GdS: Coach first, psychologist second – Allegri takes duo role in Udinese-Milan game

AC Milan were without Massimiliano Allegri in their game against Udinese this weekend. However, he still had an impact.

There are several levels to management, and whilst tactics are probably the most important thing, the ability to control a dressing room is equally important. In fact, it could even be the biggest thing. If you cannot keep your players in the right mindset, standards slip.

Thus far, the standards have only ‘slipped’ (in inverted commas) once, against Cremonese. However, it could also be argued that the game set the standard moving forward.

Allegri’s all-in-one

This weekend’s win was the latest impressive one on Allegri’s watch; however, he was not able to manage the game. So, he turned to a secondary role, allowing his assistant to be the number one.

As Gazzetta dello Sport writes, he still prepared his team superbly, focusing on even the smallest details. However, his work was done mentally, as Pianeta Milan relays. According to the report, he ‘hammered’ his players in the dressing room, ensuring they didn’t become complacent.

This time around, he was the psychologist, focusing on the strength of Udinese and reminding his players that there was a job to do. To ensure that they knew that they couldn’t make mistakes. His squad listened, and the result followed.

Old school? Perhaps. Effective? Definitely. Even then, though, he was not completely happy, as was seen on social media. A look into his own mentality, arguably.