Head coach Massimiliano Allegri was interviewed by DAZN after Cremonese Milan ended 0 to 2. These were his comments:
How hard was it to break the deadlock?
“Cremonese are a difficult side to face. In the first half they kept the tempo very high, and we had some trouble managing the ball. We were exposed on one shot and wasted several chances. Estupinan came on and made an immediate impact. That shows what an extraordinary group this is. Those who came off the bench did well today, as usually happens. It was important to win today to erase the defeat against Parma, to take three valuable points in the table, move closer to our objective, and prepare properly for the derby.”
Are you thinking about the front three, or is it only an in game option?
“At this stage it is an in game option, because when the tempo is high it is natural that the wide players have to work a lot, and we lose some sharpness. At that point in the match we needed attacking players. We brought on Fullkrug and moved Pulisic to the right. Even though he had a big chance, he played well. He is regaining his condition, just like Rafa and the others. We will see as we go along. We can also play with three up front and a double pivot. We will see. At this point in the season I am not too concerned about formations and systems. We have a huge objective to reach, and the teams behind us keep collecting points. Como, Napoli won yesterday, Atalanta still have to play, as do Roma and Juventus. We need to take it one step at a time, aware that the road ahead is still very long.”
How does Milan approach the derby? Another goal in the ninetieth minute today. The team seems to be listening when you say that at the eighty fifth minute the match is still very long.
“It is still very long. It feels short when you are out there because you start to feel pressure. But you must stay clear headed to build chances and score. From the corner they did very well. Estupinan delivered a wonderful ball for Modric, perfect for a first time finish. That is what makes the difference. They were also very good on the counterattack to seal it. We now have a week to prepare for this wonderful match, and then we will continue our league campaign.”
Is the derby the last chance to keep the Scudetto dream alive? Or is it already too late? How is Bartesaghi?
“Bartesaghi was outstanding. He came off at the right moment. Estupinan came on and provided the assist. He deserves full credit for this victory. As for the derby, it is a wonderful match, and in those games anything can happen.”
Are there still chances? Allegri answered:
“Chances… I believe Inter have won 22 matches, lost 4 and drawn 1. Let us hope the numbers go against them on Sunday,” he said with a laugh."
