played great IMO

KRUNIĆ 6 Provided next to nothing in all aspects of the game. Was invisible for me

LEÃO 7.5 Great opening goal but was just ok after that. Definitely should've had one more. I know he's not a striker but he needs to work on those quick reacting type of striker goals. Too often those go flying into the stands and today was no different (most likely a body posture type of thing. He should talk to Giroud)

GIROUD 7 Been much better when the ball comes to him and what do you know, a flick actually worked! He also worked hard in all areas and considering Milan's attacking plan was to boot long balls to him all game I think he did well to win as many as he could

subs

DEST 7 Nice re-emergence for Dest who we hadn't seen for the last couple of weeks. In fact, he's looked much better after that terrible Chelsea outing. Seems to be finding his confidence. Let's see how he looks after the WC

ORIGI 6 Not the best showing for him, which is on par for the first half of his first season with Milan. Very...meh. Does seem to have the tools though so just a matter of putting it all together

VRANCKS 6.5 I think he got robbed of a goal because I think that ball was on target. Otherwise, the kid looks to have a solid all-around game. Wouldn't mind seeing him steal some minutes from ol'King Krunic...

REBIĆ NA Why he only came in at the 86th minute is beyond me. Terrible decision by Pioli

coaching

PIOLI 3 Ugh. That was bad. I don't know what he was thinking. It's like he got what the issue was in the previous, well...*thinking*...the previous few games and fixed it in step 1 of midweek prep but then went on to step 2, when there wasn't really another lesson to be learned and instead regressed. His coaching decisions are part of my commentary for this post so let's dive into it below

THOUGHTS

I think the only person I'm more irritated at than Krunić is Pioli and that's because he keeps playing him. Why god, why?...

So, in the matchday post before the lineups were announced, I pontificated about starting Thiaw at CB and moving Kalulu to RB as this might give Pioli the best backline possible to fit his philosophy. Before we continue, yes I was eager to use the word, pontificated, in a sentence...

Anyway, my thinking was that since Pioli doesn't EVER want to change formations and tactics (except apparently when only fielding 4 regular starters), just plug and play players, then it's important to plug and play THE RIGHT players. Since Calabria got hurt, Pioli has been trying to figure out who to field in the back 4 while playing the same tactics. Kjaer and Gabbia have played well when called upon AND they have been a liability to the high pressure/high defensive line Pioli likes to run. Since Pioli doesn't want to abandon the high defensive line other concessions have to be made, in most cases by having Kalulu, while at RB, being asked to stay back to prevent the opponent from getting in behind. So, there is a resulting chain-reaction that occurs:

Kjaer/Gabbia in a CB -> Kalulu at RB but asked to stay back -> No RB offering overlapping runs and adding width -> RW is isolated so begins to drift inward to make himself available -> this crowds the middle of the pitch and allows the defense to stay compact -> compact defense means there's no room/lanes to make runs/pass/shoot -> no room means Tonali/Bennacer/CAM are crowded out by too many defenders -> CBs can't find an outlet so pass back to GK -> GK forced to kick 50/50 balls to the forwards hoping he can win the aerial duel or get a lucky bounce

Now imagine putting in Thiaw to help prevent that chain of events only to start Krunić at CAM and start a whole new sequence of events one step removed from the CBs but nonetheless as catastrophic to the attack as the other option. It's madness.

I know I spend a lot of time talking about this, or I have particularly this season, but this isn't all that complicated and I can't figure out why Pioli isn't getting this. There are very few world-beaters out there who can thrive regardless of formation or tactics or philosophy and Milan doesn't have any. So please Pioli, for the love of god, PLEASE stop playing guys grossly out of position. Krunić shouldn't be in the CAM role unless you're up late, the defense sits back deeper, and the CAM essentially turns into one of the middle defenders in a 4-4-2/4-5-1 type of defensive formation. He cannot be in the position of a high pressing/high defensive line attack who is unable to facilitate the offense by receiving and turning with the ball OR making himself available in and around the 18yd box.

I was going to post some screenshots of average position and some heatmaps but it was just pissing me off even more (😂) but, if you're interested hop on the web and check out WhoScored or any site including Serie A that has post-match summaries and data/stats. It's right there and not difficult to see. These mistakes are jeopardizing the integrity of the formation and is making everything more difficult. So frustrating...

Finally

Not quite through the first half of the league season and Milan sitting in 2nd place and into the knockouts in Champions League is a solid place to be even though 8pts back of leaders Napoli is far from ideal. But, World Cup break is here and lots can change between now and when the league kicks off again in early January 2023. Form can change, injured players can return (while hopefully minimizing injuries between now and then for all players, not just those participating in the WC), not to mention the opening of the winter mercato.

We'll be posting stuff between now and the new year and we are also hoping to get a new site off the ground and ready by that time as well, so stay tuned on that front.

Anyway, what do you guys think, about this Fiorentina match, the first half of the season/before the WC break performance, or really anything that comes to mind? Let us know below.

Forza Milan

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fossadeileonixv · 2 years

Text

Milan 3 Empoli 1

Well that sure was something!

Damn, I almost nailed the scoreline in the matchday post when I said: “I think I’m going to go with a 1-0 Milan win and the only goal coming after the 60th minute when Pioli puts on more firepower to get all 3pts.” Rebić scored at the 79th minute and it was sitting at 1-0 when the 90th minute hit JUST LIKE I SAID and then all hell broke loose. What a ride.

Anyway, quick ratings and just a few comments at the bottom of the post. Let's go...

TATARUSANU 7 Maybe too generous but I thought he played to his strengths and that was not holding onto the ball and was about as decisive as I've ever seen him back there. Also, wasn't much he could do on the goal

CALABRIA 6.5 Wasn't playing bad when he clearly felt a pop. I'm pulled both of my hamstrings and tore my right one once. Some of the most excruciating pain you'll ever feel but thankfully it only lasts a few days. It still hurts and you can't really run for 4-6wks, but I felt for him when he pulled up. I've been there

KJÆR 6.5 I didn't predict he'd play but I did mention that this wouldn't be a bad game to play him since Empoli seemed to be allergic to scoring goals. Played well but was getting bumped around and finally left injured

TOMORI 7 After a couple of shaky performances this was back-to-normal-programming-Tomori. Covered lots of ground, good reading of the game all game

BALLO TOURE 7.5 Now that's how you take your chances filling in for a sure-fire starter! Was solid if unspectacular all game but then made the crucial run for the game winner. Well done kid. Much needed confidence boost

BENNACER 7 Did Bennacer things

TONALI 7 What a heads up play to find Leao on the throw in for what ended up being the opening goal to Rebic (a hockey assist!). So maybe times you see a player on the touchline who can easily just get the ball and throw it back into play but they'll leave it for the fullback because it's the fullback's job. Oh, and I loved him getting the armband. Can't wait until it's regularly his

SAELEMAEKERS 6 Very Saelemaekers day. Oh, and left injured

CDK 6 Had a really nice play in the box to hold off some defenders and really should have had an assist to Leão for the opening goal. Outside of that? Seemed to be just a little bit off all day. Out of sync with his teammates

LEÃO 9 Co-MOTM Really poor effort on the nice pass from CDK but made up for it late with a wonderful play to find Rebić for the opener and then the pretty chip over the keeper on the breakaway goal to seal it super late. Love seeing his smile those last 10min plus stoppage

GIROUD 7 Guy was all over the place and really put in a hardhat-type of effort. No goal this game but was crucial throughout. Always impressed by the just-turned-36yr-old

subs

KRUNIĆ 7 Ok, maybe looping him in with some of the other guys I said were all thumbs in the comment section of the last ratings post was too harsh. He's not Cristiano Ronaldo but this is now back-to-back performances where he's had some nice and nifty moves in the box, this time a beautifully timed leaping header to find Ballo Toure for the game winner

KALULU 7 Seems like whenever he doesn't start he gets called into duty either by yellow card or injury. He initially came in for Calabria after popping him hammy, but then got pushed over to CB for Kjær when he got injured. Got, I love this kid. Such an important player for the team

DEST 6 Wasn't what I would call a, bounce-back performance, but he didn't get de-pantsed like he did vs Napoli. He's going to get his chance now for the next month (and lots of games!). Time to see what you got, kid

DÍAZ 6.3 Was very energetic and drew some fouls and was getting in the box. Very workman like effort from the little guy

REBIĆ 9 Co-MOTM Rebić! What the hell, man?! Dude is playing lights out, better known as Springtime Rebić. Need him to keep it up. He's killing it in this NBA's 6th Man of Year role for Milan right now.

coaching

PIOLI 6.5 Better than vs Napoli but I thought too conservative with his lineup. I didn't mind the Kjær play though as his size was helpful. I really would love to see him go a little more aggressive offensively rather than needing to scramble in the last 30min to pull out a W

THOUGHTS

Quick scoring stats

Prior to this game Milan had only scored 1 goal in the final quarter of the game in both league and CL play. Versus Empoli they scored 3

Milan has scored 20 goals all season in league and CL play and Leão has scored or assisted on 10 of them (4 goals and 6 assists)

The CF position (Giroud and Rebić) has scored or contributed 8 goals and 2 assists across all competitions this season. This is probably higher than the banter era combined

Combined Brahim Díaz and CDK have 1 goal and 2 assists. Not exactly stellar. How has Milan fared when either of them are on the pitch? Milan has scored 11 goals with Díaz on the pitch and 10 with CDK (Milan has scored 20 goals total in league and CL but they were both on the pitch for the Napoli goal and therefore are both getting credit). The difference: Díaz has 8 appearances/352 minutes, for a goal every 32 minutes and for CDK the numbers are 10 appearances/526 minutes/goal every 52.6 minutes. For those of you screaming (you know who you are). "but that's only with these 3 goals vs Empoli", if you exclude his minutes and team goals from the Empoli game (why would you, they all count...) he's at 7 appearances/335 minutes, and Milan is scoring every 41.9 minutes on the pitch...which is still lower (meaning they score more often) with Brahim out there. Hmm...

Next Match

On deck is Chelsea midweek before Juve this upcoming weekend and then Chelsea again on the first of the return legs in CL. Chelsea recently changed managers and have won 1 and drawn 2 while scoring 4 and conceding 3, which is pretty much what they were doing (scoring/allowing) before Thomas Tuchel got fired after their CL game loss to Dynamo. *thanks to some guy named Tom for catching a mistake in the chronology of Chelsea/Tuchel firing events. Post has been updated*

Always tough to gauge how a team will play (both style and quality) when there's a new manager but the manager has had about a month now, and while there's only 3 total games under his belt to see how he's doing, there doesn't seem to be much difference in the Thomas Tuchel-led Chelsea and the Graham Potter-led Chelsea. What does this mean? Well, combined with this and after talking to my good buddy this past weekend who's a big Chelsea supporter, it seems to be that Chelsea is just a very poorly constructed team at the moment. Basically the last 2 or so years of shiny-object chasing is starting to catch up to them. Wrong pieces for the system or the wrong system for the pieces (except for attack, that's just a total mess for them). Let's hope it continues.

Milan will still be without Maignan and Theo for the Chelsea match and Calabria and Kjær can now be added to that list. Lots of missing pieces but I still think Milan have more than enough to beat them particularly up front with Leão and Giroud (and Rebić?! Waaa?!). My prediction right now (might change by the matchday post): Milan win 3-1.

Ok, that's about it. Let us know what you think below!

Forza Milan

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fossadeileonixv · 2 years

Text

Milan 1 FC Salzburg 1

Enjoy it, Nonno. Probably going to be the only time The Salad man will be in the featured art...

Quick ratings and then some observations. Let's do it

MAIGNAN 7 We're not used to seeing Maignan get 5-holed and I bet he's not either! I'm sure he was the first one to say he could've and should've done better. It's ok, Mike. All good. Also. Was damn solid aside from that

CALABRIA 5.5 What's WWE's Undertaker song? The one where he pops up from the coffin? Well, whatever it is it's playing in the background because Calabria's time is coming. I'll comment on this more below

KALULU 7 Sticking with a 7 and yes he got crossed-over, as they say in basketball, on the goal. He was slipping quite a bit in the first half and I'm sure that didn't help on giving up that goal. Was fine after that and was actually rated higher than Tomori in most places. Speaking of...

TOMORI 6.5 Going with a 6.5 because the yellow card was BS but overall I'm seeing a slight dip in form from the Englishman. I think he's just off a little so I'm not worried but need to get him back into the form that he and Kalulu were in for the second half of the 2021-22 season

THEO 6.5 Good but not impactful? I think I know why and it has to do with the larger picture in terms of what Salzburg was trying to do

BENNACER 6.5 Like Theo, was fine but not impactful

TONALI 6.5 I know, lots of 6.5s. But that's kinda how this game felt...it felt like I was watching a 6.5 game

SAELEMAEKERS 8 I know, I can't believe I just put an 8 next to his name either. But, BUT, kid deserves it. Ran his a** off and worked to get himself in the right position at the right time and when Leão found him he stayed cool, nice little touch to settle, and banged home an important goal. In case you missed it, the cameras caught Nonno's reaction when Saelemaekers scored...

CDK 6 Kind of invisible for the first time in a Milan shirt. I think I know why and I'll talk about it below

LEÃO 7 Wonderful individual effort to make some space so he could find Saelemaekers or Giroud and helped Milan salvage a point on the road. This kid, even when mediocre, is still better than most

GIROUD 6.5 Did well when he could get touches but just wasn't able to impact the game from inside the 18yd box

subs

DEST 6.5 Kid came on and wasn't quite sure where he should be it felt for the first 10 minutes but then settled in after that. Obviously wasn't in sync with the rest of the team on his side but that will come. His upgrade in the speed department made Salzburg change tactics

POBEGA 6 I was expecting him to be more of the bruiser but he seems to want to get forward a lot and while that isn't a bad thing per se, I'd still like to see him bully that midfield more. He also appears to have more technical ability than I was expecting. Anyway, not quite clicking but I'm intrigued by what I'm seeing

ORIGI 6 Wasn't terrible like vs Inter and damn near had a chance to win it if he was just able to stay on his feet with a late ball into the box. I don't know about you but I'm kinda losing my patience with him and I'm sure Pioli is too. Need Rebić back and soon if this continues

DÍAZ 6 Played much more advanced after it seemed Salzburg was content with the point and decided to sit back by the time Brahim was subbed on. I do love how he works to get himself in front of goal and in the 6yd box. Kind of a shame the shortest guy on the pitch for Milan seems to be the only one doing that with any consistency

MESSIAS N/A He played

coaching

PIOLI 6.5 I don't know. I think he could've done better so another 6.5 on the books...

THOUGHTS

First, I want to briefly discuss is what Salzburg did to Milan’s offense (we’ll discuss what happened defensively next).

Salzburg played a VERY different kind of game than what we’ve seen other teams do vs Milan. We’ve seen other teams try to sit back and counter, some have tried to run with Milan, and others have tried to lock out Leão and force anyone else to beat them. Salzburg didn’t do any of that. I mean, they adapted and included aspects of what other teams did but didn’t do it remotely like anyone else.

During the first half, about 25min in I texted Lisi and was basically like, “Salzburg seems to really be trying to flood the middle of the pitch. Just tons of bodies there.” What I didn’t comprehend or see fully was HOW they were flooding the midfield.

Similar to a previous rating post, I looked at the opponent’s defensive players and their heatmaps to get sense of what they were doing. As with previous heatmaps I didn't include the GK.

Looking at Figure 1, and we can see this hurricane type of shape being progressively more defined as the rest of the team is added in from left to right and then top to bottom (A to D):

What an interesting gameplan and tip of the hat to the FC Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle. I don't know that I've ever seen this. They essentially took the touch line out of play and vacated the center circle on the pitch. What Salzburg did, for lack of a better term, is reverse-sheep-herd Milan out of the middle of the field without putting anyone in there to shush them out.

One quick little interesting tidbit: In image D in Figure 1: there's a pretty big hole on Salzburg's center-right side just above the 18yd box and in seeing that I thought, "Well, that's kind of odd. I don't remember Milan having many opportunities there." Sure enough when I add in the keeper like in Figure 2 it all makes sense and I remembered how many times we all saw the keeper come out and clear the ball from outside his own 18yd box. They essentially asked the keeper to cancel out anything over the top of the backline and boy did he do a hell of a job.

So, in light of all of this, did Milan take advantage by getting players in that center circle, perhaps as a play to suck in defenders hugging the touch line? In looking at Figure 3 it certainly looks like they did...

Odd. I don't remember them springing many attacks from there, do you? In short, no. I played around with the heatmap tool and when you remove just Kalulu you can see that he was basically the only one who filled the space (Figure 4).

FFS look at that hole! Where TF are the midfielders? Or even Giroud coming in to hold up play? I mean guys ran through that area at times but clearly there was never a sustained presence in the middle of the pitch. I love Kalulu, and while I think this speaks to that innate skill and intelligence he has for seeing the game - that instinctual sense to find the passing lane or in this case, find the hole in the defense, he's not the guy you want to be springing/leading your attack from the center of the pitch. Now I won't and am not going to get into it here, but that sure does seem like something the CAM on the field should be seeing and doing...no?

Finally...On Calabria...I know I've been hinting at it for awhile and I even just said it after the Inter game: Dest will be the starter by the end of this season. Heck, he might even be starting by the start of 2023.

So far this season Milan has given up 6 goals and 5 have been given up left/left of center (facing Milan), or to Calabria's side. Let's peek at all 5:

First one of them was Becão's quality header in the season opener. Not on Calabria. So that would leave 4/6 on his side

Second one vs Udinese was on his side but he had his guy marked and Messias was sleeping. This is also not on Calabria so 3/6

Third, Malinovsky's in the Atalanta game, he had a lot of space in front of him and at first doesn't seem like a Calabria-issue...but the pass came to him from out on Calabria's side uncontested (or at most lightly contested). Still 3/6 Fourth was the Dzeko goal and Calabria lost Darmian on a give-and-go and Darmian found Dzeko on the near-post from the end line. 100% on Calabria so still 3/6 goals conceded on him

Fifth was the Okafor goal in the Salzburg game and while Okafor nutmegged Kalulu and 5-holed Maignan, it was Calabria who lost Okafor. Still 3/6 goals conceded this season are largely on Calabria. This is completely unacceptable and if I can provide an addendum to my previous comment, Dest might need to be starting 3 games from now...

FINALLY

Ah, that was fun, right?! Well, I enjoyed it and hopefully you did too.

What do you think? Think I got something wrong or anything you think I missed. As always, I'm just sharing what I saw and in some cases, learned, and I am by no means an expert. I do this for fun and it's definitely not my day job, LOL.

Onto this weekend and a visit to Sampdoria

Forza Milan

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another-dr-another · 3 years

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waa that was so sweet of her! oh maybe you should go check up on mekaru? if taira hasn't anyway

Maeda, narrating - That's probably smart...

Maeda - I hope she's feeling better, and that it was just a case of vitamin deficiency.

~*~

Mekaru - Oh! Hey, Maeda.

Maeda - Hey... how you feeling?

Mekaru - Good enough to chat, if that's why you're here!

Maeda - You sure?

Mekaru - I'm just resting my body, my minds good to go!

Maeda - Alright...

>Do you want to give Mekaru a gift?

>You have selected: Cutesy Hair Clips

Mekaru - ...Oh?

Mekaru - D'awww, these are so cute!

Mekaru - Thank you, Maeda! You know me so well~

~*~

Mekaru - So, Maeda, what do you need?

Maeda - ...I'm sorry?

Mekaru - Well, a lot of times come to me for class work help, or emotional support... help with other classes, yknow!

Mekaru - Even as just a TA, people like someone they can better relate to, age-wise and all.

Maeda - Kinda just wanted to hang out with you, actually.

Mekaru - Oh? I’m sorry for making an assumption about things then!

Maeda - It’s fine, you didn’t do anything wrong...

Maeda - Uh... do you normally wear your petticoat to your work? It’s not the sort of thing I’d expect from a teacher, y’know?

Mekaru - Ah...

Mekaru - Yeah, it’s not very proper... my friend just recommended I wear it, she thought it looked nice with the rest of my outfit-

Maeda - A-and it does!

Mekaru - No... it's childish, but you're kind for reassuring me!

Maeda - Doesn't Tomori also wear a petticoat though?

Mekaru - That's true... but it's actually kinda related to her talent.

Mekaru - Anyways though! How are you feeling?

Maeda - I'm pretty good... had a nice conversation with Hatano earlier.

Mekaru - Ugh... that's nice, though!

Maeda - "Ugh"? Is everything okay?

Mekaru - Just not the biggest fan of Hatano, yknow?

Mekaru - She's so loud... it almost feels aggressive, she really gets in your face.

Maeda - Does she? I know Hatano approached me the first day to introduce herself,

Maeda - But that's all I really noticed.

Mekaru - Yeah... I don't know, I guess she just has a big personality.

Maeda - Mhm...

Mekaru - Which isn't anything bad! Just means she's not my favorite person.

Mekaru - What do you have planned for today?

~*~

Maeda, narrating - I always feel kinda awkward when I talk to Mekaru... she’s quick to apologize with me,

Maeda - But she doesn't seem to be as concerned about how some of our other classmates feel about her.

Maeda - I mean, Hatanos made me kinda uncomfortable before, but I think she has good intentions.

Maeda - Is there some sort of a pattern with how Mekaru feels about others?

Maeda - ...If I had 100 yen for every time a classmate thought I only came to them to vent,

Maeda - I'd have 250 yen.

Maeda - ...Could get some melonpan with that.

[Free Time Event]

{Head to Your Room}

#sdra2 #dra #au #yuki maeda #rei mekaru #chapter 2 #daily life #fangan #fanganronpa #free time events #mekarus ftes

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fossadeileonixv · 2 years

Text

Milan 1 Empoli 0

3pts is 3pts...

Brief ratings and then some discussion. Let's go!

MAIGNAN 8 Yes, I'm giving him an 8 because while he wasn't called on very much in this game, when he was needed he was fantastic. He also helped set up the game winning deadball, LOL

CALABRIA 6.5 Average game for the Captain. Hasn't been bad but isn't standing out like late last season and earlier this season

Kalulu 8.5 MOTM This should probably be a 10 but this kid is the truth. More on him below

Tomori 8 Pinamonti is a tall guy but you wouldn't know it by how well Tomori played him. Tomori was routinely winning aerial duels and when Pinamonti did get the ball he was immediately dispossessed

Florenzi 6.5 Another solid game from a guy slowly becoming a vital piece during this stretch run. Playing out of position and yet kept his side locked down and was more involved offensively than Calabria

Tonali 7.5 Even barfing 30min into the game couldn't slow our guy down. I thought for sure he would come off at the half or at some point and dude played the whole game. Oh, and he was his usual badass self

Bennacer 7.5 So good again. With Kessie playing the #10, Bennacer seemed to be the one trying to bridge play from the back to help Milan push forward in attack. While this only had limited effect it was not because of Bennacer not being outstanding, because he certainly was

Messias 6 Almost gave him a 5.5 but he did put in the work while he was in there, hustling up and down the flank. He was better than Saelemaekers, who he got taken off for, but that's not saying much

Kessie 5 FOTM Has he been any good in this role aside from those 2 goals at Empoli in the reverse fixture? My answer is no. Shit, I'd even go as far as to say Krunic is the better play there if Diaz isn't going to start

Leao 6 One of his worst games of the season. Seemed to run into traffic all game and wasn't reading the game as well as he normally does. But, he's the most explosive threat on the ball Milan has and teams have to account for him and that's not nothing

Giroud 6 Uneventful day for our #9. He did what he was supposed to, worked hard, held up play. Oh, and was a champ for playing after that nasty gash from last week. But he suffered like the rest of the forward players by a lack of offensive prowess on the pitch due to squad selection

subs

Saelemaekers 5 He played

Diaz 6 Worked hard but was chasing the game since Empoli was gunning forward trying to equalize

Rebic/Ibrahimovic/Krunic N/A Seemed more like time-killing subs than anything else

coach

PIOLI 6 Getting the 1-0 win is important but I don't know how much of that was because he was standout in his selections, gameplan, or subs...because he certainly wasn't that. More on this below

THOUGHTS

So you may have noticed I was kinder to the guys in the back than I was to the forward players in these ratings. Let's start with the guys at the back...

Maignan's save on that header was god-like. Magic Mike isn't just the best keeper in Serie A, he's getting mighty close to top 5 status in the world. Both fullbacks had solid games, as did the guys in the double-pivot, but I want to focus on the CBs. Without my boy Diaz in there, not only was I less inclined to pay attention to the attack (I didn't think there'd be much of one), I wanted to watch Kalulu and Tomori work and try to see what was the key to their success.

Granted, these observations are limited to what I could see on screen but the interchangeability of KT (does this work? They really need a nickname) was truly remarkable. I counted at least a half dozen times they switched the side of the field they were defending, meaning that either one of them can stay back or selectively bomb forward to get involved in the attack or to break up play and not sacrifice anything on the back end. The amount of ground these two guys can cover is simply insane.

Tomori being the bigger of the two (which isn't saying much), seems to be the guy sticking to the striker more times than not but Kalulu did just as well, albeit very differently. Kalulu seems to stay off the guy he's marking whereas Tomori is tied to the guy's hip. For Tomori this means he has to defend more aerial balls as the opposition tries to use the striker's height to get him the ball since Tomori is glued to him. This isn't a problem because Tomori has got some hops and can challenge for those balls. In those cases the striker does win, Tomori is fantastic as dispossessing and winning the ball back. Kalulu, on the other hand, likes to stay off a little and baits the opponents into thinking they can get their guy the ball. Not only does Kalulu read the game extremely well, he has the speed and athleticism to intercept passes and keep the opponent from building their attack. Simply put, this needs to be the starting pair for the rest of the season as they are just too good together.

A few more words on Pioli: I was talking to Mike last night about the game and we landed on different critiques of Pioli's matchday plan. Mike wasn't very thrilled with the subs since Milan was holding a slim one goal lead and Empoli was pressing to equalize. Mike's concern was that taking off Leao and Giroud (less so Messias and Kessie) would leave Milan vulnerable and unable to score should Empoli equalize.

My critique was with the starting selection, namely the DM in the AM role...again. Clearly Milan's defense has improved at least in part by this more defensive lineup of the last month or so. But what Milan is sacrificing on the offensive side of the ball is VERY concerning for me. The last two games Milan has scored 2 goals on chaotic deadball situations with the ball kinda ping-ponging around and thankfully finding a Milan player who then found the back of the net. They have had toothless offensive possession in the opponent's half and especially in the opponent's 18yd box and I'm worried this is going to bite them in the ass down the stretch.

Lots of people are ok with this Allegri-ball approach but don't count me in that group. But, BUT! Pioli has worked wonders the last 2 seasons and has this team in contention for a Scudetto. So, while I am critical, I will still proudly say In Pioli I Trust! #IPIT

Forza Milan

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