Massimiliano Allegri, the Rossoneri head coach, spoke to 'Sky Sport 24' after Milan’s 1–0 away win against Cagliari, sealed by a goal from Rafa Leao. Here are his comments.
Leao has the talent and ideas to play as a centre-forward. Is that right?
“When he plays through the middle he is more involved in the game. When he plays on the left, at times he switches off and drifts out of the match. As a striker, instead, given his quality and characteristics, he does well. His physical condition still needs to improve.”
Was Milan very mature in the second half? Allegri said:
“Let’s say that in the first half, straight from kick-off, we conceded three shots on target. In those moments you need to stay organised, matches last 100 minutes. In the second half they dropped off and we grew into the game. We absolutely should have scored a second goal, we had many final-pass situations where we needed to do better.”
Fifteen years ago Strasser scored. Is this a Scudetto push?
“Far too early. There are five teams within three or four points. Winning and keeping a clean sheet was very important. Even against Verona the team stayed organised. We need to keep working and we know how difficult it is to go all the way. We are getting players back to full fitness. The team spirit is good. If one or two players are missing, you do not feel it. This team plays as a team.”
Your assessment of the defence?
“They are all improving. Playing for Milan is not easy. De Winter, Bartesaghi, Estupiñán, Tomori who has improved physically, Gabbia who has returned. They are improving individually, especially in defensive situations. Against Verona, De Winter and Pavlovic already played well. They are improving in their reading of situations inside the box. De Winter cleared three very important balls inside the area.”
Are you optimistic about the objectives?
“We now play on the 8th, then the 11th, then the 15th, then the 18th, then the 25th and the 1st in Bologna. I was not great at Italian, but in maths… (laughs). It was important to play on the 2nd, and when they tell us to play, we play. We cannot change the calendar. We need to recover and focus on Thursday’s match against Genoa, who are an awkward team.”
