Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media in a press conference ahead of Sassuolo-Milan match. Here are his words, as he paid tribute to the late Alex Zanardi.
"I believe it is right to remember Zanardi, an example of life and of human and sporting values for his commitment and passion in sport. Condolences to his family are due, and he should be remembered for having conveyed these values.”
Few expected Modrić to be so decisive even at 40 years of age. Now he will not be available for the next four matches... Allegri replied:
“We are very sorry about this bad injury... Even though he is so eager to return, he has shown this great desire throughout the year. I hope this has been a great lesson for all the players. He will be replaced by Jashari or Ricci, who have grown a lot and in whom I have full confidence. Tomorrow one of the two will be on the pitch.”
On Ardon Jashari:
“He has grown a lot, unfortunately he had this bad injury that kept him out for a long time. He is eager to learn, curious, he has his whole future ahead of him. Milan have made an excellent signing.”
The meetings at Casa Milan with the board:
“It is normal, we met as often happens. We make assessments about the future, but not only that: we also assess how the season has gone. The result ultimately changes the outlook. We have the ambition of having built a foundation, and the most important foundation is qualifying for the Champions League.”
On referees:
“I have not formed any opinion, these are very delicate matters. Everyone talks, everyone gives their view. The relevant authorities will do and say what is necessary. The last matchday was very positive for the referees; psychologically it was not easy for them.”
In light of this refereeing chaos, how important is finishing second?
“No, absolutely not. We must achieve the best possible result. Sassuolo are very technical and can score at any moment. They are having an excellent season with good players and a good coach. Fabio Grosso is the revelation of this championship; I have known him since the Juventus youth team and he has made important progress. There are still six points needed to secure Champions League qualification mathematically. Tomorrow must be approached with great order and clarity; the objective must not slip away.”
On Rafael Leao:
“Talking about the transfer market makes no sense; we must all be focused on the objective. If one match goes badly and others win, they catch up with you. One step at a time. We started with the aim of achieving the maximum and returning to the Champions League. Everyone is focused on this objective. Then, once the season is over, we will all assess how to continue and improve next year.”
On Nkunku:
“He has great technical qualities; in his first year in Italy he has scored goals. Recently we have had difficulties scoring, but perhaps tomorrow we will return to scoring with the forwards. The value of the player is not in question: there are such things as seasons. Just as the value of the players in our squad is not in question.”
PSG-Bayern 5-4: did you enjoy it? What do you think?
“From a technical point of view, there were wonderful technical gestures. The higher the technical level of the teams, the easier it is to see high-level technical actions. Then perhaps next time it ends 1–1; that is also what makes football beautiful. But it was certainly an enjoyable match, with chances on both sides.”
With the Champions League, will it be necessary to expand the squad? In discussions with the club, have you found that your wish to have experienced players has been accepted by the board? Allegri commented:
“Everyone must be aligned on what is best for Milan, for the club. But until we reach the objective we cannot say ‘last year’. Achieving the objective shifts the market by 100 million. We have conversations, it is always pleasant, assessing this season so far. Then we will make evaluations and decisions; the transfer market will not be easy, especially in terms of improving the squad. One thing is having one competition, another is having three. The size of the squad will need to be increased. Camarda will return, Comotto will return; with Gabbia, Bartesaghi and Torriani, that makes five players from the youth system: it is good work and must be a fundamental factor for Milan’s future. This allows you to invest other resources on more experienced players you buy from outside.”
On Santiago Giménez:
“Santiago is a player who arrived at Milan last year. He started the season with this ankle issue, arriving in August after the Gold Cup. This year the injury kept him out for four to five months, and when you return, finding rhythm is not easy. He is working well, he is a valuable player and remains so, regardless of the fact that this season has been less positive due to injury.”
Will you continue with the 3-5-2?
"It’s difficult to say right now. Last year not everything we did the year before was to be thrown away; this year we’ll see where we finish and we’ll make evaluations. The system is not a problem. We need to see how the club wants to build a structured squad for next season.”
How can Pulisic be used better? Could this period affect his future?
“No, not his future. He’s an important player for Milan, it’s hard to find players like him. You can’t judge a player based on whether he has one good or bad year; there are absolute values that don’t change. Pulisic is an important player, in recent matches he has worked very hard: right now you have to put personal objectives aside and sacrifice yourself for the team. At the moment, the system is not important, nor who plays and who doesn’t. Those who play and those who come on must have an excellent attitude, as well as play football well and do both phases properly.”
Many have compared PSG-Bayern with Milan-Juventus…
"It’s not that football has to be played in one of two ways: they were two completely different matches. Different moments for all the teams, with completely different players. The higher the technical level, the easier it is for players to make important plays. In the end, what we remember are the individual actions of players: Luis Díaz’s goal with a wonderful touch, how Dembélé went past his man… They were two different matches. All football is debatable, that’s what makes it beautiful. PSG-Bayern was entertaining, nice to watch, just like Bayern-Real Madrid. You just have to see how long the ball stays in play continuously. I’ll stop here because I need to think about Sassuolo and not Bayern or PSG. But it’s simple. In Serie C the ball stays in play for 20 seconds, in Serie B for 40 seconds, in Serie A for a minute and a half. In PSG-Bayern maybe even 3 minutes: the longer the ball stays in play, the more football there is.”
What should you be careful about tomorrow?
"Counterattacks, space, and their play around the box, they are very good. It’s a team that seems to let you play but actually concedes very little. Grosso has done a very good job; when they win the ball, they come at you aggressively. In September it was one match, now it is worth a lot more.”
This year it looks like the best attack wins, not the best defence…
"From 2010 to 2026, I think only once, up to now, the best defence didn’t win, which was Sarri’s Juventus season. I think so, roughly speaking. What matters is goal difference. Inter scored, I don’t know, 80 goals; even if they conceded four more than us, what counts is goal difference. Generally speaking it’s like that, but numbers are also interesting because they can be broken.”
Where do the whistles for Leão come from? What is needed? Is a goal enough to change things?
"In my opinion it’s an affectionate gesture from the fans towards Rafa, who on Sunday put in a good performance, one of his best in terms of physical output. He had some good moments."
How is Milan third in the table despite a coach criticised by everyone?
"I don’t know (laughs). Maybe the secret is getting some results. We’re six points short; we hope to get them."
