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Massimiliano Allegri has suggested that there may be a positive aspect to not winning at Juventus, regarding the team’s mentality.
A cagey first half between Milan and Juve became way more open in the second half, though the two sides were forced to settle for a goalless draw. That said, the Rossoneri had some golden opportunities to win the game, as we also discussed in our player ratings.
There will be a bittersweet feeling for Allegri as a result. His side played well and would have been deserved winners, but he had to watch from the sidelines as Christian Pulisic blazed a penalty over and Rafael Leao missed a couple of big late chances too.
Allegri spoke at a post-match press conference after the full-time whistle at the Allianz Stadium and he dissected the key points of the match, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
Do you have some regrets?
“The positive thing is that we didn’t concede and that we played a good game, reading the situation well, especially in the first half when we didn’t have much space. In the second half, we improved a lot after Maignan’s save, and we then had several chances.
“The positive thing is that we got a point, but we have to come out of this game angry. We have to understand that when we have an opponent in our hands, we have to kill them, in a sporting sense.
“But maybe it’s better that we didn’t win, otherwise we thought we were fine, but instead there are so many things to fix.”
Were you excited to return?
“Nothing special happened. I was excited when I arrived, I was very happy to see so many people I’ve worked with, rejoiced and cried with. The fans welcomed me well, and I can only be happy.
“Now it’s the break: let’s focus on the fact that when we have an opponent in our grasp, we have to crush them.”
Did you expect more from those who came off the bench?
“They came on and did well, but it’s okay to make mistakes. The important thing is that they improve their fitness. Nkunku arrived late, Leao was out for 45 days. The substitutions are important. We need to maintain a balanced playing position because we haven’t done anything so far.”
Why is Leao not clinical?
“It’s difficult to explain and say what it is. I can only say that Rafa is working hard to find his optimal condition. We need him to get him back in his best condition, as well as Nkunku. Having both of them in top condition is very important.”
What are the hierarchies up front?
“Rafa and Nkunku are lacking in fitness. Gimenez played a good game tonight: he worked hard for the team, created chances, and won the penalty.
“I took him off because I thought a stroke of genius from Leao would have helped us win the match, otherwise Santi didn’t deserve to be off. But the whole team played well.”
How are penalties going in training?
“Pulisic is the penalty taker, a missed penalty doesn’t change things. I have to figure out who takes the penalty if he’s not there.”
How far can this Milan go?
“Juve are a great team and haven’t lost yet. As for us, the important thing is to arrive in March in the best possible condition to finish in the top four.”
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