Massimiliano Allegri, the coach of AC Milan, is determined to turn around the negative tide that has affected his team following the bitter defeat against Lazio. In the press conference ahead of the crucial clash against Torino, Allegri made it clear that the team cannot allow the previous result to shake their morale. The priority now is to secure a top-four spot in the table, and for that, an immediate response is imperative.
“There cannot be a psychological blow after the defeat to Lazio,” Allegri stated, emphasizing that his team made “mistakes that cannot be repeated” and missed “goals they should not have missed.” The coach’s demand is clear: a “defensively more solid” performance against Torino, recalling the weaknesses that became evident at the Stadio Olimpico, where Milan suffered nine counterattacks in just 45 minutes. “In previous games, we had never suffered so many even in 90 minutes. The performance in Rome was a consequence of the game against Cremonese, where we also conceded too much. More attention is needed,” he analyzed.
Allegri also addressed the title race with a realistic and pragmatic approach. “Inter has its fate in its hands, just as we have ours in the race for qualification for the next Champions League. But until we have the necessary points to be mathematically among the top four, we must give our all. The current 60 points are not enough,” he stated, making it clear that ambition must align with reality.
One of the tense moments during the game in Rome involved players Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic, which sparked speculation about a possible disagreement between them. However, Allegri downplayed the situation, stating that “after a discussion, there is always peace. These things happen in football. Now we have to think about an important and difficult game, because Torino, with D’Aversa, has been achieving great results.”
Regarding the incident, the coach revealed what he said to Leão to calm him during the substitution: “He didn’t see you, otherwise he would have passed you the ball. In football, to pass the ball, you need to see who is unmarked, and Pulisic didn’t give it to you because he didn’t see you. The difference in football is in the choice of the final pass.”
Allegri also made an appeal to all his forwards, demanding more effectiveness. Referring to Leão and Pulisic, who were absent due to injuries, he emphasized the importance of both being fit for the decisive two months ahead. “They, just like Fullkrug and Nkunku, need to wake up. Precision in front of goal is necessary,” he insisted. On Leão’s versatility, he was clear: “Rafa can play as a first or second striker. Just look at the deep runs he made on Sunday and in Cremona to understand that he can be a number 9.”
In summary, Allegri is preparing for a crucial challenge that could define Milan’s future this season. The need for focus, effectiveness, and an immediate response are factors the coach considers essential to ensure the team not only remains in the fight for the Champions League, but also regains the confidence needed to face their opponents in the upcoming matches.
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
