MILANELLO, Italy – Fresh off two victories, AC Milan might feel a whisper of confidence in the air. But if you’re Massimiliano Allegri, the venerable tactician at the helm, whispers are for fairy tales, not the gritty reality of Serie A. Ahead of their challenging fixture against Udinese, Allegri delivered a press conference that was less a victory lap and more a stark reminder of the relentless work still ahead.
“We haven’t suddenly become good and beautiful just because we won twice,” Allegri stated with his characteristic blend of pragmatism and understated intensity. This isn`t just rhetoric; it`s a deliberate effort to keep a relatively new squad`s feet firmly on the ground.
The Udinese Gauntlet: More Than Just Three Points
Milan`s recent wins against Lecce and Bologna might offer a deceptive sense of security. Allegri, however, sees the upcoming clash with Udinese as a crucible. “It will be a difficult test,” he warned. “Udinese has already collected 7 points and boasts quality, physical players. We must maintain continuity, and against such a formidable, physical side, that requires responsibility, compactness, and technical precision.”
The coach highlighted Milan`s current Achilles` heel: a low conversion rate of chances. In a league where margins are razor-thin, turning opportunities into goals is paramount. He also flagged Udinese’s prowess on set pieces, a detail that suggests meticulous preparation rather than relying on recent momentum.
In a subtle psychological move, Allegri ranked this match as “the most difficult of the four games before the international break,” a stretch that includes future encounters with Lecce (in Coppa Italia), Napoli, and Juventus. It`s a clear signal: complacency is not an option.
Injury Updates and Tactical Nuances
On the injury front, Milan fans will be disappointed to hear that Rafael Leao remains sidelined, working separately from the squad. Hope lingers for his return against Napoli, but he won`t feature in the upcoming Coppa Italia match against Lecce. On a brighter note, talismanic goalkeeper Mike Maignan is declared fit and will guard the net in the Coppa Italia fixture.
Allegri also touched upon the debate surrounding VAR, advocating for clarity on specific rules. While acknowledging VAR’s role in reducing errors, he pointed out its inherent subjectivity in certain situations. His specific gripe? Corners derived from offside positions should not be allowed to be taken – a logical, if sometimes overlooked, detail that can dramatically influence a game.
Regarding Christian Pulisic, who made a positive impact against Bologna, Allegri expressed confidence: “He’s much better; he came on well. He’s talented, and I’m optimistic.” Whether the American winger starts against Udinese remains a game-day decision, with Allegri emphasizing the crucial role of the five substitutes in modern football.
Managing Minds in an “Explosive Environment”
Beyond tactics and injuries, Allegri’s press conferences often delve into the psychology of the game. When questioned about the need for a “rant” to maintain tension after praise, he simply stated, “The lads are responsible and serious. Tomorrow will be very difficult, and to ensure continuity, we need to arrive in the right mental condition.”
He even offered a moment of classic Allegri self-deprecation, recalling his jacket-tossing incident during the Bologna match: “I took it off carefully because it was new, and I didn’t want to tear it.” A manager`s priorities, after all. He also noted, with a touch of irony, that he wouldn`t be on the bench tomorrow – perhaps pondering whether watching from a different vantage point, much like Luis Enrique, might offer new perspectives. His praise for younger talents like Ricci and Saelemaekers, highlighting their mental fortitude and growth, underscores his focus on squad development.
“We have ten new players out of nineteen. The more we get to know each other, the better we will perform. This is an explosive environment, and I scan for bombs.”
— Massimiliano Allegri
Allegri`s philosophy is clear and unwavering: “For Milan, the normality is to win matches; the exception is to lose one.” This, he asserts, must be the team`s mental bedrock. Despite recent clean sheets, he cautions that the defensive phase is not fully resolved. His message is one of humility, hard work, and maintaining equilibrium, steering clear of both excessive exaltation and debilitating depression.
With a largely revamped squad, Milan is a work in progress. Allegri sees every training session as an opportunity for individual and collective improvement. The Udinese match isn`t just another game; it`s a vital checkpoint in a long journey, demanding that Milan step onto the pitch “ready for anything.” The season is long, the environment is indeed “explosive,” and Allegri, ever the vigilant bomb-scanner, is ensuring his team approaches each challenge with the utmost caution and determination.