Massimiliano Allegri hit back at the media for stories on a row with Pippo Inzaghi or resigning from Milan. “None of it is true. We’re focused on Udinese.”
Massimiliano Allegri hit back at the media for stories on a row with Pippo Inzaghi or resigning from Milan. “None of it is true. We’re focused on Udinese.”
The Coach is thought to be hanging by a thread after starting the campaign with one win, a draw and two defeats in all competition. Tomorrow evening they visit fellow strugglers Udinese. Click here for a match preview.
“Before moving on to your questions, I want to clarify some things,” Allegri said to open the Press conference.
“I read in some newspapers that I tended my resignation. I have not given up, this is a total lack of respect towards the club and fans during a difficult time. This really annoyed me.
“When I started this season after the summer sales I accepted this challenge with great enthusiasm and determination. What we’ve done so far is not a total disaster, but certain results help you to grow.”
Allegri also allegedly exchanged insults with youth team boss Inzaghi during a training session at Vismara this week, prompting them to shake hands and reassure everyone live on Milan Channel.
“On Wednesday I went to Vismara, as the club invited me to watch the youth team in action. I often do this and exchange ideas with the Coaches, as I want to see what I can learn from them.
“There was an exchange of opinions with Inzaghi. I cannot put him on the bench anymore because he is no longer a player, so he couldn’t get angry and there was no lack of respect.”
The fact remains tomorrow afternoon’s trip to the Stadio Friuli looks increasingly like a crunch match for under-fire Allegri.
“This is different to last season, but I do not see it as the turning point for our season. Udinese have quality players like Paulo Barreto, Antonio Di Natale and Dusan Basta. It’s natural they’ll struggle when selling so many important players each summer, but still get good results.
“We must improve in terms of turning chances into goals, as we’ve been struggling with that lately. We must be more daring, because focusing on defence is not in my DNA.”
There are reports Bojan Krkic will be given his first Milan start, moving Kevin-Prince Boateng to the bench.
“The fracture in Boateng’s hand makes it difficult for him to perform certain movements. He did well on Tuesday against Anderlecht.
“Riccardo Montolivo returns and will be a wing-back, then Massimo Ambrosini or Nigel De Jong in front of the defence with Antonio Nocerino.
“Stephan Al Shaarawy did well in the Champions League and was dangerous, but we’ve got so many alternatives in attack and could only change with regards to our shape.”
Mario Yepes is on compassionate leave after his son was born this week, so Allegri confirmed Cristian Zapata will start in defence.
Milan squad for Udinese: Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel, Abate, Acerbi, Antonini, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mesbah, Mexes, Zapata, Ambrosini, Boateng, De Jong, Constant, Emanuelson, Montolivo, Nocerino, Traorè, Bojan, El Shaarawy, Niang, Pazzini