Massimiliano Allegri has conceded that AC Milan weren’t at their best against Verona but banked an important win, while he responded again to the Italy speculation.
Milan never really hit their full flow in truth and were made to wait until just before the break to open the scoring. Adrien Rabiot was the one who applied the finishing touch to a Rafael Leao through ball, netting his sixth goal of the season in the process.
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It would prove to be the decisive goal as the Rossoneri ran out 1-0 winners. Yet, there was a feeling that again the performance again was not a very reassuring one, given the lack of big chances created against a team that have struggled a lot defensively.
‘We could have done better’
Allegri spoke to DAZN after the final whistle in Verona to give him analysis of what was a difficult but ultimately successful afternoon for his side. MilanNews relayed what he had to say.
Today, only the result really mattered…
“First of all, today’s match was complicated: we were coming off two defeats. When you get to the end with six to go, points become important: the objective is there, and there’s a fear of not achieving it.
“It’s normal for there to be a lot more pressure. Playing here in Verona is always complicated, regardless of the fact that Verona only have 18 points… They have some bursts of energy that, if you let them, you risk conceding goals.
“We could have done better technically, but right now we need to focus on the essentials, get the result, and achieve our objective of a Champions League spot.”
You got very angry with the forward who didn’t attack the space in behind…
“Yes, there were moments when we could have attacked the space more with the forwards. They would have stretched Verona. But the most important and beautiful thing is that everyone participated when we weren’t in possession.
“The situations where we were a little close were a few scrambles, aside from the one we conceded at half-time. The team wanted to bring home this victory because they knew how important it was. We’re at the end of the season: the result goes beyond the good plays and playing well. That’s normal.”
Did you dislike the way the game was handled at the end? How important was it to get Gabbia back?
“Gabbia played a good match, but everyone applied themselves. Afterwards, we definitely need to improve at certain points in the game: you get a chance at the end of the first half and we win the ball back, and Bartesaghi takes it and accelerates, we lose the ball and it’s put back into the box.
“These are situations that need to be improved. However, this is the first year Bartesaghi has played at this level, so it’s normal that he might make these mistakes. Everyone needs to improve technically. This result doesn’t guarantee we’ll qualify for the Champions League, but we’re a good way ahead.”
Did the boos towards Leao give him a wake-up call?
“He played a good game and provided a great assist for the goal. Then, at that moment, I needed a striker with different characteristics, and Gimenez came on.
“Everyone needs to feel important, even those who are out, because there are five games left and everyone needs to be in a position to come in at their best.”
Tare said you’re working together to plan for the future. But could a call from the national team change that?
“But there aren’t any phone calls here right now. My thoughts are on Milan. We’ve started a journey together and we’ll continue it together.”
It looked as teeth teams from the bottom of the table playing with each that have nothing to win or lose. Now Verona is truly that, what about us? This comes after watching the game in Munich this week. Hate to say it but Inter look a league above us
Thanks Allegri, you tactics are working. When someone asks us to have the ball d we have no idea what to do, no identity NADA
Alegri out
That would mean Modric and Rabiot out as well.
Not sure we can afford that right now.
Based on what?
Feels like Rabiot is less concerned each week about tracking back and ball recoveries, and more about scoring goals. Maybe that’s by design, but it’s giving me a Reijnders vibe. If we are trying to get our forwards back on track, they should be the ones in the positions to take these shots on goal.
Rabiot gets REALLY annoyed every time someone fails to pass him the ball and stops playing for a moment.