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AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri has spoken about his relationship with Rafael Leao, and what he expects from the derby.
The first Milan derby of the season is upon us, with kick-off set for 20:45 CET, and it’s a big chance for Allegri and his team to prove themselves. The 2-2 draw against Parma before the break was a negative result to go into the internationals with, so in many ways a response is needed.
Inter go into the game two points higher in the table, meaning that they can extend the gap to five points with a win. Alternatively, the Rossoneri could jump their cousins and make it even tighter at the top, also continuing a positive recent trend in the derby.
Allegri gave an interview to DAZN that was broadcast the night before derby day and he offered a further preview of the game after his press conference. His comments are via MilanNews.
Mentally, will the derby leave you with something positive or negative?
“The result usually leaves you with a positive feeling for the following days. If it’s a negative result, it leaves you with a bit of disappointment, a bit of hurt, but then we have a lot of other games to play. So we need to analyse what happens tomorrow to try to improve.”
Leao described you as a father, is that right?
“I was pleased with Rafa’s words, but I think my staff and I need to be there to support the players and try to improve them physically, technically, and psychologically. This is very important. I think Rafa has taken a step forward because I think he’s understood that a striker is valued for the goals he scores.”
Can Leao score 20 goals?
“For now, he’s at four. Let’s hope he continues, then we’ll see (laughs).”
Rabiot will also return – how much of a difference could he make?
“He’s an important player. Milan have several of them, mixed with players who are less experienced. But we’re working to get some good results to then achieve our main objective, which is to return to the Champions League.”
Rabiot said he hoped to win it with a 90th-minute goal. Could it happen?
“The 90th minute is always better because you’d struggle less. You’d struggle for 90 minutes, then at the end you’d struggle less. No, we need to play a good game because Inter are very strong.”
What did you think of Tare’s comments this week?
“It’s not pressure. When you work at a big club like Milan, it’s normal to have a goal, which is to get back into the Champions League, because they have to compete in the Champions League, which is their home, where they’ve won seven times.
“At the same time, you shouldn’t set limits but rather be ambitious, and above all, work to achieve the best results. If the best result is to finish in the top four, it means we’ve done well to get into the top four. If it’s to finish higher, it means we’ve deserved it. Also because the league doesn’t lie: in the end, the strongest team wins.”
How are you working to restore confidence to Gimenez and Nkunku?
“Gimenez is still out with an ankle problem. Nkunku had a great game against Roma; he struggled a little more against Parma, but he’s a very technical player and will come through eventually.”
Your fondest derby memory?
“Definitely the first one because that’s the one we won. Then, unfortunately, I lost all four of the last four (laughs).”
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