7 hours ago
33
Ahead of this weekend’s game against Lecce, Massimiliano Allegri has spoken about AC Milan’s chances as well as the mercato.
There is an instant need for a bounce back this weekend. Milan lost their opening game, and that has landed the squad in a difficult position. Questions are growing about the team already, and there will be movements in the final days.
However, those movements are certainly a topic of interest currently. It appears that the Rossoneri are going for players that are not being suggested by the Italian, with Dusan Vlahovic and Adrien Rabiot largely being overlooked.
There is time for moves to be finalised, of course. Though the idea that the movements are not made for Allegri, but rather the club, is definitely something that can be seen as concerning.
Allegri’s press conference
Allegri spoke at the press conference this afternoon, and his words have been relayed by MilanNews.
What was the team’s reaction after the defeat?
“It was an unexpected defeat. If we had paid more attention to their goal-scoring, we could have won. Lecce plays fast-paced football; they’re very organised, and playing there is never easy.”
What are your thoughts on coaching a team with the transfer window open, and do these last few days scare you or give you hope?
“We’ve gotten used to the ups and downs of these final days of the transfer window. The club is focusing on the transfer window, trying to bring in players who will allow the team to grow and reach March in top form and in a good position in the league table. We’re upset about the defeat against Cremonese, and we need to keep working.”
Given all these developments, is AC Milan still a work in progress? How important is Santi Gimenez to you?
“Santi is currently our only striker. I’ve known him for twenty days; he’s a good player, and we expect a lot from him. As for the work in progress, I think we need to work daily, watching the team grow, and also the players, who are strong and promising. We need to improve on last year’s position, and we have six months to do so.”
How’s the collaboration with the management going?
“We’ve been talking to Furlani, Tare, Ibra, and Moncada. Ultimately, the club does the dealings; they need to make sure they balance the books as well. We have a very difficult match tomorrow, and the club will take care of the rest.”
How do you see these final days of the transfer window?
“We’ve spoken with the club. The club knows about the transfer opportunities. I’m here to work and train the players I have available. I’m happy with the squad I have because it has some important talent, and we need to work on it.”
How do you see Jashari and in what position?
“This morning, he got hurt in a collision with Gimenez and will be out against Lecce. He’s a player who can play in front of the defence or in a two-man midfield.”
Will De Winter play? How did he rate the defence’s performance?
“We conceded two goals from the two mistakes we made in the ninety minutes. We need to lower our game, if not eliminate it entirely. I still don’t know who will play tomorrow.”
Is a Giroud-style centre forward still needed, or have the club’s needs changed?
“You have to be patient and have faith in the transfer market. The need for a certain type of striker? That applies to everyone, because the club has every interest in building a competitive team.”
Milan have conceded 137 goals in recent years. How are you working to improve this aspect?
“With work, we’ll focus more on defence. We’re working on it. We hope not to concede tomorrow, but the deficit of conceding too many goals can’t be overcome in a few weeks, but I’m sure we’ll overcome it.”
Is there an explanation for the difference in performance between the friendlies and the team we saw in competitive matches?
“Against Cremonese, we created a lot and shot a lot. We conceded two crosses where we were well-positioned, but mistakes followed. Against Bari, we conceded four shots on goal, and Maignan made two important saves. Already in Perth, we conceded three or four situations against a team with limitations.
“After the Bari match, I saw some alarm bells ringing. Against Cremonese, we did well in our preventive and counterattack plays, but we missed the goals. On Saturday, we didn’t have the idea we could concede; against Bari, we were more at risk. These things happen.”
Have you been in touch with Rabiot?
“No, since before the holidays. Adrien is a guy I’m fond of. He’s a Marseille player. I’m emotionally attached to him because we worked together.”
Is it true that you’re not happy with how the club is operating?
“That’s not true. I’m used to being with the club, and the players I coach, in my opinion, are the best.”
Is there a need to bring in another central defender?
“I don’t know if there is a need, but we have to create the conditions to win. And when I talk about defence, I’m talking about the whole team. We have to win.”
What are your plans for the attack?
“We need to approach the game correctly and with great respect. They have great enthusiasm; they played a great match in Genoa. Di Francesco makes his teams play well. We need to get on par with the others and run like them. Then our technical qualities will emerge, and that’s where we need to improve.”
Can Leao, Pulisic, Saelemaekers, and a striker coexist?
“It all depends on them. If they show great commitment, anything can be done. I’m happy to coach this group, because they train hard and hard. Tomorrow, more than a good match, we need a win.”
Was there any intemperance with Alex Jimenez?
“Everyone is late, sooner or later. I have nothing against Alex; he’s a good player. Absolutely nothing happened.”
Have you ever approached the club about Vlahovic?
“No, I’ve talked to the club about the players’ characteristics and what can be done. If players with different characteristics arrive, we’ll do it somehow.”
English (US) ·