AC Milan suffered huge damage in the Champions League. Although they defeated Barcelona, it was a pyrrhic victory.
This also allowed Chelsea to sit back and benefit in the semifinals.
For AC Milan, the suspensions of Kaká and Gattuso in the Champions League were not entirely bad news.
At least, the two could focus their energy on the Italian Cup and the league.
In the Italian Cup semifinal, Ancelotti fielded all main players except the injured Pirlo.
This was the first time AC Milan used their full-strength squad in the Italian Cup.
Of course, the pressure of the semifinal was a factor, but outsiders speculated that Ancelotti was shifting focus.
However, Ancelotti would never publicly admit to giving up on the Champions League.
Even if everyone thought AC Milan's Champions League run was basically over.
In the second leg against Fiorentina in the Italian Cup,
although AC Milan lost Pirlo, thanks to the outstanding performances of other players, they still withstood the pressure
and launched sharp counterattacks.
But after the two tough matches against Barcelona, AC Milan seemed exhausted, with many defensive problems.
Fiorentina's attack wasn't very strong but still broke through Milan's defense twice.
In this match, Suker and Kaká showed brilliant cooperation.
The 'fake double-core' tactic played a key role; Suker managed two shots and one assist.
Kaká provided two assists.
Pato scored a goal.
Finally, AC Milan won 3-2 over Fiorentina and advanced to the Italian Cup final.
"You're such a sieve!" Suker couldn't help but complain about Simunic.
This guy's performance in the match was disastrous.
Facing opposing forwards, he made repeated mistakes and was powerless once beaten to the back.
Nesta had to cover for him multiple times, and in the second half, Calazzo replaced him, or else more goals would have leaked.
Simunic felt frustrated.
With the midfield defense weakened, his weaknesses were exposed.
The root cause was that Gattuso could no longer run as before.
Gattuso kept his head down in silence.
In the past, Gattuso was an indefatigable iron man.
But this season, in the latter half and after the two-leg battle against Barcelona, he was heavily drained.
His body couldn't fully recover, easily fatigued and sleepy.
While playing, his focus faltered, and he even sometimes couldn't run properly.
"Ahhh~" Suker sighed as he sat on the bench.
There was nothing he could do.
The defense was starting to collapse; this season was like this, next season might be worse.
With the current state, AC Milan was really in danger.
Forget the Champions League!
If it's time to give up, then give up.
But for the league and the Italian Cup, Suker was unwilling to give up.
And in those two competitions, Inter Milan was a strong rival.
The good news was Inter Milan's situation was also bad.
Mancini had conflicts with the club's top management and might leave anytime.
Ibrahimović was unstable; the media were discussing his possible transfer.
Besides, they were demoralized after being trampled by Barcelona in the Champions League and still hadn't recovered.
All these factors meant Inter Milan was also declining.
But they still had their experienced core to rely on.
Moreover, next season, the "madman" Mourinho might rule Meazza.
Thinking of all this, Suker felt frustrated.
He shook his head and took several deep breaths.
He no longer wanted to think about these problems.
Now, his focus had to shift.
Transfers were one aspect.
The European Championship was another.
The latter was the biggest focus at the moment.
After the season ends, Croatia's national team would go to the 2008 Switzerland-Austria European Championship.
The Euros are not to be underestimated.
Besides, Croatia's group B had Germany, host Austria, and Poland.
Not a "Group of Death," but competition was fierce.
"Too bad we didn't meet you in the semifinals," Modrić said regretfully over the phone.
He was still waiting to kick Suker until he cried to get revenge.
With AC Milan's current state, how could they compete?
Winning wouldn't be a problem.
Suker rolled his eyes: "You better be careful not to get injured in the Champions League or it'll affect the Euros!"
"Don't worry, I won't get injured. This is my first major national tournament; I don't want to miss it."
"European media's tone has been off lately," Suker said. "The Eastern European 'Iron Cavalry,' the 'Checkered Army' are hyping the Croatian threat theory. Watch out for getting knocked out in the group stage."
"It's mainly the British media pushing it, since England missed the Euros. They're trying to hype us to save face," Modrić said shaking his head. "If we get a good result, England might salvage some pride."
Suker nodded.
In fact, England had reason to be worried.
In the original timeline,
Croatia made the Euro quarterfinals,
Russia made the semifinals.
They had real strength!
Also, England played terribly in Euro qualifiers.
"When playing Chelsea, be careful of their defense, and don't get injured. Sometimes you have to let go. Chelsea's defense is crazy!" Modrić warned.
Suker nodded: "Got it. Everyone avoid injury; save energy for the Euros!"
After that, Suker hung up.
Mourinho's Chelsea!
Suker shook his head—another tough battle ahead!
Meanwhile, in London, Chelsea's training base.
Shevchenko was summoned alone by Mourinho.
Mourinho and Shevchenko hadn't talked for a long time.
Mourinho wasn't the type to patiently wait for a substitute to grow or regain form.
After Shevchenko was kicked out of the starting lineup, they were basically strangers.
But this time, Mourinho called Shevchenko over.
Shevchenko was a little surprised.
He didn't know what there was left to talk about with Mourinho.
But soon, he understood.
"Andrei, I need some intelligence. I need to understand Suker's style precisely," Mourinho said while flipping through some files. "Our scouts aren't working hard enough. They say Suker is an all-round striker, but I feel they're joking. Suker must have some particular strength."
"So, is he an attacking type, a pivot, or a false nine?"
Listening to Mourinho, Shevchenko looked disappointed.
He thought Mourinho had a sudden awakening and wanted to use him again but didn't expect it to be about Suker.
But Mourinho's character could do things like this.
"He's just all-round!" Shevchenko sighed. "I don't really know his current state; too many changes in two years, and he's developed quickly."
"But from what I remember, he can play almost any position."
Mourinho nodded occasionally, writing something down.
After a moment, Mourinho looked up: "Anything else?"
Shevchenko shook his head.
Mourinho: "Alright, thanks for your effort."
Shevchenko frowned slightly, biting his teeth: "Sir, if next season I'm still not in the main squad, I hope to be loaned out. I want to play!"
This was Shevchenko's final probe.
He hoped Mourinho would persuade him to stay, tell him Chelsea still had a place, and that he'd soon return.
But none of that happened.
"Okay, I'll talk to the club. Any club you want to go to?"
Seeing Mourinho's indifferent attitude, Shevchenko knew he was completely abandoned.
"AC Milan!"
Shevchenko's tone was full of bitterness.
Yes!
He still wanted to return and find the old version of himself.
Even if there was no place for him anymore, it was his last hope.
Shevchenko left Mourinho's office.
All the way, Mourinho didn't even glance up at him once.
Mourinho's eyes fixed on the notebook, rubbing his brow and shaking his head:
"Such a troublesome type. Luckily Milan's midfield is crippled, otherwise it'd be really hard to play!"