Allegri defends Gimenez and Nkunku amid criticism: “Forget about the investment”

Massimiliano Allegri has provided a defence of Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez as they continue to be the subject of criticism.

Gimenez and Nkunku have plenty in common: they both signed this year for over €30m, both arrived hoping to help fix Milan’s attacking issues and both are yet to score a league goal this season, with only one goal each in the Coppa Italia.

This has led to calls for Milan to cash in on the Mexican and there have even been rumours about a mid-season exit for the Frenchman too. However, Allegri has always been one to stick up for his players in the media, and today was no different in his pre-match press conference.

On Nkunku, he stated: “Forget about the investment. He has extraordinary technical qualities, he also arrived late. He had a good game at home against Lazio, especially in the decisive moments.

“He also has to be convinced that he can be decisive. I’m convinced that he’ll do well. And maybe tomorrow he can score a goal.”

And on Santiago Gimenez, he added: “Santiago is working hard. We hope to have him back during the week. His ankle is fine. We need him. He hasn’t scored much, even though he’s come close.

“He’s a reliable player, he’s worked a lot for this team, he’s had a lot of chances. He’s had three goals ruled out by an inch. He scored a lot for Feyenoord, it’s not that he’s unlearned how to score.