Since Massimiliano Allegri arrived he has transformed AC Milan, and this transformation is not just restricted to on the pitch.
Carlos Passerini of Corriere della Sera (via Calciomercato.com) has written a piece about the ‘Allegri Code’ which focuses on the standard of professionalism that he has set in 80 days, from strict rules to on-field work.
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Max’s changes
Before outlining what these alterations are, we start from the premise that five victories in six official matches played so far – including four in a row, with four clean sheets – means that things are going well at the moment.
Allegri and his staff (composed of Landucci, Dolcetti, Magnanelli and Corradi) have transformed a disjointed group after last season into a cohesive team, imposing clear rules of conduct.
There are four things that stand out above all: a single table in the canteen, the obligation to speak Italian, an elegant dress code for away games and a mandatory pre-match retreat. All with the aim of building unity but also discipline.
Milan have also been revolutionised tactically with the switch to a 3-5-2 and the arrival of quality and experienced players like Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot. This experience has restored a certain identity, and helps set a standard for younger players to follow.
I especially like the idea of having one big dinner table and the players only speaking Italian (at least those who can speak it, Id allow a bit of slacking in regard of newly arrived ones), this does indeed create unity within the group and also can help limiting small groups occurring within the squad. This is basically how the club to my knowledge was run previously.
United we stand, divided we fall, Forza Milan.
Having an experienced backroom squad is the key, which this club now has, now what is left is for stability within the squad, and a gradual introduction of the youth and futuro teams into the first team.
Allegri did what is standard in football since almost 100 years ago. If you want a winning team they need to be united and obviously speak the same language. Thankfully we got a proper manager, even for the standards things like this.
And any player using the word “sauce” not gravy is dropped.