Allegri discusses ‘important’ win against Lecce and Nkunku’s role: “I don’t know”

Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media after AC Milan’s 2-0 win over Lecce and in addition to the performance, the manager was also asked about the mercato. 

The first half was questionable from Milan at Via del Mare, but they improved in the second and managed to find the back of the net twice. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic were the goalscorers, while Luka Modric played a key role.

Understandably so, Allegri was more pleased with tonight’s display and had some positive things to say in his post-match interview with Sky (via MilanNews). He was also asked about the mercato, admitting that he’s not sure where Christopher Nkunku will fit in.

On the game…

“Tonight, we need to talk about the game because it was important for us to win. We played a good game. In my opinion, we conceded two or three chances where we didn’t take risks, but we should have performed better. Winning today was important to put the loss against Cremonese behind us.”

Did you enjoy your Milan more today?

“You have to win games on the pitch. It’s not like just wearing the Milan shirt means you win. Tonight, the team played with great humility and focus, and that’s what must carry us forward.”

How do you plan to use Nkunku?

“I don’t know how I’ll be able to use him. He’s a very high-quality player, and I think we already have excellent players up front, and the important thing is to find the right balance with them.”

When did you decide to change the system? And was this decision influenced by the players you have and those who will arrive?

“Instead of playing with two up front, I preferred to put one further into midfield so as to have four. With this system, we cover the pitch well and have more balance. We need to find confidence, and I can find that by not conceding goals for more games.”

Will you approve Musah’s transfer? Why even consider the Dovbyk-Gimenez swap?

“I haven’t addressed either the Gimenez or Musah issues, especially since we had an important match. So there was already confusion last week, and this week, for everyone’s sake, it was better to focus on the match. From tomorrow, the club will decide what’s best for Milan, to get them back to where they deserve to be and be competitive.”

Allegri will be able to work with Nkunku during the break, as he hasn’t been called up by France, so hopefully there will be a role in mind for the Bologna clash. Rafael Leao could also be back for that game, while some other signings might be at Allegri’s disposal.