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On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Bologna, Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media at his usual pre-match press conference.
The international break has come to an end and Milan are back in action tomorrow, taking on Bologna at San Siro. For the Rossoneri and Allegri, it’s a game they need to win to build some momentum, following the success away at Lecce.
Speaking to the media at the press conference this morning, as transcribed by MilanNews, Allegri spoke about the game and what he expects from Bologna. He also shared an update on the injuries, including Rafael Leao, and praised Santiago Gimenez.
Is this one of those games you have to win to get back on track?
“The season basically starts today; the transfer window closed on September 1st. Bologna is no longer a revelation, but a team accustomed to playing at the top of the table thanks to the excellent work of Sartori and Italiano.
“They’re a team with great pace, great technical players, and they bring great intensity to the game. It’s our second home game. Against Cremonese, we lost by conceding avoidable goals, and we absolutely must do better tomorrow.”
Are Milan ready after the transfer market?
“I don’t know if we’re ready or not, I just know that tomorrow we play Bologna and it’s a game we have to win. We need to start winning at home, it won’t be easy. Three new players have arrived, I’m very happy with the squad I have at my disposal. The club has done a good job.
“We have players with more games under their belt and young players, a good mix. We all know that it will be a difficult road to get back to playing in the Champions League.”
Do you have enough players?
“The squad has the right number of players to face the season. 19 outfield players plus the young U23 players, who are good and have the opportunity to work with us and grow.”
On the injuries…
“Leao has a problem with his soleus. Stretching or straining it doesn’t make any difference, it’s a complicated muscle. He won’t be available tomorrow and I don’t think he’ll be available against Udinese. I think we’ll see him against Napoli.
“Estupinan is fine, he’s even recovered from jet lag. Pulisic is fine, he has no problem with his hand. The others are all fine, only Leao and Jashari are injured, and we’ll wait for them in due time.”
So you spoke with Rabiot…
“We texted each other, but I hadn’t heard from him since before the transfer 10 days ago. He’s doing well physically. Nkunku is the one who’s lagging behind physically. He never trained with the first team at Chelsea. I think he’ll get 25-30 minutes. He’s available and he’s an important player.”
Rabiot as a starter?
“Between today and tomorrow morning, I have to evaluate the situation of those who have returned from international duty. With Nkunku only partially fit and Leao out, we have Balentien, who came on against Lecce with a good attitude, quite savvy.
“I’m happy with what Gimenez has done for the national team: he’s good, he’s got goals in his legs. He arrived in January last year, and the first six months, especially coming in mid-season, are a period of adjustment. I think Gimenez can have a great season this year.”
Is this the Milan you have in mind?
“What I really like is that we’re working well and that the boys are really engaged. They want to come here every day to work and improve. Seasons are decided between March and May. We’ll need to be in top form in March to give ourselves a chance.
“We hope we don’t lose much; we’ve already lost one chance. In Lecce, the team showed balance and patience. These guys have a sense of responsibility towards the shirt, the club, the fans, and themselves.”
Seeing as Milan lost the Coppa Italia final against Bologna, can tomorrow’s match close a circle with last year’s season?
“There’s no point in talking about what has already been done. We can’t change it. Let’s try to look ahead and to tomorrow’s match. Bologna are prepared both technically and organizationally. Two or three games are crucial for the turning points of a season; it’s still too early now.”
Can this team handle three forwards and three midfielders?
“It depends on the moment, on the players’ availability, and on their physical condition. The important thing is that the team understands the moments of the game. I think having a team that understands the moments of the game is a great advantage.”
Some said that with Vlahovic, Milan would surely finish in the top four. With Nkunku and Gimenez?
“It makes me smile when people tell me that one team wins and the other team loses. In football, there are too many variables. You have to be good at managing the unexpected. You can’t say that one team wins and the other team loses; the unexpected is just around the corner.
“We can only work with great passion to create the conditions to win matches. The rest is just nice chatter. Nothing is certain, except that we need to work. The rest is just chatter.”
On the possibility of Milan-Como being played in Perth…
“There are competent bodies that decide these things. Like it or not, there are changes in all sports, we have to accept and manage the situation and make sure things go well anyway. If they tell us to go to Perth, we’ll go to Perth; if it’s played in Italy, we’ll play in Italy.”
In what role can Nkunku perform best?
“He can do all the basics very well. He just needs to get into top form. It’s always important to have good players in the team; they help you win matches. It’s not about playing alongside Leao, or with two or three others. We’ll see how it goes when everyone is fit.”
Is Pulisic an important weapon off the bench?
“Regardless of Pulisic, football used to be played with 10 outfield players plus three substitutions. Today, it’s played with 15 men. The five substitutions become crucial. Substitutions are more decisive than starting players.
“Matches change in the last half hour. Whoever comes on can make a difference, both positively and negatively. Whoever seems to play less can ultimately bring home the points that become more important in a season.”
With Rabiot, is the team a top-four one or a Scudetto?
“The club did well to seize the opportunity. Players like Nkunku, Estupinan, and all the new arrivals have raised the team’s level. We need to work hard and see where we’ll be in March. We need to work calmly and confidently to get to the goal step by step, which can’t be decided in one match.”
On the defence and De Winter…
“I’m very happy with De Winter. Defensively, the problem isn’t just the defenders, but the whole team needs to behave in a certain way, from the attackers to the goalkeeper. The defenders are working and improving individually.
“If everyone improves individually, then when they play together, they do better. There are players who have had fewer games and need to work in a certain way. But everyone wants to improve, we need to challenge ourselves every day.”
Can Leao and Gimenez reach 20 goals?
“I don’t know if they’ll be able to score those goals, but everyone needs to have the belief that they can do it. There’s talk of Leao, Pulisic, Gimenez, Loftus. There’s talk of Fofana, Balentien… Even defenders need to be confident when they go for headers.”
On Athekame and Odogu…
“Odogu was very smart and receptive. Athekame is absolutely reliable. If I decided to play him tomorrow, I’m sure he’d have a great game.”
What is the tactical identity of this team?
“I don’t know. Tomorrow we’ll try to pick 11 good players who can play a good game. It’s a question of characteristics, not formations. I’m simplifying a bit.”
On Ricci…
“I’m very happy with Samuele because he’s grown since he arrived. He’s changing physically, his legs are stronger, more beautiful, like a top player. He’s an intelligent player, very good tactically. He’s growing tactically, physically, and technically. It has to be the same path for everyone.
“We have players with international experience like Rabiot, Pulisic, Modric, Tomori, Loftus, and Fofana. Then there are players with less experience but excellent qualities: we have to work every day to give them confidence. And Ricci is doing very well, I’m happy.”
Tomorrow’s game is scheduled for 20:45 CEST and it should be noted that the Curva Sud won’t be chanting. They confirmed yesterday that the situation has worsened, leaving them with no choice but to remain silent once again.
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