Coach Mano Menezes took over for Dunga after Brazil was bounced in the semi-finals of the last world cup. Many criticized Dunga’s style of play because it did not pay homage to the jogo bonito brand of soccer.
Mano Menezes was supposed to bring back the flair and creativity we all associate with Brazilian soccer. Santos superstars Neymar and Ganso, along with AC Milan striker Pato and midfielder Robinho were going to take Copa America by storm.
Reality quickly set in after they were held to a draw by Venezuela and escaped with a last minute draw against Paraguay. A 4-2 win against a declining Ecuador masked the overall problems which Brazil demonstrated in their first two games.
Much talked about Neymar was substituted out in critical points in Brazil’s last two games, which speaks volumes about the coaches confidence in the young starlet. The talent is undeniable, but much maturity is still needed for Neymar to be a sure-fire superstar. He too often plays as if playing on the local playground, and forgets soccer is a team game while playing with blinders on.
Furthermore, referees have grown tired of his diving and flopping and often times referees do not give him the benefit of the doubt on fouls.
Ganso was handed the coveted “10” shirt and at moments looked the part with his slick passing and uncanny field vision. However, these moments were few and far between for the Brazilian attack to be effective.
Dani Alves was out of sorts and found himself on the bench in favor of Inter Milan’s Maicon, who brought more depth to the Brazilian attack on the right side.
Attacking left-back Andre Santos was average at best and provided little to the attack.
Robinho was his usual self, which is to say unconvincing and uninspiring. He made ineffective runs and errand passes all tournaments.
Pato was given little service as Neymar and Robinho did their worst “FIFA STREET” imitation.
Chelsea midfielder Ramires was nowhere to be seen in his defensive midfielder spot. His passes were erratic and often times lost possession in the midfield, which led to opponent counter-attacks.
Defenders Lucio and Thiago Silva were solid, but goalkeeper Julio Cesar was suspect, giving up questionable goals to Ecuador.
Although many will say they were unlucky not to beat Paraguay in the quarter-final round, the fact remains this team only plays in spurts with little consistency.
Also, there is no excuse for missing FOUR straight penalty shots in the shootout. There is no doubt that the field was in horrid conditions, but these are professional players, making more money than we can imagine to kick a ball http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifabout a field.
Read more:
Showing posts with label Alexandre Pato. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alexandre Pato. Show all posts
Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Copa America: Pato ready to fire Brazil to glory
Brazil striker Alexandre Pato is confident his side can still go on to lift their third Copa America title in a row, despite a disappointing 0-0 draw with Venezuela in their opening match.
A new-look team featuring the attacking talents of Robinho, Neymar and Ganso, as well as Pato, controlled proceedings for much of the match but were unable to breach their opponents’ defence.
The result, and uninspired performance, provoked an angry reaction from the media in Brazil with many pointing out that a pitchinvading dog got closer to the Venezuelan goal than the eight-time winners.
However, Pato, who hit the woodwork on Sunday night, remains upbeat about the Selecao’s chances and believes lessons have been learned as they prepare for their final two group games against Paraguay and Ecuador.
“We all want to do our job and bring Brazil to the top,” the 21-year-old said. “We did not have much time to train together. But this is just the beginning. If we had won in Venezuela, we would not be talking about this.
“There are two more games, we will win and will qualify to the quarter-finals. We are all convinced we can win the Cup but the team is new, the coach is new, everything is new.”
Brazil are no strangers to sluggish starts at the Copa America. In 2004, their blushes were saved in their opening match against Chile by a 90th-minute Luis Fabiano winner, while they were beaten 2-0 by Mexico in their first game four years ago.
On both occasions they went on to claim the title and Pato doesn’t see why his fellow youngsters can’t repeat the trick this time around and complete a hat-trick of wins, especially as Paraguay and Ecuador also drew.
“We’re not concerned about the draw against Venezuela,” he added. “While we expected a different result, a victory, the other teams tied. So the Cup begins again.
“Every game is different. We had a pretty good first half against Venezuela. The only thing missing was a goal. The game against Paraguay will be different as they will play us on equal terms. There will be more spaces.”
With an attacking triumvirate behind him, Pato was asked by Brazil coach Mano Menezes to lead the line on his own against Venezuela until the second-half introduction of Fred. But the AC Milan forward revealed he wasn’t feeling any extra pressure and is keen to score the goals in Argentina that help fire his side to the quarter-finals.
“I do what Menezes asks because I want to help the team get three points against Paraguay,” he said. “My role is to secure and keep the ball for the team on the offence. Also, I have an obligation to score goals, because I am the centre forward.”
Meanwhile, Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino has vowed to go on the attack when his team meet Brazil on Saturday. Los Guaraníes are also looking for their first goal of the tournament but Martino believes their best chances of success lie in taking the game to their opponents.
“We will not give up the intention of playing, attacking and to win the game,” he said. “We are not a perfect team. But we are working to maintain attention, concentration, and work-rate for 90 minutes.”
Martino is well aware of the attacking threat posed by Brazil though:“Dani (Alves) goes on forever, outside, inside; he is almost a No10. Not only Alves, but Ganso, Robinho, Pato, Neymar and many more.”
Read more:
A new-look team featuring the attacking talents of Robinho, Neymar and Ganso, as well as Pato, controlled proceedings for much of the match but were unable to breach their opponents’ defence.
The result, and uninspired performance, provoked an angry reaction from the media in Brazil with many pointing out that a pitchinvading dog got closer to the Venezuelan goal than the eight-time winners.
However, Pato, who hit the woodwork on Sunday night, remains upbeat about the Selecao’s chances and believes lessons have been learned as they prepare for their final two group games against Paraguay and Ecuador.
“We all want to do our job and bring Brazil to the top,” the 21-year-old said. “We did not have much time to train together. But this is just the beginning. If we had won in Venezuela, we would not be talking about this.
“There are two more games, we will win and will qualify to the quarter-finals. We are all convinced we can win the Cup but the team is new, the coach is new, everything is new.”
Brazil are no strangers to sluggish starts at the Copa America. In 2004, their blushes were saved in their opening match against Chile by a 90th-minute Luis Fabiano winner, while they were beaten 2-0 by Mexico in their first game four years ago.
On both occasions they went on to claim the title and Pato doesn’t see why his fellow youngsters can’t repeat the trick this time around and complete a hat-trick of wins, especially as Paraguay and Ecuador also drew.
“We’re not concerned about the draw against Venezuela,” he added. “While we expected a different result, a victory, the other teams tied. So the Cup begins again.
“Every game is different. We had a pretty good first half against Venezuela. The only thing missing was a goal. The game against Paraguay will be different as they will play us on equal terms. There will be more spaces.”
With an attacking triumvirate behind him, Pato was asked by Brazil coach Mano Menezes to lead the line on his own against Venezuela until the second-half introduction of Fred. But the AC Milan forward revealed he wasn’t feeling any extra pressure and is keen to score the goals in Argentina that help fire his side to the quarter-finals.
“I do what Menezes asks because I want to help the team get three points against Paraguay,” he said. “My role is to secure and keep the ball for the team on the offence. Also, I have an obligation to score goals, because I am the centre forward.”
Meanwhile, Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino has vowed to go on the attack when his team meet Brazil on Saturday. Los Guaraníes are also looking for their first goal of the tournament but Martino believes their best chances of success lie in taking the game to their opponents.
“We will not give up the intention of playing, attacking and to win the game,” he said. “We are not a perfect team. But we are working to maintain attention, concentration, and work-rate for 90 minutes.”
Martino is well aware of the attacking threat posed by Brazil though:“Dani (Alves) goes on forever, outside, inside; he is almost a No10. Not only Alves, but Ganso, Robinho, Pato, Neymar and many more.”
Read more:
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Alexandre Pato can become Brazil's new Ronaldo – Mano Menezes
National team boss tips his young striker to go on and scale great heights in the game, believing that he can be an integral part of his side's future successes
Brazil coach Mano Menezes feels AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has what it takes to become the new Ronaldo.
Pato, 21, is in the Brazil squad for the Copa America and his coach expects him to thrive like the legendary forward, who won two World Cups and is the competition's all-time top scorer with 15 goals.
"The fans always expect to see someone who will replace their previous idols and now they want Pato to be a Ronaldo or Romario," Menezes is quoted as saying by La Repubblica.
"I ask for calm because I feel Pato has the right characteristics to occupy Ronaldo's place.
"People are always talking about Neymar, but Pato has the quality to become the player we all want him to be."
Brazil's Copa America campaign kicks off on July 3 against Venezuela.
Read more:
Brazil coach Mano Menezes feels AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has what it takes to become the new Ronaldo.
Pato, 21, is in the Brazil squad for the Copa America and his coach expects him to thrive like the legendary forward, who won two World Cups and is the competition's all-time top scorer with 15 goals.
"The fans always expect to see someone who will replace their previous idols and now they want Pato to be a Ronaldo or Romario," Menezes is quoted as saying by La Repubblica.
"I ask for calm because I feel Pato has the right characteristics to occupy Ronaldo's place.
"People are always talking about Neymar, but Pato has the quality to become the player we all want him to be."
Brazil's Copa America campaign kicks off on July 3 against Venezuela.
Read more:
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Chelsea Lining Up a Massive Summer Bid for AC Milan "Wonderkid" Pato
It has been in news recently that striker Alexander Pato may make a summer move from AC Milan. A spate of injuries this season have given him little action for the team.
Moreover, the inconsistent form of Milan has sparked speculation that Pato might consider lucrative offers in the summer.
Chelsea, who had made a failed bid for the highly-rated Pato the previous summer, is making plans to launch an ambitious bid of over £45million this summer to secure the signing of the Brazilian "Wonderkid."
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, who had previously coached the 20-year-old striker while in charge at AC Milan, is a long term admirer of Pato.
Alex the "Duck", as Pato is lovingly called, is known for his quick pace, skillful dribbling, and powerful shot. He is regarded as one of the most promising young prospects of world football along the same lines of Messi or Bojan.
Read more:
Moreover, the inconsistent form of Milan has sparked speculation that Pato might consider lucrative offers in the summer.
Chelsea, who had made a failed bid for the highly-rated Pato the previous summer, is making plans to launch an ambitious bid of over £45million this summer to secure the signing of the Brazilian "Wonderkid."
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, who had previously coached the 20-year-old striker while in charge at AC Milan, is a long term admirer of Pato.
Alex the "Duck", as Pato is lovingly called, is known for his quick pace, skillful dribbling, and powerful shot. He is regarded as one of the most promising young prospects of world football along the same lines of Messi or Bojan.
Read more:
Sunday, March 7, 2010
World Cup favourites Brazil
THERE was a moment in the second half of Brazil’s game against the Republic of Ireland, at the Emirates stadium on Tuesday, that showed what the team have become under their pragmatic coach Dunga. By then, Brazil were in control and when centre-back Juan won another challenge with Kevin Doyle, it seemed nothing more than a routine moment.
In challenging for possession Doyle lost a boot and after the ball had been cleared, he turned to retrieve it. Juan noticed the forlorn footwear and smashed it out into touch. Doyle couldn’t quite believe what he had seen.
Dunga’s Brazil are strong and committed, they work hard and defend well. As Juan crassly reminded us, making friends is not a priority. He took as much notice of Doyle’s annoyance as the coach did of the fan with the ‘Dunga, why not Ronaldinho?’ banner. They aim to win.
The feeling is that Dunga won’t take Ronaldinho to the World Cup, preferring the team-orientated creator, Kaka, and Dunga is in a Brazilian minority that believes a team can have too much creativity. Not only Ronaldinho but even Pato and Diego may not make Dunga’s World Cup squad. Brazil are not overloaded with brilliance but in Dunga’s scheme, the more prosaic qualities are valued.
They were well matched by the Republic in the first half but once the Irish began to tire, Brazil’s strength and skill began to tell and a two-goal victory could have been four or five.
With Spain, Brazil deserve to be World Cup favourites. What is certain is that they will be a very difficult side to beat. Equally certain is that Dunga’s way will not meet with unanimous approval, certainly not in his home country.
Read more
In challenging for possession Doyle lost a boot and after the ball had been cleared, he turned to retrieve it. Juan noticed the forlorn footwear and smashed it out into touch. Doyle couldn’t quite believe what he had seen.
Dunga’s Brazil are strong and committed, they work hard and defend well. As Juan crassly reminded us, making friends is not a priority. He took as much notice of Doyle’s annoyance as the coach did of the fan with the ‘Dunga, why not Ronaldinho?’ banner. They aim to win.
The feeling is that Dunga won’t take Ronaldinho to the World Cup, preferring the team-orientated creator, Kaka, and Dunga is in a Brazilian minority that believes a team can have too much creativity. Not only Ronaldinho but even Pato and Diego may not make Dunga’s World Cup squad. Brazil are not overloaded with brilliance but in Dunga’s scheme, the more prosaic qualities are valued.
They were well matched by the Republic in the first half but once the Irish began to tire, Brazil’s strength and skill began to tell and a two-goal victory could have been four or five.
With Spain, Brazil deserve to be World Cup favourites. What is certain is that they will be a very difficult side to beat. Equally certain is that Dunga’s way will not meet with unanimous approval, certainly not in his home country.
Read more
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Brazil's Alexandre Pato Banking on Milan Performances to Alert Dunga
Only time will tell if his performance against Manchester United will have persuaded Dunga he is ripe for a comeback but Ronaldinho wasn't the only Brazilian in the Milan side hoping for a World Cup lifeline.
Alexandre Pato, another third of Milan's three-man attack in the first leg of their Champions League meeting in the San Siro, is also hoping for a plane ticket to South Africa.
The 20-year-old is enduring an injury-prone season and at one stage his club ordered dental treatment in a bid to solve the muscle problems that had kept him on the sidelines for two months.
"'Dinho and myself are here to play for Milan but a possible call-up to the national side depends on how we play in the red and black shirts," he admitted.
"If I play well with Milan, especially in the big games, then I can hope for a call up to the national team. I want to do my best for Milan and win things with this team but I also want to get back into the national team. It has always been my aim."
Pato's fitness problems meant he did not feature in the 22-man squad called up for next month's London friendly with the Republic of Ireland.
And that will be especially poignant for him as Arsenal's Emirates Stadium was where he made his senior debut, against Sweden in March 2008. He did so in some style too, needing just a few seconds to mark it with a goal, just as Pele had more than 50 years previously.
Another Italian-based player who was also left disappointed by Dunga's selection policy was Diego, the Juventus midfielder, but he too is reluctant to give up on the dream.
Read more
Alexandre Pato, another third of Milan's three-man attack in the first leg of their Champions League meeting in the San Siro, is also hoping for a plane ticket to South Africa.
The 20-year-old is enduring an injury-prone season and at one stage his club ordered dental treatment in a bid to solve the muscle problems that had kept him on the sidelines for two months.
"'Dinho and myself are here to play for Milan but a possible call-up to the national side depends on how we play in the red and black shirts," he admitted.
"If I play well with Milan, especially in the big games, then I can hope for a call up to the national team. I want to do my best for Milan and win things with this team but I also want to get back into the national team. It has always been my aim."
Pato's fitness problems meant he did not feature in the 22-man squad called up for next month's London friendly with the Republic of Ireland.
And that will be especially poignant for him as Arsenal's Emirates Stadium was where he made his senior debut, against Sweden in March 2008. He did so in some style too, needing just a few seconds to mark it with a goal, just as Pele had more than 50 years previously.
Another Italian-based player who was also left disappointed by Dunga's selection policy was Diego, the Juventus midfielder, but he too is reluctant to give up on the dream.
Read more
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Madrid offer €63 million for Pato
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to put in a €63 Million bid for AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.
According to reports in La Repubblica, Madrid have singled out Pato as a top transfer target with Manuel Pellegrini keen to boost his attacking options to challenge for honours on all fronts.
Milan have already indicated that they are not interested in selling their young star, but this represents a similar scenario to Kaka's situation when Madrid came calling.
Pato moved to Milan in 2007 and is widely regarded as one of the upcoming superstars of the sport.
Nicknamed ‘The Duck', Pato was instrumental in helping Leonardo's side to a stunning 3-2 Champions League victory against his suitors at the Bernabeu earlier in the season.
Madrid currently have Raul, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain in attack but Pellegrini seems adamant that he needs an additional option.
Read it here
According to reports in La Repubblica, Madrid have singled out Pato as a top transfer target with Manuel Pellegrini keen to boost his attacking options to challenge for honours on all fronts.
Milan have already indicated that they are not interested in selling their young star, but this represents a similar scenario to Kaka's situation when Madrid came calling.
Pato moved to Milan in 2007 and is widely regarded as one of the upcoming superstars of the sport.
Nicknamed ‘The Duck', Pato was instrumental in helping Leonardo's side to a stunning 3-2 Champions League victory against his suitors at the Bernabeu earlier in the season.
Madrid currently have Raul, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain in attack but Pellegrini seems adamant that he needs an additional option.
Read it here
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Snubbed Brazil Star Pato Grabs Brace For AC Milan In Friendly
The attacking starlet continued his good run of form.
Nov 13, 2009 5:15:55 PM
Alexandre Pato - Milan (Getty Images)
One of their stars this season has undoubtedly been Alexandre Pato, a man who has scored eight times in all competitions, including a stunning brace at the Santiago Bernabeu, to lead his side to a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the
The youngster was recently snubbed from Dunga’s Brazilian national team for their upcoming friendlies against England and Oman.
Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has made the most of his omission in a friendly match that Milan played against a local club.
The Milanese giants won 2-0, thanks to a brace from Pato, who grabbed a goal within the first minute of play, and then another midway through the first half.
Meanwhile, Alessandro Nesta was rested from the clash, after having nasal surgery, whilst Dida held his place in between the sticks. Pippo Inzaghi was at his best, however despite hitting the post on a couple of occasions, he failed to score.
Milan are unbeaten in their past eight outings in all competitions, and they will be confident of continuing this impressive run when they meet Cagliari at San Siro after the international break.
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/86/italy/2009/11/13/1623498/snubbed-brazil-star-pato-grabs-brace-for-ac-milan-in
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Global Soccer: Academy for Brazilians on the Fields of Italy
Before a ball was kicked in the Serie A season, the national coach, Marcello Lippi, expressed the wish that the Italian league would make the world sit up and notice its quality before the World Cup in 2010.
Maybe it will. But it might not be the Italians doing it.
The eye-catching performances in AC Milan’s 2-1 victory in Siena on Saturday night were Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho in the attack and Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva in defense. Three of the four are Brazilians who are hoping the Italian league makes their national coach, Carlos Dunga, sit up and notice them.
The other, certainly, is pure Italian, Roman in fact. But Nesta, classy defender though he could once claim to be, is 33 and coming back gingerly from a back injury that many feared might finish his career.
In the hot and humid late summer Tuscan night, the dovetailing of Nesta and Thiago was exactly what Milan needed after the retirement of the club captain, Paolo Maldini.
“Thiago helps him, Nesta guides him,” Leonardo, the new Milan coach, said on television after the game. “They complete each other.
“Sandro had the possibility of not playing anymore. This gave him an incredible motivation to return the same player as before.”
Thiago, almost a decade younger, tall and strong but also quick because he started his career as a winger with Fluminense, is, of course, a Brazilian, like his new coach.
Before Saturday, Leonardo had never coached in competitive sports. Now he is entrusted by Silvio Berlusconi, Milan’s president and Italy’s prime minister, to take care of his team. A player at the highest level, a World Cup winner with Brazil, but, before this summer, more of an aide, a talent scout to the president, Leonardo has replaced Carlo Ancelotti who had five years as a Milan player and eight as its coach.
The first player Ancelotti tried to take with him when he decamped to Chelsea in June was Milan’s “baby,” another Brazilian, Pato. Ancelotti had called Pato a phenomenon of youth — swift, with a powerful shot, superb balance and, something that nobody can coach, that extra sense of where the goals are.
Berlusconi said yes to selling Kaká, his Brazilian playmaker, to Real Madrid soon after Ancelotti left. He said no, at any price, to letting Pato go.
Those who have followed this remarkable youngster can sense why. But he looks a youth no longer. His birth certificate says he was born in Pato Branco, in the south of Brazil, 19 years ago, but the growth of beard, the possibly still-growing stature, the sometimes almost calloused expression, makes him a man before his time.
Pato, whose real name is Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, slipped back to Brazil to marry the actress Sthefany Brito last month. Their honeymoon was short; Milan, like many a top European club, had scheduled a summer tour to make dollars in the United States.
It had lost eight out of 10 matches leading up to the Serie A start on Saturday. Leonardo claimed he was little troubled by that because he had seen the form and the pride being primed by his players for the real thing.
“I’m in the role now of thinking about others’ emotions, not mine,” said the coach. “My rapport with Berlusconi is very good. Berlusconi is in love with Ronaldinho. He thinks he has a pearl at home that needs to be used at its best.
“I have known Ronaldinho forever. I know his story, I played for years with his brother, I’m Brazilian. With Ronaldinho, it’s now or never with Milan and with the national team. Pato is an incredible talent who must affirm himself in the national team. I think they and Thiago will soon return to Brazil’s lineup.”
They are not on the squad named for the Sept. 5 crunch qualifying match in Rosario, Argentina. But five Serie A players are on the squad, as are Kaká and Adriano, who recently left AC Milan and Inter. As Lippi wished, the Italian league is being noticed, if only as a major part of a Brazilian renaissance.
What illuminated the tough opening fixture in Siena on Saturday was hugely Brazilian. Ronaldinho, pulling the strings of imagination behind the running of Pato and Marco Borriello, has some way to go to recapture the magical Ronaldinho of three or four seasons ago with Barcelona.
But little by little, the passes of Ronaldinho, the timing, the spontaneity split Siena’s rugged, he-man back line. There were men there who tried to kick Pato from the thighs down, but Ronaldinho knew where to put the ball, in places where those pack dogs would not snap at the younger Brazilian.
Each goal that Pato scored and at least four other chances emanated from Ronaldinho’s exact passes and Pato’s intuitive running. Add to that Borriello’s willingness to be the selfless foil and the pace of Marek Jankulovski down the left, and the two goals might well have been five.
Milan, despite six players missing through injury and its new striker, Klass-Jan Huntelaar, suspended, did just enough to win. Siena leveled after Pato’s first goal, but never looked likely to do so twice.
Pato turns 20 next month. He was sadly, almost comically, pursued by a pack of Siena players angry with him for teasing and wasting time at the end — but Pato has been upsetting older players since he was 3.
That is when he was spotted, and he then played futsal, indoor soccer. By 11 he had moved in with 83 boys and youths in the training academy of Internacional in Porto Alegre. After 10 games for that club, Pato, then 17, was sold to Milan.
Italy has been preparing him for Brazil ever since.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/sports/soccer/24iht-SOCCER.html
Maybe it will. But it might not be the Italians doing it.
The eye-catching performances in AC Milan’s 2-1 victory in Siena on Saturday night were Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho in the attack and Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva in defense. Three of the four are Brazilians who are hoping the Italian league makes their national coach, Carlos Dunga, sit up and notice them.
The other, certainly, is pure Italian, Roman in fact. But Nesta, classy defender though he could once claim to be, is 33 and coming back gingerly from a back injury that many feared might finish his career.
In the hot and humid late summer Tuscan night, the dovetailing of Nesta and Thiago was exactly what Milan needed after the retirement of the club captain, Paolo Maldini.
“Thiago helps him, Nesta guides him,” Leonardo, the new Milan coach, said on television after the game. “They complete each other.
“Sandro had the possibility of not playing anymore. This gave him an incredible motivation to return the same player as before.”
Thiago, almost a decade younger, tall and strong but also quick because he started his career as a winger with Fluminense, is, of course, a Brazilian, like his new coach.
Before Saturday, Leonardo had never coached in competitive sports. Now he is entrusted by Silvio Berlusconi, Milan’s president and Italy’s prime minister, to take care of his team. A player at the highest level, a World Cup winner with Brazil, but, before this summer, more of an aide, a talent scout to the president, Leonardo has replaced Carlo Ancelotti who had five years as a Milan player and eight as its coach.
The first player Ancelotti tried to take with him when he decamped to Chelsea in June was Milan’s “baby,” another Brazilian, Pato. Ancelotti had called Pato a phenomenon of youth — swift, with a powerful shot, superb balance and, something that nobody can coach, that extra sense of where the goals are.
Berlusconi said yes to selling Kaká, his Brazilian playmaker, to Real Madrid soon after Ancelotti left. He said no, at any price, to letting Pato go.
Those who have followed this remarkable youngster can sense why. But he looks a youth no longer. His birth certificate says he was born in Pato Branco, in the south of Brazil, 19 years ago, but the growth of beard, the possibly still-growing stature, the sometimes almost calloused expression, makes him a man before his time.
Pato, whose real name is Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, slipped back to Brazil to marry the actress Sthefany Brito last month. Their honeymoon was short; Milan, like many a top European club, had scheduled a summer tour to make dollars in the United States.
It had lost eight out of 10 matches leading up to the Serie A start on Saturday. Leonardo claimed he was little troubled by that because he had seen the form and the pride being primed by his players for the real thing.
“I’m in the role now of thinking about others’ emotions, not mine,” said the coach. “My rapport with Berlusconi is very good. Berlusconi is in love with Ronaldinho. He thinks he has a pearl at home that needs to be used at its best.
“I have known Ronaldinho forever. I know his story, I played for years with his brother, I’m Brazilian. With Ronaldinho, it’s now or never with Milan and with the national team. Pato is an incredible talent who must affirm himself in the national team. I think they and Thiago will soon return to Brazil’s lineup.”
They are not on the squad named for the Sept. 5 crunch qualifying match in Rosario, Argentina. But five Serie A players are on the squad, as are Kaká and Adriano, who recently left AC Milan and Inter. As Lippi wished, the Italian league is being noticed, if only as a major part of a Brazilian renaissance.
What illuminated the tough opening fixture in Siena on Saturday was hugely Brazilian. Ronaldinho, pulling the strings of imagination behind the running of Pato and Marco Borriello, has some way to go to recapture the magical Ronaldinho of three or four seasons ago with Barcelona.
But little by little, the passes of Ronaldinho, the timing, the spontaneity split Siena’s rugged, he-man back line. There were men there who tried to kick Pato from the thighs down, but Ronaldinho knew where to put the ball, in places where those pack dogs would not snap at the younger Brazilian.
Each goal that Pato scored and at least four other chances emanated from Ronaldinho’s exact passes and Pato’s intuitive running. Add to that Borriello’s willingness to be the selfless foil and the pace of Marek Jankulovski down the left, and the two goals might well have been five.
Milan, despite six players missing through injury and its new striker, Klass-Jan Huntelaar, suspended, did just enough to win. Siena leveled after Pato’s first goal, but never looked likely to do so twice.
Pato turns 20 next month. He was sadly, almost comically, pursued by a pack of Siena players angry with him for teasing and wasting time at the end — but Pato has been upsetting older players since he was 3.
That is when he was spotted, and he then played futsal, indoor soccer. By 11 he had moved in with 83 boys and youths in the training academy of Internacional in Porto Alegre. After 10 games for that club, Pato, then 17, was sold to Milan.
Italy has been preparing him for Brazil ever since.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/sports/soccer/24iht-SOCCER.html
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
AC Milan deny Pato offer from Chelsea
AC Milan have dismissed a newspaper report suggesting that Chelsea had agreed a deal to sign Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato.
The 19-year-old rising star has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since former Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti was confirmed as the new Blues manager earlier in the summer.
One newspaper report claimed that Ancelotti had agreed a £45m fee with his former club but would allow the teenager to spend the next season on loan in Italy ahead of moving to England in 12 months' time.
However, Milan claim the story is completely without foundation and have reiterated their previous claim that Pato is not for sale at any price.
"With regards to the rumours circulated this morning by the English press, AC Milan clarify and reaffirm that there are no negotiations ongoing with Chelsea regarding Alexandre Pato, and that the player is absolutely non transferable," read a club statement.
Pato scored 15 goals in 36 Serie A appearances last season and is regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football.
Meanwhile, striker Luis Fabiano insists he is fully focused on Sevilla despite seeing his dream move to AC Milan fall through.
The Brazil international was expected to join the Italian giants last month before Milan decided to pull the plug on the deal when they were unable to agree a fee with their Spanish counterparts.
The Rossoneri then turned their attention to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and swiftly wrapped up the signing of the Netherlands striker from Real Madrid.
"I'm not thinking about Milan," claimed Fabiano. "They made an offer, but I was always calm and thinking about Sevilla.
"I have been training for several weeks and I'm not yet at 100 per cent so that's what I'm concentrating on now, continuing working with Sevilla to start the season well.
"Everything's forgotten, I'm only thinking about Sevilla."
Elsewhere, Lazio beat Internazionale 2-1 in the final of the Supercoppa Italiana in Beijing's National Stadium on Saturday night, but despite the defeat coach Jose Mourinho was happy with his side's efforts.
Brazilian Francelino Matuzalem opened the scoring for Lazio before Tommaso Rocchi scored with a spectacular lob.
New signing Samuel Eto'o reduced the deficit with his first goal for the Nerazzuri with 12 minutes to go.
"We lost. What can I say?" said Mourinho. "I am not happy, but I liked it that my players showed character and fought until the end to win.
"I am very satisfied with the match, although not with the result, we should have won by two goals at least."
On the contrary, Lazio president Claudio Lotito was buoyed by his team's success.
He said: "I'm very satisfied with my team's performance.
"I consider it a victory of the group, not just the team."
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ac-milan-deny-pato-offer-from-chelsea-1770110.html
The 19-year-old rising star has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since former Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti was confirmed as the new Blues manager earlier in the summer.
One newspaper report claimed that Ancelotti had agreed a £45m fee with his former club but would allow the teenager to spend the next season on loan in Italy ahead of moving to England in 12 months' time.
However, Milan claim the story is completely without foundation and have reiterated their previous claim that Pato is not for sale at any price.
"With regards to the rumours circulated this morning by the English press, AC Milan clarify and reaffirm that there are no negotiations ongoing with Chelsea regarding Alexandre Pato, and that the player is absolutely non transferable," read a club statement.
Pato scored 15 goals in 36 Serie A appearances last season and is regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football.
Meanwhile, striker Luis Fabiano insists he is fully focused on Sevilla despite seeing his dream move to AC Milan fall through.
The Brazil international was expected to join the Italian giants last month before Milan decided to pull the plug on the deal when they were unable to agree a fee with their Spanish counterparts.
The Rossoneri then turned their attention to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and swiftly wrapped up the signing of the Netherlands striker from Real Madrid.
"I'm not thinking about Milan," claimed Fabiano. "They made an offer, but I was always calm and thinking about Sevilla.
"I have been training for several weeks and I'm not yet at 100 per cent so that's what I'm concentrating on now, continuing working with Sevilla to start the season well.
"Everything's forgotten, I'm only thinking about Sevilla."
Elsewhere, Lazio beat Internazionale 2-1 in the final of the Supercoppa Italiana in Beijing's National Stadium on Saturday night, but despite the defeat coach Jose Mourinho was happy with his side's efforts.
Brazilian Francelino Matuzalem opened the scoring for Lazio before Tommaso Rocchi scored with a spectacular lob.
New signing Samuel Eto'o reduced the deficit with his first goal for the Nerazzuri with 12 minutes to go.
"We lost. What can I say?" said Mourinho. "I am not happy, but I liked it that my players showed character and fought until the end to win.
"I am very satisfied with the match, although not with the result, we should have won by two goals at least."
On the contrary, Lazio president Claudio Lotito was buoyed by his team's success.
He said: "I'm very satisfied with my team's performance.
"I consider it a victory of the group, not just the team."
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ac-milan-deny-pato-offer-from-chelsea-1770110.html
Friday, April 17, 2009
Pato is being picked on
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has demanded that referees give more protection to star teenage striker Pato.
Milan have been complaining in recent weeks that Pato is being targetted by defenders and Galliani is worried for the Brazilian.
"He is being scientifically targetted the moment he steps on the pitch with the hope that, given that he is young, he will become a peripheral figure, something that happens on occasions," complained Galliani.
"Defenders have always kicked forwards but the treatment dealt out to Pato is a little excessive.
"But it's up to the referees to see if things are legal or not. Referees shouldn't protect anyone but they have to put the brakes on violent play and I hope they'll do so in the next match."
Milan, who host lowly Torino on Sunday, sit third in Serie A, just two points behind second-placed Juventus and four ahead of Genoa in fourth.
With leaders Inter Milan 12 points ahead of them, Milan's aim is merely to finish in the top three and ensure they qualify directly for the group stages of next season's Champions League.
Even so, the feeling in the San Siro is that second place is a real possibility.
"I don't like to make predictions, Juve have two points more than us but behind us there are Genoa, who are playing really well, and of course Fiorentina, we'll see what happens but it will be difficult (to claim second place)," added Galliani.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gmj4qXJ-CsoOjr77k5Sp81ggvLxA
Milan have been complaining in recent weeks that Pato is being targetted by defenders and Galliani is worried for the Brazilian.
"He is being scientifically targetted the moment he steps on the pitch with the hope that, given that he is young, he will become a peripheral figure, something that happens on occasions," complained Galliani.
"Defenders have always kicked forwards but the treatment dealt out to Pato is a little excessive.
"But it's up to the referees to see if things are legal or not. Referees shouldn't protect anyone but they have to put the brakes on violent play and I hope they'll do so in the next match."
Milan, who host lowly Torino on Sunday, sit third in Serie A, just two points behind second-placed Juventus and four ahead of Genoa in fourth.
With leaders Inter Milan 12 points ahead of them, Milan's aim is merely to finish in the top three and ensure they qualify directly for the group stages of next season's Champions League.
Even so, the feeling in the San Siro is that second place is a real possibility.
"I don't like to make predictions, Juve have two points more than us but behind us there are Genoa, who are playing really well, and of course Fiorentina, we'll see what happens but it will be difficult (to claim second place)," added Galliani.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gmj4qXJ-CsoOjr77k5Sp81ggvLxA
Monday, April 13, 2009
Pato Sure Kaka And Ancelotti Will Remain At Milan
The Rossoneri starlet is fairly certain that his fellow countryman and coach will both remain at the club.
Apr 8, 2009 7:39:40 PM
Kaka-Ronaldinho-Pato Torino-Milan Serie A (Grazia Neri)
Milan are currently well-positioned in the league in third place and are looking extremely likely to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, after missing out to Fiorentina this term.
With their season all but over, much of the news coming from the Rossoneri camp of late has centred on transfer news, mainly concerning Kaka and coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Both have been linked with moves away from the club at the conclusion of the season, with the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea linked as possible destinations. Despite this, the club’s top scorer this season, Alexandre Pato, believes that both the trainer and the Brazilian playmaker will remain with the club next term.
“In January I was very scared with everything I read in the newspapers about the possible departure of Kaka,” Pato admitted in an interview with Milan Studio Sport.
“He made the right choice in deciding to stay here though, as this is, and will always be, his home. With him by my side I can learn so many things, and hopefully become a great player too.
“Ancelotti is another who always helps me, both in matches and in training. With this in mind, I will not be happy if he leaves either, and I don’t think he will, as he has a close bond with the club.”
The 19-year-old star went on to discuss his international future with Brazil, and the recent dramas surrounding his snub from Dunga’s starting line-up despite his outstanding form with Milan.
He said, “I am very happy to be called up to the Brazilian national team, so I do respect all those who stand before me in Dunga’s eyes.
“I will keep working hard, and do my best to ensure that in eighteen months time I am at the World Cup in South Africa.”
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/86/italy/2009/04/09/1199666/pato-sure-kaka-and-ancelotti-will-remain-at-milan
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Pato: I Nearly Lost A Limb To Cancer
The Brazilian starlet has revealed that he narrowly avoided amputation at a young age.
Milan young gun Alexandre Pato has been a revelation since making his debut for the club in January 2008, when he scored in the Rossoneri’s convincing 5-2 triumph over Napoli at the San Siro stadium.
Since then he has gone on to make a name for himself as one of the world’s top talents, with a number of dazzling displays for both his club and country.
However, during a recent television program broadcast in Brazil, Pato sensationally confessed that his life may not have been as it is today had it not been for the doctors who identified that he had cancer at a young age.
“At the age of 11, before joining Internacional, I had broken my left arm twice in the same place, and required some examinations to determine the extent of the injury,” Pato affirmed in the program ‘Esporte Espetacular’.
“The investigations however had identified a tumour in the arm, and immediately it was feared that I would need to have my arm amputated.
“Thankfully I managed to have surgery to have it removed, and it was a success.”
At the age of just 19, the Brazilian has already proven his potential for the future, and that he has all the credentials at this stage to become one of the game's greats.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/03/31/1183719/milans-pato-admits-he-risked-amputation-as-a-child
Milan young gun Alexandre Pato has been a revelation since making his debut for the club in January 2008, when he scored in the Rossoneri’s convincing 5-2 triumph over Napoli at the San Siro stadium.
Since then he has gone on to make a name for himself as one of the world’s top talents, with a number of dazzling displays for both his club and country.
However, during a recent television program broadcast in Brazil, Pato sensationally confessed that his life may not have been as it is today had it not been for the doctors who identified that he had cancer at a young age.
“At the age of 11, before joining Internacional, I had broken my left arm twice in the same place, and required some examinations to determine the extent of the injury,” Pato affirmed in the program ‘Esporte Espetacular’.
“The investigations however had identified a tumour in the arm, and immediately it was feared that I would need to have my arm amputated.
“Thankfully I managed to have surgery to have it removed, and it was a success.”
At the age of just 19, the Brazilian has already proven his potential for the future, and that he has all the credentials at this stage to become one of the game's greats.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/03/31/1183719/milans-pato-admits-he-risked-amputation-as-a-child
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Brazil Soccer: World Cup Debate: Do Brazil Really Need Ronaldo?
R9’s return to goalscoring form has lead to fresh calls for him to be reinstated to the Selecao. But Goal.com’s KS Leong asks, do Brazil need him to come back?
As Ronaldo announced that he is comtemplating the idea of an early retirement next year, the question running through everyone’s mind is whether will he be granted one last recall to the Selecao, or one final appearance in the World Cup, before he hangs up his boots?
An overwhelming majority of Goal.com readers have backed O Fenomeno to fight his way back into the ultra-competitive Brazilian national team. But the country’s former World Cup winning captain, Carlos Alberto Torres, doesn’t believe that he should feature in Dunga’s long-term plans. And he has good reason for thinking that.
Brazil simply do not require Ronaldo’s services in this phase of their history. They have more than enough talented forwards at their disposal: Luis Fabiano, Adriano, Robinho and Alexandre Pato. That they are not scoring regularly and consistently has more to do with the coach and his tactics, than it does with the players' natural abilities.
Risky Business
It’s not that Ronaldo is no longer good enough to don the verde-amarela, or that he’s too old. Make no mistake, he is not past it by any means. He has already scored four goals in five games for Corinthians and did so almost immediately after returning from a year long injury. It’s the kind of conversion rate reminiscent of his astonishing ratio back in the 90’s: 42 goals in 45 games for PSV and 34 goals in 37 games for Barcelona. If he can continue in this form, he certainly warrants a return to the Canarinho.
But taking the 32-year-old to the 2010 World Cup, for example, is a risk. While he may be guaranteed to provide goals, there will always be a lingering question mark around his fragile condition, especially his knees. Sometimes at 50%, he can perform better than most strikers at 100%. But there are also times when his 50% looks more like most other players at 10%. In other words, his unpredictable fitness makes him… well, too unpredictable.
In all fairness, Ronaldo has always demonstrated his remarkable resilience and tenacity. Not only has he bounced back from several career-threatening injuries, but also from a twilight-zone World Cup final, some highly publicised broken relationships, yo-yo weight problems and countless off-field scandals.
The one thing he hasn’t been able to shed, though, is his over-indulgent lifestyle and his excessive partying.
It is something that the Brazilian team can do without at the moment, especially in light of more recent stories about Adriano and Robinho’s 12-hour merrymaking escapade and especially with South Africa 2010 fast approaching.
The no-nonsense disciplinarian Dunga, the Brazilian equivalent of Fabio Capello, was brought in to keep a tight leash on his players, clean up the squad and disband any group of egotistical celebrities and superstars. It was something that played a big part in the nation’s downfall in the 2006 World Cup in Germany when, for the first time since Italia ’90, they failed to get past the quarter-final stage as their ‘Magic Quartet’ flopped miserably.
Ronaldo has already earned and cemented his legendary status in the history books of world football, although according to the notorious IFFHS polls, he ranks no higher than 9th in the list of the best Brazilian players in the 20th century.
Yet, he has already been through and achieved more on the international stage than most players can even dream of. He’s gone all the way to the final of a World Cup three times in succession, won two of them, although he didn’t play at all at USA ’94 as a 17-year-old; he’s overtaken the great Gerd Muller as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 15 goals; he won the tournament’s Golden Shoe in 2002 and the Golden Ball in 1998 and he’s one of only two players to have ever won the FIFA World Player of the Year three times.
Let The Kids In
With 62 international goals to his name, perhaps the only thing left for Ronaldo to do is chase down Pele’s 77-goal mark to become the country’s all-time top scorer. While almost every football fanatic would love to see that happen, the truth is that it’s time for him to move over and let the next generation of young, aspiring Fenomenos to begin their own fairytale journey to superstardom. And there are plenty of them.
The one player who could suffer most if Ronaldo were to return to A Selecao is Pato, who has just started to inch his way into Dunga’s plans. The Milan striker has gone from being this gawky looking, pimple-faced teenager to becoming a world class footballing teenager in the space of just a few years. And in a few years more, he will join the very top echelon of the megastars of today. But his international progress could be hampered if in the next year or two, if he falls down the pecking order to make room for R9.
There’s also Douglas Costa who, although not a forward, is an outrageously talented attacking midfielder in the Ronaldinho mould. He’s already proven himself in Brazil’s Sub-20 squad in the recent South American Youth Championships but to move up to the next step, he needs the exposure in the senior squad and at the moment there is just no way of squeezing him in there, much less so if another attacking spot is reserved for Ronaldo.
But one particular young sensation everyone wants to see in the Esquadrao de Ouro is Keirrison. Wonderfully nicknamed K9, he is the one Brazilian who is in red-hot form at present: 16 goals in 14 games for Palmeiras. And at 20 years of age, he is primed and ready to step onto the big stage, although he may be too skinny for Dunga’s liking. But a potential move to one of Europe’s superpowers in the near future will force him to beef up and fast-track his international debut.
And the latest kid to emerge is, of course, Neymar, anointed by none other than Pele himself as the next big thing to come out of Brazil. And Santos. He may only have just turned 17 years old a month-and-a-half ago, but, lest we forget, that’s how old both Pele and Ronaldo were when they had their very first World Cup experience.
No-one would begrudge the opportunity the see Ronaldo in full fitness and in full flight as he rips apart opposing defences like he did in the good old days. And just like any professional footballer, he still harbours the burning desire to pull on his country’s colours and sing the national anthem before the start of every game.
Dunga has said he is more than willing to take the striker back, should an opportunity present itself. But the truth is that Brazil and Dunga are not in any particular dire need of his services. And Ronaldo himself isn’t exactly dying for more international recognition or success, or more unnecessary exertion on his knees. You just feel that one more injury and the curtains will really have to come down.
It would be sad sight indeed to see him forced to end his playing career with tears soaking his famous yellow jersey, clutching his knee as he is carried off the field in a stretcher, watched by millions.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2009/03/28/1179430/world-cup-debate-do-brazil-really-need-ronaldo
As Ronaldo announced that he is comtemplating the idea of an early retirement next year, the question running through everyone’s mind is whether will he be granted one last recall to the Selecao, or one final appearance in the World Cup, before he hangs up his boots?
An overwhelming majority of Goal.com readers have backed O Fenomeno to fight his way back into the ultra-competitive Brazilian national team. But the country’s former World Cup winning captain, Carlos Alberto Torres, doesn’t believe that he should feature in Dunga’s long-term plans. And he has good reason for thinking that.
Brazil simply do not require Ronaldo’s services in this phase of their history. They have more than enough talented forwards at their disposal: Luis Fabiano, Adriano, Robinho and Alexandre Pato. That they are not scoring regularly and consistently has more to do with the coach and his tactics, than it does with the players' natural abilities.
Risky Business
It’s not that Ronaldo is no longer good enough to don the verde-amarela, or that he’s too old. Make no mistake, he is not past it by any means. He has already scored four goals in five games for Corinthians and did so almost immediately after returning from a year long injury. It’s the kind of conversion rate reminiscent of his astonishing ratio back in the 90’s: 42 goals in 45 games for PSV and 34 goals in 37 games for Barcelona. If he can continue in this form, he certainly warrants a return to the Canarinho.
But taking the 32-year-old to the 2010 World Cup, for example, is a risk. While he may be guaranteed to provide goals, there will always be a lingering question mark around his fragile condition, especially his knees. Sometimes at 50%, he can perform better than most strikers at 100%. But there are also times when his 50% looks more like most other players at 10%. In other words, his unpredictable fitness makes him… well, too unpredictable.
In all fairness, Ronaldo has always demonstrated his remarkable resilience and tenacity. Not only has he bounced back from several career-threatening injuries, but also from a twilight-zone World Cup final, some highly publicised broken relationships, yo-yo weight problems and countless off-field scandals.
The one thing he hasn’t been able to shed, though, is his over-indulgent lifestyle and his excessive partying.
It is something that the Brazilian team can do without at the moment, especially in light of more recent stories about Adriano and Robinho’s 12-hour merrymaking escapade and especially with South Africa 2010 fast approaching.
The no-nonsense disciplinarian Dunga, the Brazilian equivalent of Fabio Capello, was brought in to keep a tight leash on his players, clean up the squad and disband any group of egotistical celebrities and superstars. It was something that played a big part in the nation’s downfall in the 2006 World Cup in Germany when, for the first time since Italia ’90, they failed to get past the quarter-final stage as their ‘Magic Quartet’ flopped miserably.
Ronaldo has already earned and cemented his legendary status in the history books of world football, although according to the notorious IFFHS polls, he ranks no higher than 9th in the list of the best Brazilian players in the 20th century.
Yet, he has already been through and achieved more on the international stage than most players can even dream of. He’s gone all the way to the final of a World Cup three times in succession, won two of them, although he didn’t play at all at USA ’94 as a 17-year-old; he’s overtaken the great Gerd Muller as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 15 goals; he won the tournament’s Golden Shoe in 2002 and the Golden Ball in 1998 and he’s one of only two players to have ever won the FIFA World Player of the Year three times.
Let The Kids In
With 62 international goals to his name, perhaps the only thing left for Ronaldo to do is chase down Pele’s 77-goal mark to become the country’s all-time top scorer. While almost every football fanatic would love to see that happen, the truth is that it’s time for him to move over and let the next generation of young, aspiring Fenomenos to begin their own fairytale journey to superstardom. And there are plenty of them.
The one player who could suffer most if Ronaldo were to return to A Selecao is Pato, who has just started to inch his way into Dunga’s plans. The Milan striker has gone from being this gawky looking, pimple-faced teenager to becoming a world class footballing teenager in the space of just a few years. And in a few years more, he will join the very top echelon of the megastars of today. But his international progress could be hampered if in the next year or two, if he falls down the pecking order to make room for R9.
There’s also Douglas Costa who, although not a forward, is an outrageously talented attacking midfielder in the Ronaldinho mould. He’s already proven himself in Brazil’s Sub-20 squad in the recent South American Youth Championships but to move up to the next step, he needs the exposure in the senior squad and at the moment there is just no way of squeezing him in there, much less so if another attacking spot is reserved for Ronaldo.
But one particular young sensation everyone wants to see in the Esquadrao de Ouro is Keirrison. Wonderfully nicknamed K9, he is the one Brazilian who is in red-hot form at present: 16 goals in 14 games for Palmeiras. And at 20 years of age, he is primed and ready to step onto the big stage, although he may be too skinny for Dunga’s liking. But a potential move to one of Europe’s superpowers in the near future will force him to beef up and fast-track his international debut.
And the latest kid to emerge is, of course, Neymar, anointed by none other than Pele himself as the next big thing to come out of Brazil. And Santos. He may only have just turned 17 years old a month-and-a-half ago, but, lest we forget, that’s how old both Pele and Ronaldo were when they had their very first World Cup experience.
No-one would begrudge the opportunity the see Ronaldo in full fitness and in full flight as he rips apart opposing defences like he did in the good old days. And just like any professional footballer, he still harbours the burning desire to pull on his country’s colours and sing the national anthem before the start of every game.
Dunga has said he is more than willing to take the striker back, should an opportunity present itself. But the truth is that Brazil and Dunga are not in any particular dire need of his services. And Ronaldo himself isn’t exactly dying for more international recognition or success, or more unnecessary exertion on his knees. You just feel that one more injury and the curtains will really have to come down.
It would be sad sight indeed to see him forced to end his playing career with tears soaking his famous yellow jersey, clutching his knee as he is carried off the field in a stretcher, watched by millions.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2009/03/28/1179430/world-cup-debate-do-brazil-really-need-ronaldo
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Pato: Defenders out to get me
AC Milan favourite Alexandre Pato has admitted that he is a marked man in the tough and physical world of Serie A.
The Samba starlet is enjoying a stellar season for the Rossoneri having already bagged 15 goals for Carlo Ancelotti's men.
But despite his heroics, Milan are struggling to stay with league leaders and bitter rivals Inter and have already been knocked out of this season's UEFA Cup competition.
Pato was on target during Milan's 2-1 defeat at Sampdoria last weekend, a game that, once again, saw the 19-year-old receive more than his fair share of tough tackles.
"Defenders have become harder on me," Pato explained to Milan's official television channel.
"They have decided not to let me run, but often, they don't get the ball, they get me!"
With the pressure on Milan to improve, Pato is determined to keep on scoring, a task he believes is made easier thanks to the class that exists within the Milanese club's ranks.
"It's easy to score at Milan, with so many good players who know where to put the ball so I can score," he said.
"I am also learning tricks from [Andriy] Shevchenko and [Pippo] Inzaghi.
"David Beckham is also a great guy, and not just on the pitch. He has helped me a lot, and when we play together, I know, if I ask him for a pass, he knows where I want the ball."
http://www.espnstar.com/football/serie-a/news/detail/item217213/Pato:-Defenders-out-to-get-me/
The Samba starlet is enjoying a stellar season for the Rossoneri having already bagged 15 goals for Carlo Ancelotti's men.
But despite his heroics, Milan are struggling to stay with league leaders and bitter rivals Inter and have already been knocked out of this season's UEFA Cup competition.
Pato was on target during Milan's 2-1 defeat at Sampdoria last weekend, a game that, once again, saw the 19-year-old receive more than his fair share of tough tackles.
"Defenders have become harder on me," Pato explained to Milan's official television channel.
"They have decided not to let me run, but often, they don't get the ball, they get me!"
With the pressure on Milan to improve, Pato is determined to keep on scoring, a task he believes is made easier thanks to the class that exists within the Milanese club's ranks.
"It's easy to score at Milan, with so many good players who know where to put the ball so I can score," he said.
"I am also learning tricks from [Andriy] Shevchenko and [Pippo] Inzaghi.
"David Beckham is also a great guy, and not just on the pitch. He has helped me a lot, and when we play together, I know, if I ask him for a pass, he knows where I want the ball."
http://www.espnstar.com/football/serie-a/news/detail/item217213/Pato:-Defenders-out-to-get-me/
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Pato: I really want Beckham to stay
Alexandre Pato has welcomed news that David Beckham is set to stay with AC Milan.
A loan extension from LA Galaxy is expected to be confirmed over the weekend and Pato said: “I really want Beckham to stay.
“He is a great player and not just in a match situation. Off the field he’s a lovely guy who always helps me if I need something.
“On the pitch if I ask him for the ball in a certain position, he puts it in exactly the right spot.”
Pato always said that Ronaldo was his hero, so he must be pleased to see his former teammate return to the sport after a long injury lay-off in Brazil.
“We are friends and often chat, so of course I’m happy he is playing again. Now I would love him to get back to the Ronaldo we all knew – Il Fenomeno.”
http://www.tribalfootball.com/ac-milans-pato-i-really-want-beckham-stay-231316
A loan extension from LA Galaxy is expected to be confirmed over the weekend and Pato said: “I really want Beckham to stay.
“He is a great player and not just in a match situation. Off the field he’s a lovely guy who always helps me if I need something.
“On the pitch if I ask him for the ball in a certain position, he puts it in exactly the right spot.”
Pato always said that Ronaldo was his hero, so he must be pleased to see his former teammate return to the sport after a long injury lay-off in Brazil.
“We are friends and often chat, so of course I’m happy he is playing again. Now I would love him to get back to the Ronaldo we all knew – Il Fenomeno.”
http://www.tribalfootball.com/ac-milans-pato-i-really-want-beckham-stay-231316
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Kaka shrugs off Bologna boos to inspire AC Milan to victory
Kaka shook off barracking from Bologna fans to produce a superb goal scoring performance in AC Milan's victory last night.
Gazzetta dello Sport says Kaka was subjected to abusive chants from home supporters, a rare occurrence in Italy.
"It was all very beautiful," insisted Kaka at the final whistle. "I'm happy because Milan are still chasing Inter and Juve, and even for my two goals. In 2009 we are demonstrating consistency."
On his blossoming partnership with Alexandre Pato, Kaka added: "We are improving. With Pato, it is going very well and the second goal, really was very beautiful, it was created from an exchange between us."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/kaka-shrugs-bologna-boos-inspire-ac-milan-victory-224376
Gazzetta dello Sport says Kaka was subjected to abusive chants from home supporters, a rare occurrence in Italy.
"It was all very beautiful," insisted Kaka at the final whistle. "I'm happy because Milan are still chasing Inter and Juve, and even for my two goals. In 2009 we are demonstrating consistency."
On his blossoming partnership with Alexandre Pato, Kaka added: "We are improving. With Pato, it is going very well and the second goal, really was very beautiful, it was created from an exchange between us."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/kaka-shrugs-bologna-boos-inspire-ac-milan-victory-224376
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Pato's early goal holds up as Milan downs Fiorentina
Pato's goal seven minutes into the game was enough to lead AC Milan to a 1-0 win over Fiorentina at the San Siro on Saturday.
The win moves Milan to within six points of leaders Inter Milan and it solidifies the Rossoneri's hold on third place, while Fiorentina remains in sixth place and has lost its last two games.
Milan got out to a great start with Pato scoring his third goal in two games inside of seven minutes.
David Beckham attempted a cross from the left wing that was blocked and the ball fell to Marek Jankulovski, who slipped a pass to Pato inside the box. The young Brazilian then eluded a defender and fired off the far post and into the net to give his side an early lead.
Stevan Jovetic tried to equalize seven minutes later but he hooked a shot just wide from 20 yards before a well-struck shot from Riccardo Montolivo was parried by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.
Beckham almost added to Milan's lead right before halftime when he got into the box on the right and drove a low shot towards the far post that was tipped wide by goalkeeper Marco Storari.
The second half started slowly but a nice ball from Juan Vargas found Mario Santana in front of goal midway through the half. Santana struck the ball first-time but Abbiati reacted well and got enough of the ball to keep it out.
Santana threatened the Milan net again in the 73rd minute when he fired just wide of the right post, but the Viola were unable to muster another significant threat over the final 15 minutes despite the fact that Jankulovski picked up a second yellow card in the 90th minute.
Siena moved seven points clear of the drop zone as Mario Frick scored with 15 minutes to play, handing his side a 1-0 win over second-from-the-bottom Reggina, which is winless in its last six games.
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=soc-ita/news/news.aspx?id=4204424
The win moves Milan to within six points of leaders Inter Milan and it solidifies the Rossoneri's hold on third place, while Fiorentina remains in sixth place and has lost its last two games.
Milan got out to a great start with Pato scoring his third goal in two games inside of seven minutes.
David Beckham attempted a cross from the left wing that was blocked and the ball fell to Marek Jankulovski, who slipped a pass to Pato inside the box. The young Brazilian then eluded a defender and fired off the far post and into the net to give his side an early lead.
Stevan Jovetic tried to equalize seven minutes later but he hooked a shot just wide from 20 yards before a well-struck shot from Riccardo Montolivo was parried by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.
Beckham almost added to Milan's lead right before halftime when he got into the box on the right and drove a low shot towards the far post that was tipped wide by goalkeeper Marco Storari.
The second half started slowly but a nice ball from Juan Vargas found Mario Santana in front of goal midway through the half. Santana struck the ball first-time but Abbiati reacted well and got enough of the ball to keep it out.
Santana threatened the Milan net again in the 73rd minute when he fired just wide of the right post, but the Viola were unable to muster another significant threat over the final 15 minutes despite the fact that Jankulovski picked up a second yellow card in the 90th minute.
Siena moved seven points clear of the drop zone as Mario Frick scored with 15 minutes to play, handing his side a 1-0 win over second-from-the-bottom Reggina, which is winless in its last six games.
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=soc-ita/news/news.aspx?id=4204424
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Alexandre Pato a Serie A Sensation This Season
Alexandre Pato has become one of Serie A’s most prominent players during the last calendar year. The young Brazilian has just completed his first year at AC Milan and with his lightning speed, unique technical skills, great finishing, and outstanding reading of the game; the forward has done nothing to diminish his €22 million price tag.
Alexandre Pato, whose real name is Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, received his shirt name due to his hometown being Pato Branco—which in both Spanish and Portuguese means “duck.”
Pato started playing futsal at the early age of four and become known in the Parana region due to his unique skills. At the age of seven the young talent switched to football and went off to play for Gremiô Industrial Pato Branquese—a sister club to Gremiô.
However, things haven’t always been easy for "The Duck." In 2000, young Pato at a mere 10 years of age was brought to the doctors with a broken arm. The doctor found something else too—a tumor that would have been cancerous had it not been removed within two months.
It was lucky for both Pato and his family that the doctor was a family friend, as they could not afford the costly operation. The operation was performed for free and it took several years for the prospering talent to fully recover and rehabilitate the arm.
When Pato turned 11 he along with his family decided to put all eggs in one basket by trying out for Internacional—with 83 other boys all fighting for the same spot. He beat all of his competitors—leaving the club with the knowledge that they had stumbled across something amazing.
In 2005, Pato helped Internacional to win the Brazilian U-20 Championship after bagging a brace against Gremiô in the return fixture of the final. That year Internacional also won the Copa Libertadores, which generated a place in the FIFA Club World Cup where the Brazilians surprisingly came to beat Barcelona in the final.
* B/R Ticket Guide
Powered by FanSnap.com
The Brazilian didn’t manage to shine in the final due to the fact that the forward was playing with injury, but that didn’t stop him from running circles around defense stalwart Carles Puyol before he was substituted for team mate Adriano Gabiru who eventually scored the winner.
Pato was deliberately kept in the youth team to keep prying eyes from discovering that blossoming talent and the management was forbidden to talk about their prized asset to the media. It wasn’t until the forward Rafael Sobis left Internacional that Pato at age 17 signed a contract and took the step up to the senior team.
It was from then that the youngster started the fine habit of scoring in his debuts. He presented himself to the club’s supporters by scoring a header in his debut against Palmeiras in the 4-1 win in November 2006. The buzz surrounding the player was unbelievable as he was tipped to becoming one of the world’s most complete players in the coming years.
During the following year Pato helped the Brazil youth team to a South American Youth Championship title in Paraguy—which also meant automatic qualification to both FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
On Aug. 2 2007, AC Milan paid €22 million for Pato as the club confirmed their latest signing—but with regards to the Italian Football Regulations regarding underage non-European players—he was unable to play official games for his new club until Jan. 3, 2008 when the transfer window would reopened.
On Sept. 4, 2007—the day after his birthday, Pato made his unofficial debut for Milan in a friendly against Dynamo Kiev where he scored a header in the 2-2 draw and gave the Diavolo supporters something to look forward to.
The official debut in the Milan shirt took place on Jan. 13, 2008 and the hype surrounding the player did nothing to stress the forward who loyal to his habit scored in his first official game in the 5-2 win over Napoli.
Approximately two months after his Milan debut the young Brazilian once again scored in a debut. Pato came off the bench and scored the winner with a sublime strike in 72th minute in his first appearance for the Selecão where Brazil hosted Sweden at the Emirates Stadium in celebration of the 1958 World Cup Final between the two nations.
Most people probably remember a certain Pelé attracting global recognition with his inspiring performance during that specific final about 50 years ago.
Pato rounded up his first six months at Milan with 18 appearances and nine goals and quickly became a fan favorite at the San Siro.
During the following summer Pato made three appearances and scored one goal as a part of the Brazil team that won bronze medals in the Beijing Olympics.
The Brazilian has started the 2008-09 in great fashion and already has eight goals to his name. The youngster has scored doubles against both Udinese and Roma this season and is quickly becoming an integral part of the team’s offense.
He has earned the praise of teammates and coaches alike, and keeping his head cool and staying humble with the amount of attention he is receiving simply showcases maturity despite his young age.
The forward has already blossomed into a world-class player and if he continues on the same path, there is not a doubt in my mind that he will one day soon become the best footballer in the world.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/110923-alexandre-pato-a-serie-a-sensation-this-season/show_full
Alexandre Pato, whose real name is Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, received his shirt name due to his hometown being Pato Branco—which in both Spanish and Portuguese means “duck.”
Pato started playing futsal at the early age of four and become known in the Parana region due to his unique skills. At the age of seven the young talent switched to football and went off to play for Gremiô Industrial Pato Branquese—a sister club to Gremiô.
However, things haven’t always been easy for "The Duck." In 2000, young Pato at a mere 10 years of age was brought to the doctors with a broken arm. The doctor found something else too—a tumor that would have been cancerous had it not been removed within two months.
It was lucky for both Pato and his family that the doctor was a family friend, as they could not afford the costly operation. The operation was performed for free and it took several years for the prospering talent to fully recover and rehabilitate the arm.
When Pato turned 11 he along with his family decided to put all eggs in one basket by trying out for Internacional—with 83 other boys all fighting for the same spot. He beat all of his competitors—leaving the club with the knowledge that they had stumbled across something amazing.
In 2005, Pato helped Internacional to win the Brazilian U-20 Championship after bagging a brace against Gremiô in the return fixture of the final. That year Internacional also won the Copa Libertadores, which generated a place in the FIFA Club World Cup where the Brazilians surprisingly came to beat Barcelona in the final.
* B/R Ticket Guide
Powered by FanSnap.com
The Brazilian didn’t manage to shine in the final due to the fact that the forward was playing with injury, but that didn’t stop him from running circles around defense stalwart Carles Puyol before he was substituted for team mate Adriano Gabiru who eventually scored the winner.
Pato was deliberately kept in the youth team to keep prying eyes from discovering that blossoming talent and the management was forbidden to talk about their prized asset to the media. It wasn’t until the forward Rafael Sobis left Internacional that Pato at age 17 signed a contract and took the step up to the senior team.
It was from then that the youngster started the fine habit of scoring in his debuts. He presented himself to the club’s supporters by scoring a header in his debut against Palmeiras in the 4-1 win in November 2006. The buzz surrounding the player was unbelievable as he was tipped to becoming one of the world’s most complete players in the coming years.
During the following year Pato helped the Brazil youth team to a South American Youth Championship title in Paraguy—which also meant automatic qualification to both FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
On Aug. 2 2007, AC Milan paid €22 million for Pato as the club confirmed their latest signing—but with regards to the Italian Football Regulations regarding underage non-European players—he was unable to play official games for his new club until Jan. 3, 2008 when the transfer window would reopened.
On Sept. 4, 2007—the day after his birthday, Pato made his unofficial debut for Milan in a friendly against Dynamo Kiev where he scored a header in the 2-2 draw and gave the Diavolo supporters something to look forward to.
The official debut in the Milan shirt took place on Jan. 13, 2008 and the hype surrounding the player did nothing to stress the forward who loyal to his habit scored in his first official game in the 5-2 win over Napoli.
Approximately two months after his Milan debut the young Brazilian once again scored in a debut. Pato came off the bench and scored the winner with a sublime strike in 72th minute in his first appearance for the Selecão where Brazil hosted Sweden at the Emirates Stadium in celebration of the 1958 World Cup Final between the two nations.
Most people probably remember a certain Pelé attracting global recognition with his inspiring performance during that specific final about 50 years ago.
Pato rounded up his first six months at Milan with 18 appearances and nine goals and quickly became a fan favorite at the San Siro.
During the following summer Pato made three appearances and scored one goal as a part of the Brazil team that won bronze medals in the Beijing Olympics.
The Brazilian has started the 2008-09 in great fashion and already has eight goals to his name. The youngster has scored doubles against both Udinese and Roma this season and is quickly becoming an integral part of the team’s offense.
He has earned the praise of teammates and coaches alike, and keeping his head cool and staying humble with the amount of attention he is receiving simply showcases maturity despite his young age.
The forward has already blossomed into a world-class player and if he continues on the same path, there is not a doubt in my mind that he will one day soon become the best footballer in the world.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/110923-alexandre-pato-a-serie-a-sensation-this-season/show_full
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Determined Milan Desperate For Victory Against Roma – Pato
The young Brazilian is confident that his side will be at their best this weekend against Roma.
The Serie A resumes this weekend, and undoubtedly the match of the opening round of 2009 sees Milan travel to Rome to face the Giallorossi, in what is certain to be an intriguing contest.
The Rossoneri are third in the league at present, and can ill afford to drop any points in this clash, if they wish to keep up with Inter and Juventus, who are both ahead of them in the standings.
In the lead up to the big match, the club’s young Brazilian striker, Alexandre Pato, has given his thoughts on the pulsating fixture.
“It will be a beautiful match between two great teams,” Pato said in an interview with Sky.
“We were happy with 2008, and we are hungry for more this year, and that starts this weekend against Roma.
“We are determined to do well and we will continue to give our all in every match we play,” he added.
The 19-year-old striker concluded the interview by making a comment on the club’s new arrival David Beckham, a player whomo he has great admiration for.
“Beckham’s arrival has been great for the club, and as I have seen him train and play, I can tell that he is very strong, not only on the field, but also off it.
“For me it is a great pleasure to train with him and with all of my team mates.
“I am happy to be here. It's great, we are strong, and I look forward to my future in Milan,” he concluded.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1708/ac-milan/2009/01/10/1053230/determined-milan-desperate-for-victory-against-roma--pato
The Serie A resumes this weekend, and undoubtedly the match of the opening round of 2009 sees Milan travel to Rome to face the Giallorossi, in what is certain to be an intriguing contest.
The Rossoneri are third in the league at present, and can ill afford to drop any points in this clash, if they wish to keep up with Inter and Juventus, who are both ahead of them in the standings.
In the lead up to the big match, the club’s young Brazilian striker, Alexandre Pato, has given his thoughts on the pulsating fixture.
“It will be a beautiful match between two great teams,” Pato said in an interview with Sky.
“We were happy with 2008, and we are hungry for more this year, and that starts this weekend against Roma.
“We are determined to do well and we will continue to give our all in every match we play,” he added.
The 19-year-old striker concluded the interview by making a comment on the club’s new arrival David Beckham, a player whomo he has great admiration for.
“Beckham’s arrival has been great for the club, and as I have seen him train and play, I can tell that he is very strong, not only on the field, but also off it.
“For me it is a great pleasure to train with him and with all of my team mates.
“I am happy to be here. It's great, we are strong, and I look forward to my future in Milan,” he concluded.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1708/ac-milan/2009/01/10/1053230/determined-milan-desperate-for-victory-against-roma--pato
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
