The Difference between 5-0 and 4-1

Hey ... best stat in this whole thread, if you ask me. Pity the media hasn't picked on it. Kudos!

What can I say that hasn't already been said. This happens all the time before a big UCL match. The nerves are high, emotions flooding, anxiety ... you name it. Just imagine whats going on in the players' minds; especially youngsters like Pato, Hunter, Abate and Antonini. Think they'll get much sleep? Doubt it ... especially one man: Leo.

Hard to believe that, not a year's gone by since he graduated from coaching school, he's up there against a veteran. Highly acclaimed, Knighted even by the Queen, Sir Alex. Imagine what's going through Leo's head, especially considering he seems more of a planner than one who works on instinct, like Carlo. He must be doing the calculations, making sure everything is perfect, choosing from his options ... I really feel for him. I hope he does well, and if not, make it a good learning experience.

On the actual game, I just have a few points to make. Yes, I also think Milan is a more technical side than United. We have a lot of skill, a lot of naturally gifted players, brilliance, flair, etc. I remember back in 07 when we beat Munich ... Khan and Beckenbauer were the first to actually come out and say that Milan were the favorites that year. You could argue it was because we had just beaten them, but the fact that they talked about our technical ability may suppose otherwise.

They talked about how almost every Milan player, irregardless of their position, looked very comfortable on the ball ... gave us that much more time to construct and create, while making it harder for them to impose their game.

While I wouldn't exactly say we're as technically gifted as we were then, we are not far off. And this certainly is part of our character as a team, and we will have to use it if we're to do well.

That said, sadly, nowadays football isn't only about technical ability - what you can do on/with the ball. It is also about space, tempo and pace. In these aspects, I think United have an edge. And considering that they now are probably as experienced as us (with the big European nights) this could be the difference in their favor.

Good news is, these attributes aren't natural ... in the sense that, technical ability isn't taught - well at these levels. You don't expect Gattuso to suddenly come up and start distributing the ball like Pirlo, or assisting like Dinho. These can't be learnt in a short period of time. And the fact that we arguably have an edge in this department makes me ever so slightly optimistic.

Why? Because our players can give more tomorrow - work harder, close down gaps quicker, make challenges when they normally wouldn't, etc - and if they do, there exists a possibility that we may be able to match United for pace, for space and match their tempo. And this makes me slightly optimistic.

If we up our game, give it our very best, show HUNGER for the win, then I'm sure the lads will not let us down. Let us not forget we're in a bit of a transition, and even though our enviable record against them is at stake, I'd be content with the team making me proud.

FORZA MILAN! WIN FOR US!