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On the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media at the usual press conference.
Milan are currently flying high after four consecutive wins, beating Napoli last time out, but a tough clash is now on the cards for the Rossoneri: Juve away from home. Indeed, a win in this one would not only retain first spot in the standings but also send a massive signal.
Speaking to the media at the usual pre-match press conference, as transcribed by MilanNews and MilanPress, Allegri was asked about his past at Juventus, what the game means for the Rossoneri and the latest on the injury front.
It’s the last match before the break…
“Tomorrow is a great match, because Juve-Milan is always extraordinarily beautiful in every way. It’s important for us to take a small step forward against a team that will be fighting for the top four spots. We’ll do everything we can to be able to enjoy the break.”
On the build-up and his past at Juventus…
“I had a normal week; what matters is the match. There’s no point in standing here and repeating the same things about my eight years at Juventus; it’s almost pathetic. Tomorrow is a great match because it’s Juventus-Milan. They haven’t lost this season, they have excellent players and an excellent coach .”
Isn’t there a risk that you will be on the wrong bench tomorrow?
“No, because they’ve swapped the benches (laughs). For me, being on the bench is always a great feeling. We have to stay focused on the final objective: Milan must return to the Champions League.
“To do that, we have to keep working. There are still a lot of games and a lot of points to claim. There will also be difficult moments, but we have to keep working to achieve our goal.”
Is it true that you asked Dan Peterson to speak to the team?
“It was a wonderful moment. For me, he’s always been a great coach. I talked to him about football and basketball, and he still has an extraordinary drive. There’s always something to learn from someone like him.”
Could Milan’s defence be the key tomorrow? Do you see it as a chance for revenge?
“It’s not about revenge. When I went to Juve, I thanked Milan for the four years. Before coming back here, I thanked Juve. Tomorrow isn’t about revenge; it will be a good match. We will have to play a good match tactically.
“The defence? We defended well against Napoli, but we could have done better, like when they got the penalty.”
Would a draw be a good outcome tomorrow?
“To reach the final goal, you need a certain amount of points. Usually, you need 74-75 points for fourth place. Tomorrow we have to play a very technical match. They press hard, they have always scored, and they have important players.
“When you have games like this, you usually end up with good entertainment, they are great games to play.”
How are Tomori and Leao?
“Tomori is available. Leao had a good week, his first since August 17th. I wanted to bring him off the bench on Sunday, but not so early. Leao’s fitness is improving, as is Nkunku.”
Will Bartesaghi be on the left tomorrow? Is he ready for the big match?
“I have faith in him, as I do in all the players in the squad. Tomorrow, either Bartesaghi or Athekame will play, as he can also play on the left.”
Luis Enrique prefers to watch the games from the stands…
“I prefer to watch the game from the bench…”
The final minutes against Napoli were intense for you…
“I kicked [the ball] well. The important thing was to bring home the win.”
What dreams do you have for the future?
“Tomorrow there is a match, then there will be another. There is a lot of talk about projects, but in football, winning matches is what counts; otherwise you won’t get anywhere.”
What doubts do you have from the training sessions?
“Today is the last training session. The first assessment will be on Tomori, the others are all fine. Let’s not forget that substitutions are crucial. I told the boys that the important thing is to win matches. Today we will decide which players to field from start.”
Is Leao ready to make the big leap?
“Leao hasn’t really started the season yet. He’s really hungry for it. It’s not in my hands, but in his. Leao knows it’s an important season for him.”
What has the mood been since the Napoli win?
“Juve are a point behind and tomorrow we have a direct clash. We must keep working. There is still a long way to go, we have to take it one step at a time. We haven’t won the league or reached the Champions League yet. We need balance.”
Thoughts on Rabiot?
“I found that Rabiot has grown since he was with me at Juve. But it’s normal that he’s matured.”
Can you continue playing like this?
“We are playing this way right now, maybe in three months we will play differently and I’ll make other decisions. The only thing that won’t change is the final goal: to arrive in March in a good position to play for the Scudetto.”
Gabbia has rejoined the national team…
“He’s a player with room for improvement. If one of our players goes to the national team, we are happy.”
How are Ricci and Nkunku?
“I’m happy with Ricci, who can play in front of the defence and as a mezz’ala. Ricci has improved a lot and Nkunku has grown physically.”
Is this Juve stronger than your last Juve side?
“Football has changed so much, you can’t make comparisons with the past. This is a different Juve, just as this is a different Milan from the one I coached the first time.”
When will Jashari return?
“I hope soon. I think it will take another month. He has started running on the sand, but we still need a little patience.”
Allegri is only expected to make a few changes to the starting eleven for tomorrow’s game, both of which are forced, so it’s clear he prioritises consistency above all else. Rightfully so, as this is what Milan have been lacking in recent seasons.
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