Massimiliano Allegri, the AC Milan head coach, spoke to the media in a press conference ahead of the match against Juventus:
It’s the last match before the break. A positive break would be important…
“It’s a good match. For us it’s important to take another step forward against a team that will fight for the Scudetto until the end. We will need to do well.”
Tomorrow is a special match for you…
“It’s been a normal week for me. Tomorrow the match matters, the emotions are there of course after 8 years at Juve, I hope to have 8 years at Milan as well. Tomorrow is an important match against a team that has never lost. It will be a good match to play.”
Is there a risk you’ll sit on the wrong bench tomorrow?
“No, because they switched the benches (laughs). For me going on the bench is always a big thrill. We must stay focused on the final goal, Milan must return to playing in the Champions League. To do that we need to keep working, there are many matches and many points left. There will also be difficult moments, we must keep working to reach our goal.”
Is it true you asked Dan Peterson to talk to the team? Allegri replied:
“It was a nice visit, for me he’s always been a great coach. I talked with him about football and basketball, he still has extraordinary energy. There is always something to learn from someone like him.”
Can Milan’s defense be the winning card tomorrow? Is it a revenge match for you?
“It’s not a revenge. When I went to Juve I thanked Milan for the first 4 years. Before coming back here I thanked Juve. Tomorrow is not a revenge, it will be a good match. We’ll need to play a good tactical game. Defense? Against Napoli we defended well, but we could have done better like in the penalty action.”
Would a draw be acceptable tomorrow?
“To reach the final goal you need a certain number of points. Usually for fourth place you need 74-75 points. Tomorrow we have to play a very technical game, they press a lot, they always score, they have important players. When there are matches like this they usually turn into good matches, they are good to play.”
How are Tomori and Leao?
“Tomori is available. Leao had a good week, his first since August 17. On Sunday I wanted to bring him on, but not that early. Leao is improving his condition, as is Nkunku.”
Will Bartesaghi play on the left tomorrow? Is he ready for a big match?
“I have faith in him as I do in all the squad. Tomorrow it will be either Bartesaghi or Athekame, who can also play on the left.”
Luis Enrique prefers to watch matches from the stands…
“I prefer to live the match from the bench. Tomorrow we go to Turin to get a result.”
The final minutes against Napoli were intense for you…
“I struck well, but he has to improve. The important thing was bringing home the win.”
What are your dreams for the future?
“Tomorrow there’s a match, then there will be another. People talk a lot about projects, but in football winning matches is what matters, otherwise you don’t go anywhere.”
What doubts do you have about the lineup?
“Today is the last training session. The first check will be on Tomori, the others are all fine. Let’s not forget that substitutes are crucial. I told the players the important thing is winning matches. Today I’ll decide who to play.”
Is Leao ready to make the big leap? Allegri commented:
“Leao has practically yet to start the season. He is eager to do well. It’s not in my hands, it’s in his. Leao knows this is an important season for him. There’s an old saying: help yourself and God will help you. He needs the team and the team needs him.”
What’s Milan’s condition after Napoli?
“Juve have one point less and tomorrow is a head-to-head. We must keep working. There’s still a long way to go, we need to take it step by step, we haven’t won the league or secured the Champions League. Balance is needed.”
How did you find Rabiot?
“I found Rabiot more mature than when he was with me at Juve. But it’s normal he has matured.”
What kind of season is this? Will you keep playing like this?
“We’re playing this way right now, maybe in three months we’ll play differently and I’ll make other choices. The only thing that doesn’t change is the final goal, to arrive in March in a good position to compete for something.”
Gabbia has returned to the national team…
“I didn’t know him. I learned that until you coach them, it’s hard to judge players from the outside. I found a lad with room to grow, he’s responsible and has good qualities. If a player goes to the national team, we’re happy.”
How are Ricci and Nkunku?
“I’m happy with Ricci who can play in front of the defense and as an inside midfielder. Ricci has grown a lot. Nkunku has improved physically.”
Is this Juve stronger than your last Juve?
“Football has changed a lot, you can’t compare with the past. This is a different Juve, as this is a different Milan from the one I coached the first time.”
When will Jashari return?
“I hope soon. I think it’ll still take about a month, he started running on sand but more patience is needed.”
How do you fit Leao into a team that is working well and winning?
“I learned one thing: saying tomorrow I’ll do this because it’s the moment to change is not good. The moment to change is when I realize it’s time.”
